The incredible science of memory manipulation

Madeleine Finlay hears from Steve Ramirez, an associate professor of psychological and brain sciences at Boston University, whose book How to Change a Memory was shortlisted for this year’s Royal Society Trivedi science book prize. He explains how scientists have been able to locate memories in the brains of rodents, trigger them artificially and even remove them, and reveals what the practical applications of this science could one day be for humans.

The incredible science of memory manipulation

TL;DR

  • Scientists can locate memories in the brains of rodents.
  • Memories in rodents can be triggered artificially.
  • It is possible to remove memories in rodents.
  • Potential future applications for humans are being explored.
  • Steve Ramirez's book 'How to Change a Memory' was shortlisted for a science book prize.