Traditionally, memory was viewed as similar to a book, which can be shelved but never changed once printed. We now think that memory is more like a word processing document – you can save it and then recall it, at which point you can adapt or even delete its contents.

Today's Independent reports on Dr Amy Milton's research using Propanolol, a beta-blocker, to treat alcoholics. The drug blocks memories that trigger relapses in aloholics. A simliar approach has also used to treat PTSD.