Chapter 9: Memory Inc.
Author: Lauren Slater
Summary:
The chapter focuses on Eric Kandel's research on human memory and how it's stored in the brain. The chapter begins with the story of Henry who had epilepsy and very often suffered from convulsions and seizures. Dr Scoville contacted his parents and proposed a possible solution of brain surgery. Being the last resort, Henry's parents consented the surgery. Dr. Scoville removed the hippocampus from Henry's brain which stopped the seizures but he lost the ability to form new memories.
After reading about Henry's story, Eric Kandel decided to learn about neurons and human memory. He experimented with sea slugs since their neurons are visible and less complex. He discovered CREB (cAMP response element binding) and CREB repressor. CREB is a molecule in the brain that triggers the genes which produce proteins that hold memories. Later, Kandel started a company that manufactured pills to enhance memory.
Discussion:
This was an extremely interesting chapter. I idea of making pills to enhance memory was interesting but the question that pops up in my head is that if scientists believe that the human memory is limited then won't this pill create some negative side effects as well? I think human brain being such a fragile organ should be left as it is.
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