Although techniques such as optogenetics show considerable promise for the editing of emotional memories in animal models 5, 6, these approaches are too invasive for use in the clinic. In addition, we primarily examine approaches that have been or can be used in humans. Because we are interested in the editing of unique memories, we do not discuss techniques that enhance or impair memory broadly. ![]() For this reason, we focus on memories for events with an emotional meaning, as these are more likely to be clinically relevant. This Review describes recent advances in memory editing and how they might translate to current clinical practice. These new approaches are being used to address the prospect of purposefully editing human memories, with goals such as reducing the emotional consequences that stem from memories of traumatic events 2, diminishing cravings that are induced by drug cues in addicts 3 or enhancing education 4. However, neuroscientists and psychologists have begun to investigate techniques that may overcome these challenges. This is in part because the neural representations of memories are far more complex in vertebrates, and also because methods that have been used to alter synaptic plasticity in animal models are not safe for use in humans. Although the identification of synaptic changes that underlie the representation of simple associative memories in invertebrates demonstrated that it is possible to alter the neural instantiation and behavioural expression of unique memories 1, applying similar techniques to humans has proved elusive. The memory-manipulating techniques in these films rely on science fiction-based notions about how we can edit memories, with the implicit assumption that unique memories have identifiable signatures in the brain that can be targeted for implantation or deletion.ĭespite the prevalence of memory editing in science fiction, it has mostly been just that-fiction. ![]() As these films illustrate, even when the intention of memory editing is to reduce pain or protect someone, there can be unexpected consequences. The idea of selectively editing memories has also emerged in children’s films ( The Incredibles 2, Frozen In other science fiction films, memories are erased to hide government secrets ( Men in Black) or implanted to provide virtual ‘vacations’ ( Total Recall). If you could erase the memory of the worst day of your life, would you? How about your memory of a person who has caused you pain? The notion that this is possible was the premise of the critically acclaimed film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, in which two lovers choose to erase their memories of a relationship that has gone bad, only to find that they are drawn to each other once again.
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