About the Book
A disarmingly personal account of the new science of memory manipulation by one of today’s leading pioneers in the field
As a graduate student at MIT, Steve Ramirez successfully created false memories in the lab. Now, as a neuroscientist working at the frontiers of brain science, he foresees a future where we can replace our negative memories with positive ones. In How to Change a Memory, Ramirez draws on his own memories—of friendship, family, loss, and recovery—to reveal how memory can be turned on and off like a switch, edited, and even constructed from nothing.
A future in which we can change our memories of the past may seem improbable, but in fact, the everyday act of remembering is one of transformation. Intentionally editing memory to improve our lives takes advantage of the brain’s natural capacity for change.
In How to Change a Memory, Ramirez explores how scientists discovered that memories are fluid—they change over time, can be erased, reactivated, and even falsely implanted in the lab. Reflecting on his own path as a scientist, he examines how memory manipulation shapes our imagination and sense of self. If we can erase a deeply traumatic memory, would it change who we are? And what would that change mean anyway? Throughout, Ramirez carefully considers the ethics of artificially controlling memory, exploring how we might use this tool responsibly—for both personal healing and the greater good.
A masterful blend of memoir and cutting-edge science, How to Change a Memory explores how neuroscience has reached a critical juncture, where scientists can see the potential of memory manipulation to help people suffering from the debilitating effects of PTSD, anxiety, Alzheimer’s, addiction, and a host of other neurological and behavioral disorders.
About the Author :
Steve Ramirez has been featured on CNN, NPR, and the BBC and in leading publications such as The New York Times, National Geographic, Wired, Forbes, The Guardian, The Economist, and Nature. An award-winning neuroscientist who has given TED talks on his groundbreaking work on memory manipulation, he is associate professor of psychological and brain sciences at Boston University.
Review :
"Finalist for the PROSE Award in Popular Science and Mathematics, Association of American Publishers"
"[Ramirez’s] storytelling moves fluidly between memoir and science writing, blending lab anecdotes with personal reflections in a way that makes even the most technical discoveries feel intimate. . . . For students and young scientists, the book is a beacon—it shows that science does not demand that we hide our imperfections and that our fragilities and limits can coexist with creativity and rigor, reminding readers that discovery is a deeply human pursuit rather than a purely technical one. For nonexpert readers, it delivers complex neuroscience in a form that is intimate, relatable, and often funny."---Gisella Vetere, Science
"[A] riveting debut, which blends personal narrative and scientific analysis. . . . While the idea of memory manipulation may seem creepy, the potential for good is immense, according to Ramirez, who convincingly posits that these new tools may lead to treatments for PTSD, anxiety disorders, and addiction, and might even be able to reactive memories lost to dementia. It's an illuminating look at a dynamic area of neuroscientific research."
"Fascinating stuff. . . . [A] great book."---Ira Flatow, Science Friday
"A riveting account not only of [Ramirez's] research but also his own struggles with memory."---Alan Alda, Clear and Vivid with Alan Alda
"The book, How to Change a Memory, hooked me and didn’t let me go. . . . What I liked most about the book. . . is its undercurrent: [Ramirez’s] research became intensely personal."---Kevin Berger, Nautilus
"The book isn't just a breezy summary of memory research, though, it's an engaging and at times heartbreaking telling of Ramirez's personal journey pursuing this research."---Ed Cara, Gizmodo
"Ramirez . . . provides an informative and accessible account of an emerging field that has the potential to assist people afflicted with anxiety, PTSD, and dementia."---Glenn C. Altschuler, Psychology Today
"[Presents] a really optimistic view of what neuroscience can do for psychiatric disorders."---Sara Talpos, Undark
"In movies . . . there’s often a sinister air around the memory-tweaking scientist character. Ramirez, a Boston University professor, is friendly, earnest and. . . . sees this research not as the next frontier of coercive mind control but as another way to alleviate mental suffering, alongside medications and cognitive therapies."---Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times
"[In his book] Professor Steve Ramirez explored a realm of science so advanced that, until now, it has only existed in sci-fi movies. . . . As he chronicled both his breakthroughs experimenting on the brains of rodents at Boston University, as well as his grief over the death of his lab partner, Xu Liu, he revealed that rewriting human memories could one day become a common part of modern medicine."---Rob Waugh, Daily Mail
"Partly a deep dive into [Ramirez's] scientific research . . . and part memoir about how he has dealt with difficult memories of his own."
"[Ramirez] carefully considers the ethics of artificially controlling memory, exploring how we might use this tool responsibly, both for personal healing and for the greater good."---Gunnel Minett, Breathwork Science
"Ramirez’s book is a terrific example of a scholar taking the time to break down his research and explain why it’s important. . . . We’d all be better off if more brain scientists were willing to explain experimental concepts with plot points from Inception, Bladerunner 2049, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind."---Frederick Hess, Education Next
"A book about the science of memory [that] reads like a memoir."---Amory Sivertson, WBUR On Point
