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| An albino lab mouse that was tested on. |
The current event article I chose was Scientists Hijack Mouse Neurons To Take Control Of Their Memories. This article is about a study that scientists are doing currently. They are genetically engineering lab mice to contain neuron triggers. These triggers were to be controlled by the researchers. Each mouse received a special memory receptor that was inserted into their neurons. Those neurons would normally be activated by emotions, or other sensory experiences. The scientists made these mice fear a certain cage by shocking them whenever they were in it. This fear triggered the receptor. Then, they gave the mice a drug that would reactivate the same receptor, stimulating the same neutrons that were on when the mice were afraid. Lastly, the researchers put the mice in a cage that didn't shock them and prompted the same neurons that had the memory of fear and they got amazing results. The mice reacted the same way they reacted when they were afraid of the shock cage. This study proved that scientists could control the mouse's memory and replant it, in a different location. This study was published on Friday, March 23rd, 2012. The Scripps Research Institute did this experiment because they wanted to see if they could use it to help ease some people with mental disorders. Unusual but unlikely fear can keep them awake, and using this technology, those people can be at peace.
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| MIND CONTROL!!! |
I think this article was very fascinating and helpful as well as disturbing. I thought this article was helpful because being able to control or replant memories could help many people with disorders like schizophrenia,post-traumatic stress disorder., and many more. This new technology could help hundreds of people live through their mental disorders. For example, if one of my family members or friends had a mental disorder that caused them to feel uncomfortable, I'd really want to be able to help them. With technology, I could. I also found this article fascinating because I've never thought that mind control or memory control was possible. To see that our country has come so far excites me. It feels like we are one step closer to that high-tech future everyone imagines when they think of 2020 or 2030. Finally, I felt that this article was a little disturbing because our minds are our privacy. It makes me uncomfortable to think that someone could just tap into my brain and control. I don't know why, but that strikes me as world domination. Hehe. Anyway, scientists having the ability to control my memories freaks me out. I really wouldn't want anyone tampering with my head!
To sum it all up, I believe that this research could save many lives if it is used properly and for the right reasons.Sources:
-Scientists Hijack Mouse Neurons To Take Control of Their Memories (ARTICLE) (PHOTO)
