Erase Your Ex

Researchers discover how to tweak neurons in mice to boost or delete individual memories.

18:41 13 May 2016

Researchers at Stony Brook University may just have the answer on how to wipe out your most hunting memories. In their experiment, they were able to manipulate neurons in the brains of mice to either erase or strengthen particular memories. The findings can help in the development of new methods to enhance pleasant memories for people with dementia.

 

Researchers tested the underlying mechanism of memory using a fear-based model in mice and manipulated a neurotransmitter called acetycholine, which is delivered by cholinergic neurons in the base of the brain to strengthen emotional memories. The cholinergic neurons were then stimulated using light to control the cells in living tissue.

 

Lorna Role, PhD, Professor and Chair of the Department of Neurobiology and Behaviour and Co-Director of the Neurosciences Institute at Stony Brook Medicine, said: ‘Memories of emotionally charged experiences are particularly strong, whether positive or negative experiences, and the goal of our research is to determine the mechanisms underlying the strengthening of memory,’ 

 

In the study, it was found that when the release of the acetylcholine is increased in the amygdala when a traumatic memory formed, the memory is enhanced, lasting more than twice as long as normal. However, when the release of the same neurotransmitter is decreased, the memory is wiped out.