The Marvel of Memory

In 1953, at the age of 27, Henry Gustav Molaison underwent an experimental brain operation to correct a seizure disorder, only to emerge from it fundamentally and irreparably changed. He developed a syndrome neurologists call severe anterograde amnesia. He had lost the ability to form new memories. For the next 55 years, each time he met a friend or ate a meal, it was as if for the first time.

And for those five decades, the New York Times reports, HM (as he was anonymously known to the world) "was recognized as the most important patient in the history of brain science. As a participant in hundreds of studies, he helped scientists understand the biology of learning, memory and physical dexterity, as well as the fragile nature of human identity." (UPDATE: Illuminating Los Angeles Times obit here.)

When Henry Molaison died last week at 82, we were reminded of a KobreGuide.com subject whose brain functions on the opposite end of that spectrum: Brad Williams has an unfathomable capacity to remember everything, which scientists have labeled hyperthymesia. His fascinating story is here.

Brain Man

We marvel at those whose memory and powers of calculation appear superhuman. Savant Daniel Tammet (pictured) is the second "brainiac" we've featured on KobreGuide, in "Boy with the Incredible Brain."

Previously, in "Unforgettable," we introduced you to Brian Williams, whose condition (labeled hyperthymesia) enables him to remember in vivid detail every single day of his life, from what he ate to what was in the headlines and on TV.

Tammet, however, has a different sort of abnormality. He has a relationship to numbers and words that has drawn the scrutiny of scientists in his native Britain and in the U.S. They marvel at his staggering mathematical calculations and ability to become quickly fluent in new languages. Apparently because he is mildly autistic and has suffered epileptic seizures, he developed an ability to perceive numbers and words as shapes, textures and patterns -- a trait that scientists hope may hold the key to unlocking similar superior mental abilities in all of us.

How does one capture such cerebral subjects on video?

Both "Unforgettable" and "Boy with the Incredible Brain" feature dramatic Man vs. Computer segments, and each does an excellent job of trying to get inside the head of a remarkable individual in a visual way. They're good examples of "showing, not telling." You'd be smart to view them!

Unforgettable Brother

It's rare that we discover independent videojournalism worthy of KobreGuide. Mostly we scour newspaper Websites for high-quality nonfiction video stories.

However we found ourselves charmed by a series of video profiles that are part of a feature-length work-in-progress. They are the first-time documentary efforts of Eric Williams, whose previous big-screen credits are limited to the screenplay for Mad City, which, despite the star power of Dustin Hoffman and John Travolta, was forgettable.

His personal project, however, is "Unforgettable." As a lesson to all would-be documentarians, who fail to see great stories right under their noses, Eric found gold in his own backyard. "Unforgettable" is the story of his own brother. Brian Williams is, by all appearances, an ordinary radio news guy, except for one exceptional trait. He has a memory that can't be beat -- even when pitted against the entire internet.

It's a phenomenon known as hyperthymesia, the curious ability to remember every excruciating detail of every day of your life. Brian is one of very few who is known to possess that condition. Thanks to his brother's skillful videomaking abilities, we can share in the marvel and wonder of having a memory like a steel trap, as we observe his superhuman ability to instantly access the tiniest minutae -- from what he ate for breakfast 30 years ago to who Johnny Carson's guests were that night.

We think it's a story you'll long remember!