Today, you’ll learn about a breakthrough in our understanding of how the brain creates long-term memories, the effect of chronic childhood ear infections on the development of language, and how salt may have helped shape the planet Mercury.     Long-Term Memories    “Neurons aren’t the only cells that make memories in the brain, rodent study reveals.” by Emily Cooke. 2023.  “Brain Microvascular Pericytes in Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Dementia.” by Maiko T. Uemura, et al. 2020.  “All you need to know about neurons.” by Tim Newman. 2023.    Ear Infections    “Chronic childhood ear infections delay language development.” by Eric Hamilton. 2024.  “Ear Infections in Children.” NIH. 2022.  “Early otitis media puts children at risk for later auditory and language deficits.” by Susan Nittrouer & Joanna H. Lowenstein. 2024.   Mercury Salt    “Salt may have carved out Mercury’s terrains, including glacierlike features.” by Shi En Kim. 2024.  “The Chaotic Terrains of Mercury Reveal a History of Planetary Volatile Retention and Loss in the Innermost Solar System.” by J. Alexis P. Rodrigues, et al. 2020.  “Mercury’s stunning landscape mapped.” by Christopher Crockett. 2016.  “Mercury Facts.” NASA. n.d.     Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.