Cambridge scientists have undertaken a new research which might be able to explain why physical exercise can end up improving brain power. A recently published study revealed that mice which exercised ended up performing better on many memory tests.

Also, these mice managed to grow new cells in a part of the brain which is directly linked to memory, in contrast to those mice which had not indulged in any exercise.

Study authors have stressed that the new brain cells drove the mice to perform better on the tests.

The research was conducted by scientists from the Department of Experimental Psychology at the University of Cambridge and researchers at the National Institute on Aging in Baltimore, and its aim was to try and find out if there were any connections between exercising and improved brain functionality.

"Keeping similar memories distinct is an important part of having a good memory. It is this aspect of memory that is improved by exercise, our study shows. The human equivalent might be remembering which car parking space you have used on two different days in the previous week", said senior author of the study, Timothy Bussey.

Details of the research have been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.