Pupil Size During Sleep Linked to Memory Consolidation in Groundbreaking Study

Cornell researchers discover how pupil changes in non-REM sleep help the brain separate and preserve new and old memories.

Scientists at Cornell University found that pupil size during non-REM sleep indicates whether the brain is replaying new or old memories.
Contracted pupils correspond to the consolidation of recently learned information, while dilated pupils reflect the replay of older memories.
The study reveals how the brain prevents 'catastrophic forgetting,' ensuring new memories do not overwrite older ones.
Conducted on mice, the research used advanced eye-tracking and brain-monitoring technologies to synchronize pupil changes with neural activity.
The findings could lead to improved memory enhancement techniques for humans and help address challenges in artificial intelligence related to memory integration.