Publication

Exploring the Landscape of Nonequilibrium Memories with Neural Cellular Automata

2026

Abstract

We investigate the landscape of many-body memories: families of local nonequilibrium dynamics that retain information about their initial conditions for thermodynamically long timescales, even in the presence of arbitrary perturbations. In two dimensions, the only well-studied memory is Toom’s rule. Using a combination of rigorous proofs and machine learning methods, we show that the landscape of 2D memories is in fact quite vast. We discover memories that correct errors in ways qualitatively distinct from Toom’s rule, have ordered phases stabilized by fluctuations, and preserve information only in the presence of noise. Taken together, our results show that physical systems can perform robust information storage in many distinct ways, and demonstrate that the physics of many-body memories is richer than previously realized.

Official source

https://infoscience.epfl.ch/entities/publication/a3b3b9a9-38ac-48ce-a8d1-ebb323bd77c8

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2026

Abstract

Official source

https://infoscience.epfl.ch/entities/publication/a3b3b9a9-38ac-48ce-a8d1-ebb323bd77c8

About this result

Related concepts (32)

Memory

Memory is the faculty of the mind by which data or information is encoded, stored, and retrieved when needed. It is the retention of information over time for the purpose of influencing future action. If past events could not be remembered, it would be impossible for language, relationships, or personal identity to develop. Memory loss is usually described as forgetfulness or amnesia. Memory is often understood as an informational processing system with explicit and implicit functioning that is made up of a sensory processor, short-term (or working) memory, and long-term memory.

False memory syndrome

In psychology, false memory syndrome (FMS) was a controversial proposed condition in which a person's identity and relationships are affected by what are believed to be false memories of psychological trauma, recollections which are strongly believed but factually contested by the accused. Peter J. Freyd originated the term partly to explain what he said was a false accusation of sexual abuse made against him by his daughter Jennifer Freyd and his False Memory Syndrome Foundation (FMSF) subsequently popularized the concept.

Recall (memory)

Recall in memory refers to the mental process of retrieval of information from the past. Along with encoding and storage, it is one of the three core processes of memory. There are three main types of recall: free recall, cued recall and serial recall. Psychologists test these forms of recall as a way to study the memory processes of humans and animals. Two main theories of the process of recall are the two-stage theory and the theory of encoding specificity.

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Exploring the Landscape of Nonequilibrium Memories with Neural Cellular Automata

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