Cellular memory is the hypothesis that such things as memories, habits, interests, and tastes may somehow be stored in all the cells of human bodies, not only in the brain.
The suggestion is based largely around anecdotal evidence of organ transplants after which the recipient was reported to have developed new habits or memories.[1]
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Reports
An article published in 2000 in Integrative Medicine, a short lived alternative therapy journal, reported stories of organ recipients who "inherited" such traits as a love for classical music, a change of sexual orientation, and changes in diet and vocabulary.[2] To date, no case where personality traits or memories have been passed from donor to recipient following an organ transplant has ever been recorded in a peer reviewed medical or scientific journal.
In fiction
In an episode of The Simpsons titled "Treehouse of Horror IX," Homer Simpson gets a hair and scalp transplant from executed murderer Snake Jailbird. The hair literally takes control of Homer, causing him to go on a killing spree.
Cellular memory plays a large role in the science fiction series Dune. Several characters undergo transformations which unlock cellular memories of their ancestors, enabling them to relive at will the lives of those who came before them.
In the 1991 film "Body Parts", Bill Chrushank (Played by Jeff Fahey) loses his arm in a car accident and a criminal psychologist has it replaced with a limb that belonged to a serial killer. This causes Bill Chrushank's personality to change into that of the serial killer.[3]
The 2008 film The Eye starring Jessica Alba and the novel Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult all feature the concept of cellular memory.
The video game Assassin's Creed features a similar concept known as Genetic memory.
In the Metal Gear Solid video game series, the antagonist Revolver Ocelot receives a transplanted hand from another character, Liquid Snake, and takes on a new persona as Liquid Ocelot.
The Church of Scientology believes painful memories are recorded as "engrams" at the cellular level, and these engrams have a negative effect on everyday well-being.
See also
References
Further reading
- "Cellular Memory?", Fortean Times, page 18 - 19, published date June 2008.
- "The art transplant", The Daily Mail dated 31 March 2006. Recovered on 7 May 2008.
- "Shocking examples of cellular memory", The Daily Mail dated 31 March 2006. Recovered on 7 May 2008.
- "Cellular memory hints at the origins of intelligence" Nature, dated 23 January 2008. Recovered on 7 May 2008.
- "Cellular Memory" at The Skeptic's Dictionary
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