information in just a matter of  minutes, but how do they do it?

The most commonly used technique among memory  athletes is called the memory palace, or method  

of loci, and it can actually be a valuable  tool for studying as well. Here’s how it works.

Start by imagining yourself moving through a  familiar place on a route that you often take.  

For example, you might imagine yourself waking  up in your bed and then walking downstairs.

Next, visualize multiple events happening as  you walk down the stairs and tie each event  

to a certain concept or element  that you are trying to memorize.

If you’re trying to remember that Salmonella typhi  is harbored in the gallbladder, for instance,  

you might picture a salmon being attacked by a  seagull (sea-”gall”) as you walk down the stairs.

By having this vivid memory, you are better  able to recall the information at a later date.

Throughout our evolution, visual memory has  been much more valuable than nonvisual memory.

Our ancestors had little use for  memorizing names or dates. They did,  

however, need to remember the route  they took to a food or water source.

So next time you’re trying to remember a  difficult topic, try the memory palace technique.