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Science & Technology
Nasty memories? Mouse method could wipe slate clean
2008-10-24
Scientists in the US say they have developed the ability to selectively wipe out uncomfortable memories. In experiments with mice, researchers from the Georgia College of Medicine were able to eliminate memories without any damage to the rodents' brains.

They suggested that the technique which works on a particular protein in the brain could, one day, be used to help humans overcome traumatic events. However, the chief scientist said this was "years or even decades away".

Memories, even painful ones, are an important part of the learning process but for some people recalling traumatic events can be extremely damaging to their lives. Scientists at the Georgia College of Medicine say they have found a molecular mechanism that can rapidly remove specific memories.

Working with mice, the researchers found that a particular protein has a crucial role in the formation of memories. Making the mice over-produce this protein while recalling a specific and painful event caused the memory to be completely eliminated.

The scientists say that in the long-term it should be possible to develop a pill that wipes out traumatic and fearful memories in humans.

Dr Joe Tsien, of the Brain and Behaviour Discovery Institute in Georgia said: "First of all I should emphasise the methodology is not applicable to the human clinical situation yet. "However, it does suggest molecular paradigms which we can explore to perhaps achieve the same kind of effects in humans - but those are probably years or decades away."

Dr Tsien said the technique might one day be applied to war veterans who "often suffer from reoccurring traumatic memory replays after returning home".
Posted by:Fred

#8  A most-excellent addendum to all divorce settlements!
Posted by: Deadeye Crotch7934   2008-10-24 11:53  

#7  I'm afraid that we will all need this in eight years.
Posted by: Formerly Dan   2008-10-24 10:04  

#6  
Posted by: tu3031   2008-10-24 09:37  

#5  I was going to comment something funny, but painful in a strange, uncomfortable way, but I forgot.
Posted by: anonymous5089   2008-10-24 09:15  

#4  Didn't Men in Black have one of these?

This is proof that there is contact with ET!!!!
Posted by: AlanC   2008-10-24 09:11  

#3  How about, get the fuck over it - NOW.
Posted by: Last Breath Farm Resident   2008-10-24 00:44  

#2  Hopefully, preparing millions of inoculations for unhappy Democrats.
Posted by: Anonymoose   2008-10-24 00:26  

#1  We can remember the eternal sunshine of the spotless mind for you wholesale.
Posted by: Gabby Cussworth   2008-10-24 00:23  

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