Innovation 3587: Possibility of Selectively Erasing Unwanted Memories, 2013. sciencedaily/releases/2013/09/130910140941.htm “The human brain is exquisitely adept at linking seemingly random details into a cohesive memory that can trigger myriad associations -- some good, some not so good. For recovering addicts and individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), unwanted memories can be devastating. Former meth addicts, for instance, report intense drug cravings triggered by associations with cigarettes, money, even gum (used to relieve dry mouth), pushing them back into the addiction they so desperately want to leave.” “Now, for the first time, scientists … have been able to erase dangerous drug-associated memories in mice and rats without affecting other more benign memories.” … “In the new study, the scientists inhibited actin polymerization -- the creation of large chainlike molecules -- by blocking a molecular motor called myosin II in the brains of mice and rats during the maintenance phase of methamphetamine-related memory formation. “Behavioral tests showed the animals immediately and persistently lost memories associated with methamphetamine – with no other memories affected.”
Posted on: Wed, 11 Sep 2013 14:04:34 +0000
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