Are neuronal activity-associated magnetic fields the physical base for memory?

Abstract

Despite intensive investigation into the mechanisms underlying the memory process, the physical bases for this superior cognitive function remain elusive. Recall of past events and actions depends on the generation of complex memory carriers that would have to integrate many items of information. Some human memory processes, like contextual recall, work at such high speed and integrate such a large number of cortical neurons and neuronal networks that molecular mechanisms of information storage and synaptic transmission seem insufficient. This limitation argues against molecular information storage mechanisms as being truly effective carriers for the memory process. In this paper, I propose that any type of information can be stored in the form of `neuronal activity-associated magnetic fields' that would record information in much the same way as the magnetic tape of a tape recorder. Integration and/or combination of the neuronal activity-associated magnetic fields throughout the complex three-dimensional structure of the human cortex could provide a storage medium for high-speed processing and discrimination that would support the complexity of the human memory process.