If you feel like your desire to binge eat (or drink) is beyond your control, you may soon be able to program your brain to tell you to stop. It sounds like science fiction, but it’s starting to become reality. Stanford University neuroscientists are experimenting with mice in what’s called deep brain stimulation to control impulses. The researchers have identified the brain patterns that develop right before the mice are set to gobble up their food—and deliver a zap that cuts short their desire. It’ll be awhile before humans can get this treatment, but it could help people fight anything from eating disorders to alcoholism to obesity.

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