Where do We Remember?

James McClung

Summary

Individual brain cells store specific memories. If a small cluster of these brain cells were removed, the subject would lose the memory corresponding to them. Scientists discovered this by genetically engineering the brain cells of lab mice to respond to light. By pointing a laser through the skull onto these photoreceptive cells, the mice reacted as if they were recalling the memory- if it were one of fear, then the mouse would act scared and defensive. The only way to trigger specific clumps of neurons (so far) is this method of genetic engineering. The brain cells are too small for electrodes to attach to, which was the previous method of experimenting. Using this technology, it is possible to a) completely destroy a memory, b) identify places of malfunction in the brains of people with diseases like Alzheimers, and eventually c) create false memories. As anyone can imagine, the first two would be world-changing, especially to people with PTSD, but the third could branch off into something else- creating false experiences in which literally anything can happen. The possibilities are endless, really.

Relevance

In class we learned about the nervous system. The brain, in which brain cells are located, is part of the central nervous system.

Source

http://m.extremetech.com/extremetech/#!/entry/mit-discovers-the-location-of-memories-individual-neurons,50f8976094f4be7169354732/1

Extreme Tech

July 23, 2012