Learning isn't easy, and learning how we learn is even more difficult. Every human memory is made up of complex neural networks across millions of nerve cells. But Lymnaea stagnalis' memories are much simpler. Ken Lukowiak realised that although their brains are simple, they are ideal for learning how memories are formed. For some snail memories three neurones are sufficient to store life's lessons. Training the snails with a simple behavioural program, has already taught Lukowiak a lot about memory, but in this issue of J. Exp. Biol. he describes how combining a training protocol that doesn't build good memories with another that does, results in a memory that is more than the sum of its parts(p. 1171).
Lymnaea stagnalis has many talents, including two ways of breathing. If you put Lymnaea stagnalis in a beaker of oxygenated water, it happily breathes through its skin. Transfer it...
