While we know the brain is an adaptable tool, what we don't know is exactly how adaptable. While individuals have different degrees of memory skills such as retaining memorized information, it turns out that the information age may be affecting those of us with access to computers and search engines.

New research conducted at Columbia University has suggested that since the advent of the Internet search engine, we don't need to memorize as much information as before, since we know that data can be accessed quickly with just a few keystrokes. The information we are retaining is the means by which to look up the information we need, reported HealthDay's Serena Gordon on UN News and World Report.

Essentially, says the study's authors, the Internet has become a primary form of external memory for us: a place where information is stored collectively outside ourselves.

Sounds a bit like science fiction, but it makes sense.

So how will this change the human brain in the long run, now that we no longer need to remember things like birthdays, phone numbers, address, sports statistics or how to convert kilos to pounds? Nobody really knows for sure, but one of the researchers who authored the study thinks it might have some benefits as well as drawbacks.

“I think [technology] might hurt the type of memorization that we usually think about, like remembering the name of an actress, but I think there might be some benefits, too,” said the study's author Betsy Sparrow, an assistant professor in the department of psychology at Columbia University in New York City.

“If you take away the mindset of memorization, it might be that people get more information out of what they are reading, and they might better remember the concept,” she said.

The results study, which used college student volunteers, were published in the journal Science this month.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2011, taking place Sept. 13-15, 2011, in Austin, Texas. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. To register, click here.