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traumatic memory

·November 11, 2024·4 min read

Astrocytes Play Role in Deciding the Fate of Memories

Researchers have uncovered a surprising role for astrocytes—cells surrounding neurons—in deciding which memories are kept or forgotten. By manipulating astrocytes in mice using optogenetics, scientists found that acidifying these cells after a traumatic experience leads to forgetting the memory over time, while alkalinizing them preserves it long-term. This suggests astrocytes significantly influence emotional memory retention and could inform treatments for conditions like PTSD.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 22, 2021·4 min read

Overcoming Long-Term Trauma Can Be Facilitated

Researchers facilitated the extinction of long-term traumatic memories in mice by enhancing activity in the nucleus reuniens.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 13, 2021·3 min read

Trigger Warnings Can Worsen Traumatic Memories

Trigger warnings shown before TV shows may have the opposite effect than is intended. Researchers found trigger warnings may prolong negative characteristics associated with bad memories. They also do not increase a person's use of coping strategies.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 7, 2020·4 min read

How the Brain Separates Present From Past Dangers

Protein synthesis in different amygdala neuron populations is essential for storing information about threat and safety.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 14, 2020·4 min read

Can traumatic memories be erased?

Environmental light has been shown to affect traumatic long-term memory retention in Drosophila.

Featured Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·September 5, 2018·4 min read

Sexual Violence Haunts Women with Vivid Memories Decade Later

A new study reports women who have experienced sexual violence have more vivid memories than women coping with other traumatic experiences. Sexual violence survivors, researchers report, have more intense memories decades after the attack has occurred, which are difficult for them to forget.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 4, 2018·3 min read

Eye Movements Take Edge off Traumatic Memories

Researchers report EMDR, a widely used but controversial psychotherapy technique, can help suppress fear related amygdala activity during the recall of traumatic memories.

Electrophysiology Featured Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 25, 2016·5 min read

Developmental Changes in Teen Brain Facilitate Recovery from Traumatic Memories: Mouse Study

The prefrontal cortex goes goes through a rearrangement during adolescence, where it forms a significant number of new connections to the hippocampus, a new study reports.