Posted on 04/28/2005 3:29:19 PM PDT by billorites
Moderate alcohol consumption over a relatively long period of time can enhance the formation of new nerve cells in the adult brain. The new cells could prove important in the development of alcohol dependency and other long-term effects of alcohol on the brain. The findings are published by Karolinska Institutet.
The study, which was carried out on mice, examined alcohol consumption corresponding to that found in normal social situations. The results show that moderate drinking enhances the formation of new cells in the adult brain. The cells survive and develop into nerve cells in the normal manner. No increase in neuronal atrophy, however, could be demonstrated.
It is generally accepted these days that new nerve cells are continually being formed in the adult brain. One suggestion is that these new neurons could be important for memory and learning. The number of new cells formed is governed by a number of factors such as stress, depression, physical activity and antidepressants.
“We believe that the increased production of new nerve cells during moderate alcohol consumption can be important for the development of alcohol addiction and other long-term effects of alcohol on the brain,” says associate professor Stefan Brené.
“It is also possible that it is the ataractic effect of moderate alcohol consumption that leads to the formation of new brain cells, much in the same way as with antidepressive drugs.”
The researchers are now following up these exciting findings to understand the role that the new nerve cells thus formed play in cerebral activity.
I learnt in high school that nerve cells are so specialized that they can't reproduced. How is that the body "produces" new nerve cells?; out of nothing?, through the modification of other kind of cells?.
So instead of killing brain cells I have actually been growing new ones?
So now drinking increases neurons? I'm sick of this back and forth science.
Time to make alcohol illegal for consumption. Why hasn't the DEA jumped at this yet?
If My hat size increases any more I will have to stop buying hats at Goodwill!
Now I'm charming, good looking, bullet proof AND smart!
One study says this and then later it is reversed.
One more reason just to live your life however you choose unless you violate someone else's rights.
Kinda explains all the lushes able to solve the problems of the world while tossing back boilermakers at the corner tavern, eh?
I subscribe to the "Buffalo Theory", as propounded by Professor Emeritus Clifford C. Clavin from the Cheers Institute of Beerology:
"Well, ya see Norm, it's like this...A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it's the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members."
"In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Excessive intake of alcohol, as we all know, kills brain cells, but naturally it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine.
That's why you always feel smarter after a few beers..."
I suppose that's why the buffalo at the end of the bar starts looking better too. :o)
LOL
Which also explains why buffalo can't fly. The ones which are evolving their little wings are killed to make the buffalo wings that go so well with the beer, leaving the wingless buffalo to go on to breed.
I'll tell you how I'll run your life, if you buy me some more scotch.
Now I know why my head hurts in the morning. All of those new nerve cells are cramped for room.
But I am, no doubt, smarter for the effort.
Man, what time is it?
Hello? Anybody know?
jeez, I'm so 'effin faced...
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