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Beta-blocker drug erases the emotion of fearful memories

Not Exactly Rocket Science
By Ed Yong
Feb 16, 2009 6:45 PMNov 5, 2019 2:03 AM

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The wiping of unwanted memories is a common staple of science-fiction and if you believe this weekend's headlines, you might think that the prospect has just become a reality. The Press Association said that a "drug helps erase fearful memories", while the ever-hyperbolic Daily Mail talked about a "pill to erase bad memories". The comparisons to The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind were inevitable, but the actual study, while fascinating and important, isn't quite the mind-wiper these headlines might have you believe.

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