Painful memories are hard to shake, but a new study suggests unwanted details can be erased, raising hope for people suffering from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
For the first time, scientists have been able to erase dangerous drug-associated memories in mice and rats without affecting other more benign memories.
The human brain is exquisitely adept at linking seemingly random details into a cohesive memory that can trigger myriad associations — some good, some not so good, researchers said. For recovering addicts and individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, unwanted memories can be devastating. Former meth addicts, for instance, report intense drug cravings triggered by associations with cigarettes, money, even gum (used to relieve dry mouth), pushing them back into the addiction they so desperately want to leave. The surprising discovery, by The Scripps Research Institute Florida, points to a clear and workable method to disrupt unwanted memories
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As a kid, Will.I.Am had near-fatal mishap
London: Black Eyed Peas star Will.I.Am suffered a near-fatal accident in childhood when he almost drowned in a swimming pool but got rescued by a friend.
The 38-year-old Voice star did not listen to his mother’s advice when he was younger and he decided to take a quick dip in a pool, despite not being able to swim, reported Daily Mirror.
“I was like, ‘Ma, can I go swimming?’ She was like no, boy, you ain’t going in no swimming pool. So my mom said no but I did the opposite. I’ve never been in a swimming pool and so I don’t know the difference between three feet and nine feet.”
“I’m thinking that everything is at the height that I’m at. So I’m walking and I start sinking and then I drown. I’m under water for about three or four minutes.” A friend came to the singer’s rescue. — PTI