Neural networks are the sole physiological factor responsible for memory storage
Memory storage is not exclusively the domain of neural networks, as current evidence shows that glial cells, systemic physiological states, and biochemical signaling axes also play critical roles.
The claim asserts that neural networks are the *sole* physiological factor responsible for memory storage. Multiple papers refute this reductionist view by demonstrating that non-neuronal cells (astrocytes, paper 11; cellular bioelectrical memory, paper 8; primary cilia, paper 4), peripheral physiological crosstalk (skeletal muscle myokines, paper 2), and internal bodily states (paper 1) critically shape and support memory. Therefore, the claim is refuted.
Yang Liu, Guohui Zhang, Rui Qi, Jie Ma, Jianguang Xu. State-dependent memory mechanisms insights from neural circuits and clinical implications. 2025. https://doi.org/10.3389/fncel.2025.1629796
Internal states and physiological conditions alter memory by modulating neural circuits, showing that systemic physiological factors beyond simple neural firing are involved.
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Boycott C, Kilanczyk E, Zhang HA, Zhang J, Abolhassani A, Kubiak M, Celichowski J, Kryściak K, Gruszka D, Sliwowska JH, Stefanska B. Crosstalk between skeletal muscle and the brain during physical activity - in search of epigenetic mechanisms.. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1080/15592294.2025.2590237
Peripheral factors like skeletal muscle myokines and systemic metabolism significantly influence memory and brain neuroplasticity through the muscle-brain axis.
Teoh A, Arinjay M, Giri D, Phua SC. Primary cilia and neural computation.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12929-026-01264-9
Primary cilia act as dynamic computational microdomains that influence memory engram stability, indicating subcellular mechanisms beyond standard neural network wiring.
Parra AL. Consciousness emerges from temporal integration across biological scales: from cellular memory to phenomenological experience.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnint.2026.1772467
Cellular memory and bioelectrical/biochemical temporal integration across non-neuronal cells contribute to the foundational architecture of memory and information consolidation.
Holt LM, Nestler EJ, Olsen ML. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of astrocyte plasticity in learning and memory.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tins.2026.03.001
Astrocytes actively contribute to learning and memory through circuit-specific signaling and plasticity, demonstrating that memory storage is not exclusively neuronal.
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