For most of us, it's difficult to live with bad memories. If the memory is related to a loved one, getting rid of it is something that we can only dream about.
However, the reality of erasing bad memories may not be too far in the future. Scientists believe they might have discovered a way of accomplishing this through an enzyme that plays a massive role in storing our long-term memories.
Even though the memory enzymes have only been studied in mice, experts are sure they can be used to remove bad memories from people with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Scientists are naming these new enzymes Acetyl-CoA Synthetase 2 (ACSS2). Experts have found that when a memory is formed, the ACSS2 binds to memory genes along with other chemical groups.
Currently, the researchers are targeting mice, but believe that these discoveries will also help future doctors to treat and/or removing anxiety, depression and many other neuro-related problems.
Dr Philip Mews, who holds expertise in the field of Neuroscience and is one of the main leaders of the study, suggests that ACSS2 may be important when it comes to these types of disorders and those related to neurons in our brain.
He explained that when a memory has formed, the junction between two cells – or a synapse – is reconstructed. This is something which is controlled by the group of genes related to memory.
The study also suggested that when the levels of ACSS2 are lowered in mice, they noticed the synapse altered, meaning they were not creating a long-term memory.
With the development in its current state, it is difficult to tell when it will be tested on humans.
Although the scientific community is excited about the breakthrough, is it necessarily a good thing to remove our memories and alter our emotions?