The Guardian discusses a recent study that apparently succeeded in planting “false memories” into sleeping mice.
Scientists reportedly attached electrodes to the brains of mice, and then gave the mice a pleasurable sensation whenever they were dreaming of a specific location in their cage. The mice then sought the location out when they awoke.
“The scientists say that the findings could pave the way for new treatments that would allow patients to overcome depression or deeply entrenched painful memories,” reports The Guardian.
Rodent recall: false but happy memories implanted in sleeping mice (The Guardian, March 9, 2015)