TIME : The Science Of Memory Magazine - 2026

Our memory is amazing. We’re able to store some 2.5 petabytes of data—about 300 million hours of television programming. But how do we make memories, and why do we forget? What’s our memory like now, with our digital-era brains, and what can we do to build a better memory? All of these questions are answered in The Science of Memory, this new special edition from the editors of TIME. You’ll learn about the time-bending magic of smell, the myths of aging, and why sleeping is key for memory. Activate your left brain, learning about the five key areas that aid recollection—the hippocampus, amygdala, prefrontal cortex, olfactory bulb, and hypothalamus—and your right brain, exploring why a whiff from a local restaurant may transport you back to your grandmother’s dining room. You’ll also learn about eight unexpected things that mess with your memory, such as a high-fat diet and a vitamin B12 deficiency, as well as six funny things you can do to remember, such as chewing gum or using a funny font (Comic Sans, anyone?). Unlock the full potential of your mind with TIME: The Science of Memory.