Another Way To Erase Memories

amigoro writes "Neuroscientists have discovered that long-term memories are not etched in a stable form, like a 'clay tablet,' as once thought. The process is much more dynamic, involving a miniature molecular machine that must run constantly to keep memories going. Jamming the machine briefly can erase long-term memories." A few months back we discussed a similar removal of rat memories by a different method.

I can see the benefits to this technology

[Late-Eight]

If they get to a point where they are able to target specific memories, for example it could be very helpful to people that have suffered a traumatic event. But from the article it sounds like it's just a plan old memory wiper by switching off a running process, and there's no real control over what gets erased. I suppose that's OK if you really don't mind losing the last couple of years.

I am sure there's a list of negative points that could be made against this technology, I just cant remember what they are.

I have money

[bensafrickingenius]

How much would it cost to erase my last 15 years?

easy enough

[Anonymous Coward]

Obliviate!

I could have told them about this

[been42]

The process is much more dynamic, involving a miniature molecular machine that must run constantly to keep memories going. Jamming the machine briefly can erase long-term memories.

Not sure what kind of research these scientists have been doing, but I routinely "jam the machine" with whiskey.

I tried, it. It works.

[Spy der Mann]

For some reason I can't recall why I got married with this beautiful blonde, and why I keep dreaming about going to Mars with a brunette. Or am I just going crazy?

- Douglas Quaid.

They actually discovered this years ago

[Anonymous Coward]

But they forgot to write it down before trying it out.

Ive seen this its awesome

[sentientbeing]

I used this jamming machine once and it was ideal for erasing my short term memories.

Its also perfect for erasing short term memories, and it also erases short term memories.

new-fangled inventions

[jollyreaper]

I still prefer tequila.

So where was this...

[Anonymous Coward]

...when Battlefield Earth was released?

Re:I have money

[jollyreaper]

How much would it cost to erase my last 15 years?

Probably about as much as the divorce. Unfortunately, your ass will still hurt from the reaming and you won't know why.

On the plus side...

[GBC]

...if Slashdot's Editors work this one out, none of us will "remember" to tag stories as dupes.

One way memory gets erased is by taking oath

[140Mandak262Jamuna]

There is some anecdotal evidence that when people take the oath to tell the truth and nothing but the truth in front of Senate investigation committees, their memory gets instantly erased. Alberto Gonzales, Donald Rumsfeld, Casper Weinberger, George Schultz, Robert McNamara, ...

Where do I sign up?

[phalse phace]

I need someone to wipe out the images of goatse.cx and tub girl from my memory

*shivers*

Re:I can see the benefits to this technology

[Anonymous Coward]

The show makes complete sense when you're high... the makers most definitely are stoned.

Maybe you should smuggle some hash into the brownies at your family gathering. 8-)

Wow, Star Wars fans will be lining up

[Jim in Buffalo]

You'll have Star Wars fans lining up to have their memories of the prequel trilogy permanently expunged.

Obligatory

[PPH]

In Soviet Russia, memories erase you!

Made mandatory by the *IAA !

[Ihlosi]

You memory contains illegal copies (aka memories) of their stuff. This will put an end to your illegal behavior.

Re:Wow, Star Wars fans will be lining up

[pboyd2004]

The problem with that is you end up in a endless loop:

10 WATCH STAR WARS 1
20 WATCH STAR WARS 2
30 WATCH STAR WARS 3
40 GET MEMORIES OF JARJAR ERASED
50 GET MEMORIES OF HAYDEN CHRISTENSEN'S ACTING ERASED
60 GOTO 10

Re:I can see the benefits to this technology

[kalirion]

I imagine it might also have some uses in military personel, but... yes, it's a very slippery slope.

The first rule of Operation Treadstone is you do not remember Operation Treadstone.

Re:I can see the benefits to this technology

[thrawn_aj]

Memory eraser??? ---> http://www.std.com/~mica/mib.jpg [std.com]

Imagine the practical applications for world peace

[ninejaguar]

I wonder if the military is already looking into practical applications of this technology for wide dispersal. Imagine bombs exploding clouds of skin absorbent forget-me-dust over hostile territories (like Republican conventions), or adding barrels of who-am-i solution to water supplies for parched desert inhabitants (the sinners in Vegas?).

Wow, I'm thinking like a comic-book super-villain!

= 9J =