Memory hackers

[Udayana]

This is on PBS (Sky/Virgin/FreeSat) tonight 19:50. Looks fascinating:

YouTube link

"Memory is the glue that binds our mental lives. Without it, we’d be prisoners of the present, unable to use the lessons of the past to change our future. From our first kiss to where we put our keys, memory represents who we are and how we learn and navigate the world. But how does it work? Neuroscientists using cutting-edge techniques are exploring the precise molecular mechanisms of memory. By studying a range of individuals ranging—from an 11-year-old whiz-kid who remembers every detail of his life to a woman who had memories implanted—scientists have uncovered a provocative idea. For much of human history, memory has been seen as a tape recorder that faithfully registers information and replays intact. But now, researchers are discovering that memory is far more malleable, always being written and rewritten, not just by us but by others. We are discovering the precise mechanisms that can explain and even control our memories. The question is—are we ready?"

[Harrowby Hall]

Popular culture catching up?

There is little in the characterisation of memory you have quoted which was not understood as such when I was a psychology undergraduate 45 years ago.

[Udayana]

It was "popular" - Nova is the PBS equivalent of Horizon but with even more fill-ins, repeated sections and skimping over detail. Admittedly the most impressive part were the graphics but there were some very interesting developments such as elimination of specific memories by use of a drug (eg. used to remove phobias), mapping and stimulation of particular memories in mice and so on.

The main idea is that when we remember something we don't just pull it out of a bank of memories, but also "put it back" in modified form and we are getting towards being able to control what is put back.

[Harrowby Hall]

Reconstructive memory.
Absolutely nothing new - consider Sir Frederic Bartlett's studies in the 1930s.

I'm not saying that this is not a good tv programme, merely that is sounds like old wine in a new bottle.

[Udayana]

Ah ... I see what you mean. I'm not familiar with the field but assume the current day psychologists and neuro-scientists are carrying on along the same lines.