Secret to lifelong memories sticking is molecular 'glue'

3D illustration of two neurons (in a burnt orange color) facing each other with a small gap. Within the gap, there are lots of yellow bubbles. The background of the image is black with a yellow halo around the gap between the two neurons and specks of cream dotted around.

Some memories last a lifetime — and now, scientists have revealed a type of molecular "glue" that helps those memories stick around. 

Memories form when collections of neurons in a region of the brain called the hippocampus activate in response to a particular experience. Each time you recall that experience, the same set of cells activates. When one neuron repeatedly activates another, the connection between those neurons strengthens.