Washington, Oct 23: Scientists have selectively and safely managed to remove new and old memories from mice, says a new study.
In the collaborative study, researchers were able to eliminate new and old memories alike by over-expressing a protein, called aCaMKII, critical to brain cell communication just as the memory was recalled.
"While memories are great teachers and obviously crucial for survival and adaptation, selectively removing incapacitating memories, such as traumatic war memories or an unwanted fear, could help many people live better lives," said Dr. Joe Z. Tsien, brain scientist and co-director of the Brain & Behavior Discovery Institute at the Medical College of Georgia School of Medicine.