Real or Fake #19

(1) Read the story. (2) Tell the story in your own words. (3) Ask the questions.
Scientists at MIT have successfully implanted a false memory into a mouse’s brain — a seemingly far-fetched idea reminiscent of films like Inception or Total Recall.

Neuroscientist Steve Ramirez and his team used a technique called optogenetics, which uses light to manipulate individual brain cells in the hippocampus.

They demonstrated that a mouse could be made to fear a harmless environment by implanting a false memory.

In the future, it should be possible to isolate a human memory and activate it, manipulate, or erase it.

This type of research could one day help treat depression, PTSD, Alzheimer’s, drug addiction and other mental disorders.
Vocabulary
far-fetched = unlikely; difficult to believe

reminiscent = reminding you of someone or something

hippocampus = a part of the brain responsible for memory

PTSD = post-traumatic stress disorder
Comprehension Questions
  1. What did the scientists implant?
  2. Optogenetics uses what to manipulate brain cells?
  3. Name 3 mental disorders that this research could help.
Discussion Questions
  1. Is this a good or bad idea? Why?
  2. Do you have a good memory? Do you trust it?
  3. What are some of your earliest memories?
  4. Have you seen Inception or Total Recall?
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