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MIT Finds Cure For Fear

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the fear-itself dept.

Doom con runs away writes "MIT biochemists have identified a molecular mechanism behind fear, and successfully cured it in mice, according to an article in the journal Nature Neuroscience. They did this by inhibiting a kinase, an enzyme that change proteins, called Cdk5, which facilitates the extinction of fear learned in a particular context."

12 of 523 comments (clear)

  1. It must be in clinical testing... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Because I saw some MIT guys talking to GIRLS!

    1. Re:It must be in clinical testing... by MadMidnightBomber · · Score: 5, Funny

      Please don't use terms without explaining them! For the benefit of other slashdotters: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girl

      --
      "It doesn't cost enough, and it makes too much sense."
  2. In unrelated news... by elrous0 · · Score: 5, Funny

    President Bush introduced a bill this week to eliminate all research funding at MIT.

    --
    SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
    1. Re:In unrelated news... by gr3kgr33n · · Score: 5, Funny

      they have a cure for that

      --
      My backup chemistry thesis stored on Data Storing Bacteria mutated; granting me a degree in forensic anthropology. v4sw7
  3. Not news...I found this years ago by sqlguy33 · · Score: 5, Funny

    It is also called Liquid Courage. Drinking enough alcohol leaves me with no fear as well...

    1. Re:Not news...I found this years ago by cp.tar · · Score: 5, Funny

      I must not drink.
      Drink is the mind-killer.
      Drink is the little-death that brings total obliteration to my little fear cells.
      I will face my drink.
      I will permit it to pass through me, but not over me.
      And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
      Where the drink has gone there will be nothing.
      Only a yellow puddle will remain.
      And thirst. Do not forget the thirst.

      --
      Ignore this signature. By order.
  4. This is scary by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    I am terrified at the implications of this!

  5. In other news... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...the Darwin Awards suddenly recieves a flood of new entries.

  6. Peril Sensitive Sunglasses... by fahrbot-bot · · Score: 5, Funny
    Joo Janta 200 Super-Chromatic Peril Sensitive Sunglasses have been specially designed to help people develop a relaxed attitude to danger. At the first hint of trouble, they turn totally black and thus prevent you from seeing anything that might alarm you.

    - The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

    --
    It must have been something you assimilated. . . .
  7. Re:Bzzt! Wrong. by kalirion · · Score: 5, Funny

    Arguably, fear of women is a learned fear similar to PTSD

    Just similar? Say that next time your crush dumps you in front of the yearbook committee cameras!

  8. Re:Bzzt! Wrong. by NeilTheStupidHead · · Score: 5, Funny

    To be honest, if I ever had to go into combat, I'd be begging for this stuff. If it works like I suspect it would, you'd avoid a lot of cases of shellshock that way. Okay, I'll be behind you, drug free, retaining the fear-instilled good sense to duck.
    --
    Lose: misplace or fail || Loose: not bound together
  9. Re:Bzzt! Wrong. by heinousjay · · Score: 5, Funny

    Wanna check if a fear of bombs is innate? Set off some explosives near a newborn and see how they react.

    I don't know, I've never tried it, but my money is on a total freak-out.

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