Memory Floss?

Researchers discover a technique that could be used to wipe out specific memories for good.

13:04 22 February 2017

Permanently deleting bad memories from our brain is now a possibility using a technique that scientists have recently discovered. The method has been designed to target a small number of ‘fear’ neurons in mice to wipe out traumatic memories. Researchers believe that the technique could be used in humans and can help people suffering from drug addiction and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among others. However, they recognise that the technique would come with a ‘huge’ ethical implications as it could prevent us from learning from our mistakes.

 

The research has echoes of science fiction movie ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’, in which an estranged couple erased each other from their memories. It was conducted by researchers from the University of Toronto who found that overproducing a certain brain protein could help flag neurons engaged in fear memory. Removing these neurons, they say, could effectively erase traumatic episodes without affecting other memories.

 

Dr Sheena Josselyn, who led the study, said: 'Our findings suggest that one day it could be possible to treat people with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) by erasing these traumatic memories.

 

'In these people, the memories are intrusive and disrupt their everyday lives.

 

'However, there could be potential downsides, especially when applied to people who would like to get rid of a "bad memory" such as a messy break-up.

 

'We all learn from our mistakes. If we erase the memory of our mistakes, what is to keep us from repeating them?'

 

She added: 'There are huge ethical implications and considerations. Just because something is possible, does not mean that it should be done. Our studies provide a proof-of-principle.