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Researchers have identified how cells in our brains work together to join up memories of separate experiences, allowing us to make educated guesses in everyday life.

illustration of a half human half mouse figure with a large blue brain

By studying both human and mouse brain activity, our researchers discovered that the process of 'educated guessing' happens in a region of the brain called the hippocampus.

The study, published in the scientific journal Cell, also reveals that brain cells can link different memories while we are resting or sleeping, a process that may be important in creativity.

The research was funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and Wellcome and was carried out at our MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit by Dr Helen Barron and Dr David Dupret.

The full story is available on the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences website