Chapter 9: Memory Inc.
Summary:
This chapter started with discussion about how a man, Dr. Scoville, removed a man's(H.M) hippocampus. This unknowingly removed his short term memory. Eric Kandal, took this knowledge to study memory inside the brain of slugs (he used slugs because they don't have as many neurons). From his studies he discoved a drug that enhances memory called CREB. He also discovered a CREB repressor. It was also discussed how a man being studied in a different place had an unbelievable memory and could recite pages and pages of text after only viewing it for a brief time. This man could not comprehend what the words meant though. The author questions if we become the same way will we lose what it is to be human?
Discussion:
I think this chapter was interesting because a totally botched experiment turned into something much greater. What this shows to me from the studies done by Kandal is that the way memories work is starting to be unfolded. It is interesting that he chose slugs as his subjects to me. If his work is 100% credible I'm not for sure but what I am sure of is it has probably had a great impact on the study of memory.
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