The Mechanical Basis of Memory - the MeshCODE Theory

The MeshCODE framework outlined here represents a unifying theory of data storage in animals, providing read/write storage of both dynamic and persistent information in a binary format. Mechanosensitive proteins, that contain force-dependent switches, can store information persistently which can be written/updated using small changes in mechanical force. These mechanosensitive proteins, such as talin, scaffold each and every synapse creating a meshwork of switches that forms a code, a MeshCODE. Synaptic transmission and action potential spike trains would operate the cytoskeletal machinery to write and update the synaptic MeshCODEs, propagating this coding throughout the brain and to the entire organism. Based on established biophysical principles, a mechanical basis for memory provides a physical location for data storage in the brain. Furthermore, the conversion and storage of sensory and temporal inputs into a binary format identifies an addressable read/write memory system supporting the view of the mind as an organic supercomputer.