Korean researchers have found that triggering specific brain waves during sleep can almost double long-term memory.

Scientists at the Center for Cognition and Sociality of the Institute for Basic Science(IBS) announced the findings on Friday as their research made the science journal "Neuron".

They succeeded in enhancing or reducing mouse memorization skills by modulating specific synchronized brain waves during deep sleep.

In the experiment, mice were given a memory of fear with a mild electric shock after hearing a tonal noise. Scientists introduced artificial spindles during sleep by giving a light-based electric shock to the brain and found the mice remembered the memory of fear even without noise. They found that the long-term memory of the mice increased about twice compared to the control group.

The team expects the findings can be applied to improve learning capabilities for humans.