Scientists at New York University report they have developed a drug-free, noninvasive way to temporarily block the return of fearful memories in people.

The technique, the researchers contend, could eventually change the way scientists view how the brain’s memory storage process works and perhaps even lead to new ways to treat anxiety disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder.

Researcher Daniela Schiller, PhD, and colleagues at NYU say in a new study published in the journal Nature that they’ve been able to reshape memories. The process involves resurrecting unpleasant memories and creating a window of opportunity for reshaping the fears, a period called “reconsolidation.”

via Drug-Free Method of Blocking Fear Memories.