According to the exciting world of Science, the men in white coats have discovered a molecule in the brains of  mice that, when  switched on, gives these mice super memories. This could work for humans too – but the question is, do you really want to?

Seeing as a mouse brain is a lot like a human brain, although a little bit smaller, humans can have this power too! I think it would be pretty nifty during exam times, or if you’re into counting cards.

Here’s the sciency part:

Baylor University researchers discovered that a molecule called PKR serves two crucial function in the brains of mice. In everyday situations, it’s concerned with regulating how neurons interact in memory-related tasks. But when a virus invades, PRK activates a stress response that alerts the rest of the brain that something is very wrong. Alzheimer’s sufferers also experience PKR-releasing stress in the course of their disease.

Lead researcher Mauro Costa-Mattioli and his team worked with mice that had had the PKR molecule genetically suppressed. In its absence, another immune molecule known as gamma interferon steps in, and that’s when something remarkable happens. It turns out this understudy molecule is actually way better at its job than PKR, increasing communication between neurons and just generally making the memory centers of the brain more efficient.

The team realized that if they could find an inhibitor that could specifically block the PKR molecule, they could confer that same memory-boosting benefit without having to worry about genetic engineering. By injecting various potential inhibitors into the mice’s stomachs, they were able to find the right molecule. Even better, since that inhibitor blocked PKR from the stomach, that should mean it’s possible to create an ingestible drug that blocks PKR.

This could mean great things for those suffering from Alzheimers, and terrible things for those that may have someone holding a grudge against them.

[Source: io9]