Reactivation of latent working memories with transcranial magnetic stimulation
University of Notre Dame · University of Wisconsin–Madison · +1 more institution
Abstract
The ability to hold information in working memory is fundamental for cognition. Contrary to the long-standing view that working memory depends on sustained, elevated activity, we present evidence suggesting that humans can hold information in working memory via "activity-silent" synaptic mechanisms. Using multivariate pattern analyses to decode brain activity patterns, we found that the active representation of an item in working memory drops to baseline when attention shifts away. A targeted pulse of transcranial magnetic stimulation produced a brief reemergence of the item in concurrently measured brain activity. This reactivation effect occurred and influenced memory performance only when the item was…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 27.41
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 37
Authors
7- NSNathan S. RoseCorresponding
University of Notre Dame, University of Wisconsin–Madison
- JJJoshua J. LaRocque
University of Wisconsin–Madison
- ACAdam C. Riggall
University of Wisconsin–Madison
- OGOlivia Gosseries
University of Wisconsin–Madison, University of Liège
- MJMichael J. Starrett
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Topics & keywords
- Working memory
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation
- Cognition
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Representation (politics)
- Cognitive psychology
- Stimulation