AMPA receptors (IMAGE) NIH/National Institute of Mental Health Caption Newly synthesized AMPA glutamate receptors (green) were captured by mushroom-shaped spines in mouse hippocampus neurons encoding memory, after one (left), two (middle) and six (right) hours of fear conditioning. The receptors are thought to be key to strengthening the memory, making it long-term. The same green fluorescent protein that makes fireflies glow was genetically inserted into the receptors to reveal their destinations in the brain. Credit Source: Drs. Mark Mayford and Naoki Matsuo, Scripps Research Institute Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.