Fear

Can Fearful Memories be Erased? Audio from Talk of the Nation, March 13, 2009 Scientists studying how the brain forms memories have found that by targeting brain cells expressing a certain gene in mice, they can erase a fearful memory association days after the event. Steven Kushner and colleagues describe the research in the journal Science. NPR

The genetics of fear: Study suggests specific genetic variations contribute to anxiety disorders 03/11/09. A new study suggests that individuals with specific polymorphisms may be more susceptible to anxiety disorders by being more prone to developing fear and being less likely to overcome that fear by common cognitive behavioral treatments which are based on the extinction principle. Association for Psychological Science via Eurekalert!

An end to fear 03/11/09. A team of Dutch researchers under the leadership of Vici-winner Merel Kindt has successfully reduced the fear response. They weakened fear memories in human volunteers by administering the beta-blocker propranolol. Interestingly, the fear response does not return over the course of time. Top journal Nature Neuroscience published the findings on February 15, 2009. Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research via Eurekalert!