Explore the fascinating connection between ancient viruses and human memory in this captivating 13-minute TED talk. Delve into neurobiologist Jason Shepherd's journey of scientific discovery, from his childhood curiosity to groundbreaking research on memory storage. Learn about the crucial role of the ARC gene in synaptic plasticity, learning, and cognition. Uncover the surprising similarities between memory storage processes and viral transmission at a biological level, offering a unique perspective on the evolution of human cognitive abilities.