Meet the newly discovered brain cell that could revolutionize memory and Alzheimer’s treatment

Take a moment to glance around your home—the framed family photos, the books lining your shelves, the cozy chair you always sink into. Each object is more than just a physical entity; it’s embedded in your memory, shaping your daily interactions and personal identity.

But how does the brain recognize and store these objects in memory? And could we harness this process to prevent the devastating memory loss seen in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease?

A groundbreaking study published in Nature Communications has just unveiled a crucial missing link—a newly discovered type of brain cell called ‘ovoid cells’. Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) found that these specialized neurons are essential for recognizing and remembering objects, a breakthrough that could revolutionize treatments for Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, and other cognitive disorders.

The Role of Ovoid Cells in Object Recognition Memory

Ovoid cells, named for their distinct egg-like shape, are found in small numbers within the hippocampus—the brain’s memory center. These neurons light up when encountering a new object, encoding it into memory and allowing recognition months or even years later.

Dr. Mark Cembrowski, senior author of the study and associate professor at UBC’s Faculty of Medicine, explains:

“Object recognition is fundamental to our identity and daily functioning. Understanding the specific neurons responsible for this process opens up new possibilities for treating memory-related diseases.”

PhD researcher Adrienne Kinman, who led the discovery, first identified these neurons while analyzing a mouse brain sample. The cells stood out due to their unique genetic expression, leading to further investigation.

To test their function, the team used a miniature single-photon microscope to observe brain activity in mice. When exposed to a new object, the ovoid cells immediately activated. However, once the mice became familiar with the object, the cells stopped responding—confirming their role in long-term memory formation. Kinman says:

“What’s remarkable is how vividly these cells react to something new. It’s rare to witness such a clear link between neuron activity and memory.”

Implications for Alzheimer’s Disease and Epilepsy

This discovery has profound implications for neurodegenerative diseases and neurological disorders.

Alzheimer’s Disease – Memory loss in Alzheimer’s often begins with an inability to recognize everyday objects and familiar faces. Scientists believe that dysregulation of ovoid cells may contribute to this symptom. If these cells could be reactivated or restored, it might prevent or even reverse memory loss.

Epilepsy – The study also found that in epileptic conditions, ovoid cells become hyperactive, potentially triggering seizures. By targeting these cells, researchers could develop new treatments to control seizure activity.

Dr. Cembrowski notes:

“For decades, we believed the hippocampus contained only one type of memory-processing cell. This discovery completely reshapes our understanding of memory formation and opens the door to identifying more specialized neuron types with crucial roles in cognition and learning.”

What’s Next? The Future of Memory Research

The UBC team is now exploring how ovoid cells interact with other neural networks and whether they can be manipulated to enhance memory retention. These findings could lead to the development of novel treatments that restore memory in Alzheimer’s patients or prevent seizures in epilepsy sufferers.

As research progresses, the discovery of ovoid cells could mark a turning point in neuroscience—unlocking the secrets of how we remember, learn, and experience the world.