Imagine choosing which memories to keep and which to forget. This week, Chauntée and Jake dive deep into the science (and sci-fi) of memory erasure. Inspired by Artemis Fowl’s fairies and classics like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Memento, they explore a fascinating question: Could we really delete memories?
From trauma treatment to ethical dilemmas, mind-wiping is more than just a plot twist. Jake’s curiosity leads to optogenetics: real tech that uses light to disrupt or ease the impact of fear-based memories in mice. But it’s not as simple as flipping a switch. The brain’s memory network is like a path of glowing neurons. Can we remove a section without triggering a chain reaction?
Chauntée worries about unintended consequences: if we erase painful experiences, do we also lose the lessons that shape who we are? The conversation gets hilariously personal when Chauntée confesses a deep fear of frogs (Jake immediately starts plotting prank ideas).
Would you erase memories on demand if you could? Jake says no. He’d overthink every choice. For both hosts, the idea of curating your mind like a photo album raises serious questions about identity, control, and what it means to grow.
What memory would you erase if given the chance? Or would you leave your mind untouched, warts and all?
Tune in now and let us know: Is forgetting the next frontier or a step too far?
-------------------------------------------------------------------
If you enjoyed this episode, sign up here to receive updates when a new episode releases: https://resources.stemeducationworks.com/podcast-sign-up
Visit our website to discover more STEM resources for your classroom!
STEM to Stern Reflection Template
STEM to Stern Classroom Discussion Questions
The STEMgineer’s Guide to Problem-Solving
Grants and Classroom Funding
Free Lessons and Worksheets
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Stay up-to-date with all things STEM Education Works by connecting with us on social media!
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Sign up for our newsletter: https://stemeducationworks.com/newsletter-archive/