Would You Erase a Painful Memory, if You Could?

08 Dec 2025 • 54 min • EN
54 min
00:00
54:41
No file found

In groundbreaking experiments with mice, Boston University neuroscientist Steve Ramirez has succeeded in turning memories on and off, even implanting new ones. He says that someday we’ll be able to do the same in humans. But should we? We talk to Ramirez about the ethical dilemma and the personal experience that caused him to consider erasing his own memory. His new book is “How to Change a Memory: One Neuroscientist’s Quest to Alter the Past.” Guests: Steve Ramirez, Associate Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From "KQED's Forum"

Listen on your iPhone

Download our iOS app and listen to interviews anywhere. Enjoy all of the listener functions in one slick package. Why not give it a try?

App Store Logo
application screenshot

Popular categories