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Memory via Shutterstock

How to erase a memory - and restore it

The research from the University of California at San Diego could impact on Alzheimer’s research.

RESEARCHERS AT THE University of California, San Diego have erased and reactivated memories in the brains of rats.

The research has profoundly altered the rats’ reactions to past events.

The study, published in the journal Nature, is the first to show the ability to selectively remove a memory and predictably reactivate it by stimulating nerves in the brain at frequencies that are known to weaken and strengthen the connections between nerve cells, called synapses.

“We can form a memory, erase that memory and we can reactivate it, at will, by applying a stimulus that selectively strengthens or weakens synaptic connections,” said Roberto Malinow, MD, PhD, professor of neurosciences and senior author of the study.

In terms of application, Malinow says that since Alzheimer’s Disease is caused by a weakening of synapses by the beta amyloid peptide, the research could be used to fight the disease.

“Since our work shows we can reverse the processes that weaken synapses, we could potentially counteract some of the beta amyloid’s effects in Alzheimer’s patients,” he said.

Read: Debunked: Is it possible to have a photographic memory?

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    Mute cutsie
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    Apr 8th 2014, 8:06 AM

    They should be discussed by an international external company not by a crowd of thugs hiding in the Dail. This is a fcukin joke. They are who has caused this.

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    Mute alf stewart
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    Apr 8th 2014, 7:52 AM

    I’m sure no stone will be left unturned. Not!!

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    Mute Kerry Blake
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    Apr 8th 2014, 8:02 AM

    Hmm lets make sure the terms do not embarrass Shatter or Kenny first item on the agenda.

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    Mute Glen
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    Apr 8th 2014, 7:54 AM

    Any Garda found to be breaking the law should get a minimum 5 years plus a custodial sentence for whatever law they broke. They should know better so an example should be made of them.

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    Mute Chewey Bacca
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    Apr 8th 2014, 8:07 AM

    and take their portable sirens away from them while your at it

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    Mute Mindfulirish
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    Apr 8th 2014, 8:47 AM

    Retired Gardai should be questioned about their private work and their relationship with the media. Do they still have access to Pulse and are they allowed behind the scenes in investigations.

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    Mute Paul Roche
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    Apr 8th 2014, 7:56 AM

    Testing…

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