FENS 2020: could dysfunctional memories be manipulated to overcome anxiety disorders?

Scientists at the University of Buenos Aires (Argentina) have been investigating the biology underlying the formation of fearful memories that lead to anxiety disorders. Their research, presented at the FENS Virtual Forum of Neuroscience (11–15 July), reveals that by manipulating a threatening memory in an individual, fears can be diminished in a single intervention. It is anticipated that the understanding of the neuronal processes involved in memory formation could be used to treat anxiety following a traumatic event. “We can think, figuratively speaking, that memories are closed boxes. A particular life event can open one of those boxes, and for...