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Alcohol Makes Your Brain Grow
BBC News UK Edition ^
| 04/29/2005
| BBC News
Posted on 04/29/2005 8:59:41 AM PDT by Bacon Man
Drinking alcohol boosts the growth of new nerve cells in the brain, research suggests.
But while this might sound good in theory, the Swedish team believe these new cells could contribute to the development of alcohol dependence.
Mice fed moderate quantities of alcohol grew extra brain cells, but also showed a preference for alcohol over water.
The Karolinska Institute research appears in the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology.
Brain growth
Lead researcher Professor Stefan Brene said: "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."
Alternatively, the extra cells might help with learning and memory, he said.
Another theory, according to the researchers, is that the tranquilising effect of alcohol triggers the growth.
All of the new cells developed normally.
A spokeswoman from the Campaign for Real Ale said: "It is well known that alcohol in moderation is good for your body so it's no surprise it's also good for your mind.
"Maybe that is why lots of pub quiz teams are so bright."
A spokeswoman from Alcohol Concern said: "This type of study could prove useful in the long term to shed light on the relationship between alcohol intake and dependency.
"However, very little can be drawn from a single animal-based study at this stage.
"Much more research is needed to explore the relationship between drinking patterns and their effect on the human brain."
TOPICS: Culture/Society; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: alcohol; brain; health
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To: Miss Behave
541
posted on
04/29/2005 11:19:02 PM PDT
by
Fierce Allegiance
(This is not your granddaddy's America...)
To: pissant
I thought those exact words right after I typed the phrase.
542
posted on
04/29/2005 11:20:25 PM PDT
by
Dashing Dasher
(When you lose your fear, you become the people you envied.)
To: Fierce Allegiance
I'll try, Fierce. And I'll remember your other words of wisdom, too. Thank you for them. Good night.
543
posted on
04/29/2005 11:20:43 PM PDT
by
Miss Behave
(Beloved daughter of Miss Creant, super sister of danged Miss Ology, and proud mother of Miss Hap.)
To: Fierce Allegiance
544
posted on
04/29/2005 11:21:20 PM PDT
by
Dashing Dasher
(When you lose your fear, you become the people you envied.)
To: Fierce Allegiance
this Buds for you then...
545
posted on
04/29/2005 11:22:56 PM PDT
by
pissant
(If you have another, you won't be able to resist me)
To: Miss Behave
546
posted on
04/29/2005 11:23:27 PM PDT
by
Fierce Allegiance
(This is not your granddaddy's America...)
To: pissant
A larry bud? That's cool!
547
posted on
04/29/2005 11:24:12 PM PDT
by
Fierce Allegiance
(This is not your granddaddy's America...)
To: Fierce Allegiance
You like Miss Behave better than me!!!
Sniffle....
/sarcasm
548
posted on
04/29/2005 11:24:24 PM PDT
by
Dashing Dasher
(When you lose your fear, you become the people you envied.)
To: Bacon Man
Alcohol Makes Your Brain Grow How fitting that this is the first thread I see tonight when I got home!!!!! Guinness!
549
posted on
04/29/2005 11:24:47 PM PDT
by
Dan from Michigan
(Defeat Granholm and Stabenow in 2006!!!!!)
To: Dashing Dasher
it was a freudian slip, I imagine. Or a slippery freud. I'm not sure which!
550
posted on
04/29/2005 11:24:50 PM PDT
by
pissant
(If you have another, you won't be able to resist me)
To: Dan from Michigan
Dan,
It's spelled Genius - not Guinness.
;-)
551
posted on
04/29/2005 11:25:38 PM PDT
by
Dashing Dasher
(When you lose your fear, you become the people you envied.)
To: Dashing Dasher
I have 4 duaghters. I know better that to play favorites with women.
552
posted on
04/29/2005 11:27:38 PM PDT
by
Fierce Allegiance
(This is not your granddaddy's America...)
To: Dashing Dasher
Geniuses like me drink Guinness. :)
553
posted on
04/29/2005 11:28:23 PM PDT
by
Dan from Michigan
(Defeat Granholm and Stabenow in 2006!!!!!)
To: Fierce Allegiance
554
posted on
04/29/2005 11:29:03 PM PDT
by
Dashing Dasher
(When you lose your fear, you become the people you envied.)
To: Dan from Michigan
I had a Harp last night.
Does that count?
555
posted on
04/29/2005 11:29:31 PM PDT
by
Dashing Dasher
(When you lose your fear, you become the people you envied.)
To: Dashing Dasher
bass ale should be one of the USDA 4 foodgroups
556
posted on
04/29/2005 11:31:48 PM PDT
by
Fierce Allegiance
(This is not your granddaddy's America...)
To: Dashing Dasher
It's also fitting that "Gimme Three Steps" is played on the I-net radio when I got back, but that's another time.......
I had a Harp last night. Does that count? Well...it is Irish. :)
557
posted on
04/29/2005 11:34:03 PM PDT
by
Dan from Michigan
(Defeat Granholm and Stabenow in 2006!!!!!)
To: Dan from Michigan
I tipped a frothy pint of the sweet Irish nectar on the way home tonight. Heaven on earth
558
posted on
04/29/2005 11:34:08 PM PDT
by
pissant
(If you have another, you won't be able to resist me)
To: Fierce Allegiance
Bass is very good ale. I'll fully admit that despite being of Irish blood.
559
posted on
04/29/2005 11:35:03 PM PDT
by
Dan from Michigan
(Defeat Granholm and Stabenow in 2006!!!!!)
To: Dan from Michigan
I can have a sip or two of Guinness - but it's too heavy to drink.
560
posted on
04/29/2005 11:36:35 PM PDT
by
Dashing Dasher
(When you lose your fear, you become the people you envied.)
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