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Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences  ·  26 August 2026  ·  From issue 27

Large-scale brain network reinstatement supports recognition memory

Patterns across connected brain regions, not just single spots, predict memory accuracy.

Jintao Sheng, Junle Li et al.

When someone recognizes a picture, whole networks of brain regions fire together, not just single spots. This shared firing pattern predicts how well people remember specific images. The patterns line up with brain chemical signals and energy use in cells. They work alongside older theories about single brain regions, but tell a separate part of the story.

What it could change Networks of brain regions, not just single spots, replay patterns that predict memory accuracy.

Shows network-wide brain activity, separate from single-region activity, tracks recognition memory performance.

Brain scan data only, no behavior training tested.

Integrity screen: passed (3 checks) Checked 27 August 2026. Retraction record: none. DOI resolves at doi.org. Metadata record found (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences). Read the source

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