Don’t freak out - memories can be erased

In 10 seconds? Researchers have managed to erase fearful memories by studying the twin almond-shaped part of the brain that plays a key part in our reaction to fear. This can potentially help us treat anxiety-based disorders better.

Why erase memories? Aren’t we the sum of our experiences? You’ve got a point there. We are not talking about wiping a significant ex-partner from our consciousness, à la the film, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. You see, some memories are ‘fear memories’ of traumatic events, and they get in the way of everyday life, for example by triggering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or anxiety. If you develop a fear of cars because of the memories of an accident, you'll have an issue with using transport.