Synopsis: Persistence of Memory

27 August 2019
AP Staff Writer

A prominent scientist in the field of brain and memory research announced a major breakthrough today. Dr. Philip Bristol of the Institute for Mental Research and Discovery, a newly formed division of Dartmouth Medical School, has proven successfully his ability to selectively erase memories in human subjects. The procedure used, which involves overstimulating via injected drugs a signaling protein known as alpha CaMKII as the memory is being recalled, was first attempted on mice a decade ago. Progress has been slow, due to the delicate nature of the procedure, as well as legal and ethical concerns related to its use in humans. Legal restrictions have been lifted slightly in recent years, but scientists still fear a moral outcry at this news release, and indeed many have concerns of their own.
"Elimination of painful memories is a touchy subject," says Dr. Norman Watson of W Hall, noted expert in the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and mental trauma. "It may seem like a no-brainer that we're better off without remembering frightening or painful experiences, but even unpleasant memories and fears can have a positive effect in our lives. Just as one example, take someone who was previously a reckless driver, who then is involved in a serious car accident. After the accident, they may change and become more cautious. If we take away that fear, who's to say they won't make the same kinds of mistakes all over again? We simply don't know."
Other authorities have concerns about the moral implications. "It would open the door to not only running away from poor decisions, but letting one live as if they'd never made them at all," said Rev. William Radnich, professor of theology at Boston College. "Depending on how extensive the erasure was, it seems to be it could almost be a way of committing mental suicide. I find most of the potential applications and the many possibilities for abuse gravely concerning."
Nonetheless, many see numerous beneficial uses that may ultimately come of this breakthrough. "It could be used to rehabilitate criminals," said a scientist working closely with Dr. Bristol, who declined to be named. "We could set people back to factory default, as it were: leave their knowledge and skill set intact, but remove the experiences that more than likely led them down the path to criminal activities. We could give abused children a fresh start in a new life with a new family. There are, of course, many old prejudices to overcome before we can use this procedure for such extensive purposes, but in time I believe it will become common.”
Dr. Bristol could not be reached for comment.