Despite movies like ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,’ memory manipulation in humans continues to be far off.
Researchers see capability for PTSD treatment however warn against excessive tampering since even unpleasant memories serve vital functions. “Our reminiscences make us who we are,” says Sheena Josselyn from Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children.
Unnecessary interventions may want to have societal effects and need to be used sparingly. Recent research suggests reminiscence manipulation is feasible in animals, laying the foundation for future human remedies, though none exist yet.