Our brains are curious. They remember lots of new things if we study without distraction, use multiple senses, and use images and stories. Eating healthily and getting enough sleep helps the brain learn things better.

Memory formation relies on the creation of memory traces at the molecular level in the brain, a process strengthened by focused attention and the absence of distractions. Studying in a quiet environment, engaging multiple senses through activities like handwriting or drawing, and using storytelling techniques can enhance memory retention.

Repetition is crucial for consolidating information into long-term memory, as a significant portion of new knowledge is forgotten within the first day. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in carbohydrates, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, along with adequate sleep, further supports brain health and memory. Continuous learning is also recommended to help protect against forgetfulness and cognitive decline.

How to keep your memory fit

Hello, my name is Brain. I can remember thousands of things, but to make sure I don't forget what I've learned, keep in mind, information only stays with me if it leaves a memory trace. A memory trace is something that's created as soon as you start to encode something. And when you start to encode something, a chain is set in motion at the synapse level, that is, at the molecular level of the brain, through what's called long-term potentiation. That's how memory is actually formed. That's the memory trace. I really need to concentrate on the subject matter that I'm learning. The very presence of a cell phone distracts me and ties up some of my capacity, so get rid of it. It can be more effective to study in a quiet room with as few other distractions as possible instead of at the library. That way I can focus on the essentials. If your attention is focused on multiple things, the effect you want to have, for example while learning, is significantly diminished because you can't use your full capacity in terms of attention. I learn most effectively when several impressions are linked together. When I learn on a screen, I only have the written word. With a book, I have additional input, what the paper feels like and where the information is located, for example at the top right of the page. Making handwritten notes or drawing a diagram of the learning material engages different senses and creates additional memory traces. People who can memorize huge amounts of material construct stories that build on one another. They make a semantic framework around the content they're memorizing. If they're learning vocabulary and they're only learning verbs, it's much tougher than if they're also memorizing nouns and adjectives and building them into a story. The method of loci technique is also based on stories. To employ it, use a space you know well. Your own home, for example. Or your route to work. Your gym. Or somewhere else. You connect the stops along your way with funny stories. You want to remember your shopping list? Imagine apples are hiding in the drawer or a toilet roll in the coffee maker instead of the pot. The stuffed pig in the blender is a reminder to buy ground pork. Then at the supermarket, walking around the room in your mind will automatically remind you of what you wanted to buy. Another important point, repetition. Memory traces only become strong and lasting if you review the subject matter the next day, whether vocabulary, facts or formulas. It's known that people forget the most by far within the first 24 hours. 50% of everything we learn will be forgotten in the next 24 hours. That means if you want to consolidate your learning or review it so you have it for a longer time, meaning create a permanent memory trace and long-term memory, then repetition will improve the effect. For this to work well, I need vitamins and minerals. But most of all, lots of carbohydrates and amino acids. And enough sleep. My curiosity is boundless, so keep learning new things. That'll protect me from forgetfulness and dementia well into old age.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday cleared the way for President Donald Trump's administration to resume dismantling the Department of Education, part of his bid to shrink the federal government's role in education in favor of more control by the states.

Washington

U.S. Supreme Court clears way for Trump to gut Education Department

US President Donald Trump told Russia to end its war in Ukraine within 50 days or face massive new economic sanctions, as he laid out plans for infusions of weaponry for Kyiv via NATO. "We're going to be doing very severe tariffs if we don't have a deal in 50 days, tariffs at about 100 percent," Trump said.

Global Tariffs

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Sicily

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Ukraine Invasion

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Jerusalem

Clerics accuse West Bank settlers of attacking Christian sites

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is in Beijing ahead of talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He's there to broaden economic cooperation with China, which is Australia's top trade partner, while taking into account security concerns.

Beijing

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Cape Canaveral

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Kerrville

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Following his recent criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin, U.S. President Donald Trump said he plans to send Patriot missiles to Ukraine. Trump, for the first time since he took office in January, is also considering authorizing new funding for Ukraine.

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Lexington

Two women killed in Kentucky church shooting

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Brussels

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Butler

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Ahmedabad

Air India crash report shows pilot confusion over fuel cutoff

Iran’s foreign minister says his country is ready to resume nuclear talks with the United States but will need assurances that there will be no more attacks against it. Abbas Araghchi made the comments on Saturday, during a meeting with foreign diplomats in Tehran.

Tehran

Middle East Conflict

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Council of the City of Sydney

Australia to 'support status quo' on Taiwan amid U.S. defense push

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Taipei

Australia caught 'off guard' by U.S demands over Taiwan

A federal judge in California temporarily halted the Trump administration from making indiscriminate arrests based on race and denying detainees access to lawyers.

Los Angeles

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The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem asked the Israeli government for details following the death of an American citizen in the West Bank. It comes as Israel's defense minister created controversy this week when he announced plans to build a new so-called safe humanitarian city for Gazans.

Tel Aviv-Yafo

Palestinian-American dies in West Bank

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Rafah

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President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened to impose a 30% tariff on imports from Mexico and the European Union starting on August 1, after weeks of negotiations with the major U.S. trading partners failed to reach a comprehensive trade deal.

Mexico City

Trump intensifies trade war, threatens 30% tariffs on EU, Mexico

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Engine fuel cut off before Air India plane crash, report reveals

A preliminary report depicted confusion in the cockpit shortly before an Air India jetliner crashed, killing 260 people last month, after the plane's engine fuel cutoff switches almost simultaneously flipped, starving the engines of fuel.

Air India crash report shows confusion over engine switch movement

An Israeli airstrike hit Palestinians near a medical center in Gaza on Thursday, killing 10 children and six adults, local health authorities said, as ceasefire talks dragged on with no immediate deal expected. This report contains graphic and disturbing images.

Israeli strike kills children near medical clinic in Gaza

Russian strikes against Ukraine persisted overnight and reportedly injured at least nine people and caused damage to a maternity hospital, according to officials. This comes as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with European allies in Rome.

Breakdown