Scientists say they are able to erase painful memories, paving the way for new treatments of debilitating phobias and stress disorders.
Neurobiologists from the Georgia College of Medicine found they could selectively eliminate memories in mice, without damaging their brains in the process.
The technique targets a protein that is crucial in the formation of memories. Making the mice over-produce this 'memory molecule', while recalling a disturbing event caused the memory to be eliminated.
the researchers said wiping should only be used for traumatic memories.
'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,' leader researcher Dr Joe Tsien said in the journal Neuron.
Despite the exciting breakthrough, Dr Tsien warned it could be years before they honed the technique for humans who have far more complicated brains.
