Scientists discover brain's distance-tracking mechanism

Scientists have identified a brain mechanism acting like a "mileage counter," tracking distance traveled. This discovery sheds light on spatial navigation and memory. Researchers observed specific brain cells in rats firing rhythmically with each step, similar to a car's odometer. A complementary human study suggests this distance-tracking system is conserved across species. This finding could aid in early Alzheimer's diagnosis, as the affected brain region is among the first impacted by the disease.