At the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, researchers Andre Fenton of New York University and Abhishek Kumar of the University of Wisconsin–Madison are pioneering a new approach to understanding human memory by combining artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and advanced computing. Inspired by Plato’s idea that experiences leave lasting imprints on the brain, their work focuses on decoding how memories are formed and stored at the molecular level—particularly within the hippocampus, a brain region critical for memory and spatial navigation. The hippocampus, shaped like a seahorse, contains billions of neurons that resemble trees, with dendrites branching out like leaves. The team studies tiny protein markers—each about a micrometer long—that serve as indicators of memory-related activity. These markers make up only about 1% of all proteins in the hippocampus, making their identification an immense challenge. Previously, analyzing the vast 3D volumetric data required for this research was slow and labor-intensive. With support from grants by the National Institute of Mental Health and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the team turned to NVIDIA RTX GPUs and HP Z Workstations to accelerate their workflow. These technologies enabled them to capture, verify, and store 10 terabytes of high-resolution 3D brain imaging data—something previously unfeasible. Using syGlass, a virtual reality platform designed for scientific exploration, researchers can now visualize and interact with complex neural structures in immersive 3D. This advancement transformed their project into an interactive experience, allowing scientists and students alike to navigate the intricate “neural forest” with unprecedented clarity. One of the most impactful outcomes has been the inclusion of high-school students in the research. Three interns were brought into the lab this summer and trained to use VR headsets to identify memory-related protein markers among billions of neurons. Despite their limited prior experience, the students successfully labeled thousands of relevant markers, proving that VR can make complex neuroscience accessible to young minds. Fenton and Kumar see this as a model for future education and discovery. “Why stop at three students?” Fenton said. “Next year, we could have ten or more, in multiple locations, helping us understand the brain while learning how it works.” The long-term goal is to uncover how memory functions at the molecular level, which could lead to breakthroughs in treating neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. As Fenton explained, memory shapes beliefs, expectations, and emotional states—core components of mental health. Understanding memory could therefore unlock new treatments for a wide range of neuropsychiatric conditions. By integrating AI, VR, and high-performance computing, the team is not only advancing neuroscience but also redefining how science is taught and explored—making cutting-edge research accessible to the next generation of scientists.