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Scientists Wipe Mouse Memories

Treatment selectively erased memories of electric shocks

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 25, 2008 3:41 AM CDT

(Newser) – Scientists have succeeded in blanking selected memories from the brains of mice, Reuters reports. After brain protein levels were manipulated, the mice lost the memory of an electric shock but didn't forget anything else. The researchers said it was doubtful that it would be possible—or desirable—to do the same with the vastly more complex human brain.

"All memories, including the painful emotional memories, have their purposes,” said the lead researcher, whose work is published in the journal Neuron. "We learn great lessons from those memories or experiences so we can avoid making the same kinds of mistakes again.” Still, he added, he wouldn't be surprised if human memory wipes were developed in his lifetime.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (2)]

A worker displays white mice at an animal laboratory. (Getty Images)

Jim Carrey plays a man who has the memory of a failed relationship wiped in "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." (GreetingsfromWills)

The scientists manipulated alpha-CaMKII activity in the brains of mice to influence the retrieval of short-term and long-term memories. (©ewedistrict)

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The human brain is so complex and dramatically different from the mouse brain. That's why I say I don't think it's possible you can do the same thing in humans. - Neurobiologist Joe Tsien of the Medical College of Georgia

If one wants to get rid of a bad relationship with another person, and is hoping to have a pill to erase that person or relationship, it's not the solution. - Neurobiologist Joe Tsien of the Medical College of Georgia

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Scientists Wipe Mouse Memories