Friday, December 11th, 2009

Erasing Fear Memories

Researchers report a non-invasive, drug-free technique to erase a bad memory in the human brain. Writing this week in the journal Nature, the researchers describe using a behavioral modification technique to remove a simple fear memory in people. The key appears to lie in when the technique is applied. Reactivating a memory, the team found, appears to open a "reconsolidation window," a time-limited period during which the memory can be changed. We'll talk with one of the team members about the finding, and how it may aid victims of trauma.

Guests

Elizabeth Phelps
Professor, Department of Psychology
New York University
New York, New York

Related Links

• Nature: Preventing the return of fear in humans using reconsolidation update mechanisms (subscription required)

Segment produced by:Flora Lichtman

Friday, December 11th, 2009

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• Gene Patenting
• Coffee and Prostate Cancer
• DARPA Balloon Hunt Challenge
• Top Tech Gadgets
• Erasing Fear Memories

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