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Here's a bit of science news that is both amazing and deeply troubling at the same time: the journal "Nature" has published a paper that explains how researchers were able to introduce a memory into the brain of a rat and then use a drug to "erase" that one specific memory. (via 3QuarksDaily)
The memory was "given" to the rat via typical behavioral modification, nothing new there. Being able to map and follow the brain processes for creating a memory is a big deal, too, but it's the ability to deliver a targeted chemical that wipes out a specific memory that should have everyone quaking in their boots. Sure, there are some legitimate and positive uses one can imagine (the article specifically mentions using it to treat PTSD), but it's just waaaaay too easy to imagine this being used improperly against people, especially given the proclivities of the current gang of criminals in Washington. For the time being, the drug in question cannot be used on humans by law, but our dear Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has already made it clear that the rule of law really doesn't matter anymore.
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