Boffins 'write directly to memory' of living brains

[edesignuk]

An alliance of boffins from Oxford University and Virginia, America say they have developed a technique for "writing directly to memory" in a living brain, "seizing control of brain circuits" to create a memory of an experience which had never actually happened.

Thus far, according to the research, the technique works reliably only on flies.

"Flies have the ability to learn, but the circuits that instruct memory formation were unknown," says Oxford insect-brain expert Gero Miesenböck. "We were able to pin the essential component down to 12 cells. It's really remarkable resolution."

The boffins were able to map the hapless dipterines' brains using a technique invented by themselves called "optogenetics". In optogenetics, "a simple flash of light is used to release caged-molecules present in selective neurons that then stimulate the activity of those neurons", so allowing one to find out what exactly those neurons do.

The Register.

Creepy! I'm seeing Total Recall in our future.

 

[gilkisson]

Damn those Boffins. Up to no good, they are. In fact, I say...

<bzzzt! Zap!>

Why, I love those Boffins! I remember all the good they have done....

 

[arkitect]

"Oh, wow… I can do Kung Fu…", (Truly one of the worst movie lines of all time) … and seems like it won't be fantasy much longer.

I mean, I wouldn't mind having a couple dozen languages "engraved" into my brain in a few hours.

And a few galloping unicorns while they're at it.

 

[Mousse]

Flashing lights that writes directly to memory? Sounds like MIB are finally releasing the neuralizer technology to the academic communities.

So how long before I can get my mitts on a noisy cricket?

 

[millar876]

its all well and good, UNTIL, the governor of california comes for a look see and they turn him into the super spy/freedom fighter he really was, and its off to mars with him, fighting mutants and all sorts. sheesh