Can erase memories

Scientists have discovered a mechanism to delete old memories to make way for new memories of the brain. This finding will contribute to the development of a memory remedy to help people forget unwanted things.

Researchers often argue about the cause of forgetting, for example, why newly tolerated short-term memories disappear quickly. There is a theory that such unstable memories should fade over time. In another theory, external interference causes short-term memories to be overwritten when new data is inserted.

Both of these theories claim that forgetting is a passive mechanism. However, according to the latest research, 'it is a proactive system to remove memories, completely independent of the mechanisms that create memories ,' Yi Zhong - a neurologist working at Tsinghua University. (China) and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (USA) - said.

Mr. Zhong and his colleagues discovered a new mechanism after letting fruit flies smell two smells. When fruit flies smell first, they shock slightly through their feet. Usually, this causes the fruit fly to avoid the shocking smell and to find a second odor.

Every minute, the amount of blood is equivalent to 3 cans of soda running through the brain.Photo: Chattah Box

During the first experiment, the researchers left fruit flies at the end of the training period to smell the odor. Later, they re-examined fruit flies at certain times when their memory faded away. During the second experiment, the researchers interrupted the fruit fly's shock-shock memories by letting them smell two new smells. Finally, they reverse the fruit fly lesson by shocking them to smell a second odor.

In all cases, fruit flies forget all previous events and lessons. The researchers say the reason is that a protein called Rac has been released over time. This type of molecule interacts faster when flies are distracted by new experiences or confused by conflicting information.

When Rac was blocked, fruit flies kept their newly tolerated memories from a few hours to more than a day. When the researchers increased the amount of Rac in this insect's neuron, new memories were quickly erased. Scientists still do not understand which molecules are involved in the process of memory formation. 'By studying things that have been removed or changed due to this new mechanism, we can identify the material basis of memory,' Zhong said.

The researchers suggest that the new mechanism of forgetting they discovered in fruit flies may be similar in other animals, such as mice. Interestingly, changes in other molecules related to Rac are related to mental retardation in humans.

'We are continuing to experiment to see if this forgetting mechanism applies to long-term memory. Rac or related molecules may be the target of the production of memory eradication , 'Zhong said.

Although this drug may be used for dark purposes, they will help treat disorders that make people remember the mental trauma forever.