Scientists have identified the process in the brain the brain that could rescue lost memories and bury bad ones.

Researchers at Cardiff University in the UK found that reminders could reverse the amnesia caused by methods previously thought to produce total memory loss in rats.

"Previous research in this area found that when you recall a memory it is sensitive to interference to other information and in some cases is completely wiped out," Dr. Kerrie Thomas, who led the research, said in a statement. "Our research challenges this view and we believe proves this not the case."

In their animal study, researchers found that despite using a technique in the brain thought to produce total amnesia they were able to show that with strong reminders, these memories can be recovered.

Although the results were found in rats, the researchers hope they can be translated into humans and new drugs and treatments could be developed for people suffering with memory disorders.

"We are still a very long way off from helping people with memory problems," Thomas added. "However, these animal models do accurately reflect what's happening in humans and suggest that our autobiographical memories, our self-histories, are clouded by new memories rather than actually lost. This is an exciting prospect in terms of treating psychiatric illness associated with memory disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and psychosis."

The study could help pave the way for new drugs and treatment for people with memory problems.

The findings are detailed in the journal Nature Communications.