Sea Slug

A tiny snail from the California seacoast has become an invaluable model for researchers to study the memory process and the workings of the human brain. A marine snail called the sea slug (see photo), which resembles a common pond snail without the protective shell, has been conditioned to respond to light flashes. The snail's response to the light flashes exhibits a primitive memory response. The sea slug is used for this type of research because it has the largest known, clearly identifiable brain cells in the animal kingdom. Researchers are thus able to use them to study the roles of brain cells and nerve impulses through the cells.

The study of the snail's memory process, known as pattern recognition, may eventually help scientists develop computerized robots that may be used for a variety of tasks. The results found from this work in snails are currently the basis for more advanced studies in a mammalian species, rabbits, and in computers.

After studying and recording the snail's ability to recognize patterns, researchers are translating the mechanics of pattern-recognition into its electronic components, developing primitive computer-based memory systems.