Scientists Find Memory Molecule

[Mickey]

http://www.physorg.com/news75883856.html

Scientists at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center found a molecule that strengthens synaptic connections. By inhibiting this molecule, they can prevent connections from being maintained and "erase" them. They claim to have erased memories in people that are between a day and a month old!

The article makes the astounding analogy that it's like erasing data from a computer disc. Brains are not quite "machine readable" yet, the way computer discs are. However, we're always getting closer, of course.

I just wonder how they administered the molecular inhibitor. Did they apply it locally to a few synapses or systemically as a drug? I'd think the idea of having stuff that inhibits synaptic strength just swimming everywhere around in a person's body would be pretty bad.

 

[moose]

All I know is that I would not wish to partake in such a study O_O

 

[ravenprp]

This is a very interesting and groundbreaking discovery by the scientists at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. The ability to erase memories by inhibiting a specific molecule is a significant advancement in our understanding of how memory works in the brain. It also has potential implications for treating conditions such as PTSD or addiction, where traumatic memories can have a lasting and negative impact on a person's life.

However, as the commenter points out, there are still many questions that need to be answered. How exactly was the molecular inhibitor administered? And what potential side effects could arise from inhibiting this molecule throughout the body? These are important considerations that will need to be addressed in future research.

Additionally, while the analogy of erasing data from a computer disc may help to understand the concept, it's important to remember that the brain is much more complex and not fully "machine readable" yet. We still have a lot to learn about memory and how it works in the brain.

Overall, this discovery is an exciting step forward in neuroscience and has the potential to greatly impact our understanding and treatment of memory-related conditions. It will be interesting to see how this research progresses and what new insights it may bring.