Experimental and theoretical approaches to studying memory representations and optimization in the brain

The representation of our environment is constructed within our brain, allowing us to functionally and adaptively interact with our surroundings. Critically, retaining these learned representations through memory is key; without it, knowledge acquired from exploration would require continual relearning, consuming valuable time and resources. Moreover, the absence of memory could compromise survival entirely, given the complexity and potential hostility of surrounding environments. Memories are dynamic entities that adapt and transform in response to environmental changes, enhancing the capacity for new learning. This phenomenon is likely not exclusive to humans. Evidence indicates that the vast majority of organisms, including fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster), are capable of memory formation. This underscores the fundamental nature of memory as an essential trait for life, preserved throughout evolutionary processes. Despite their critical importance, memories present a significant challenge: their creation and maintenance are energetically costly, and organisms possess finite energy resources. This energy budget must be carefully allocated among various physiological systems, including the brain, heart, lungs, and more. One potential strategy to address this dilemma involves optimizing memory processes to reduce their energetic demands while preserving essential information. This study aims to explore how memories are represented in the brain and how they change and optimize during learning, within the framework of energy efficiency. Empirical and theoretical research will be conducted using the commonly studied fruit fly as a model organism, leveraging their many advantages for neuroscientific investigations.