Neuroscience

Memory manipulation is the stuff of sci-fi. Someday it could be real

Scientists are experimenting with strengthening or weakening memories

A blue and green illustration of memory, showing the outline of a man's head filled with snapshots of childhood memories. Two hands reach toward the person's head from behind, as if wanting to control the memories.

Altering people's memory could become possible and even be therapeutic. But is it ethical?

Tim McDonagh

By Andrea Tamayo

In the world of Harry Potter, one’s memory can be manipulated with the flick of a wand. Albus Dumbledore reels wispy memories out of his head and puts them in a Pensieve. If he later dunks his head in that magical basin, he can see his past experiences with lifelike clarity. Hermione Granger, meanwhile, uses the spell “Obliviate” to remove herself from her parents’ memories to protect them from the wizarding world.