Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

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
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 521-540541-560561-580 ... 641-645 next last
To: Miss Behave

Don't go selling buicks!


541 posted on 04/29/2005 11:19:02 PM PDT by Fierce Allegiance (This is not your granddaddy's America...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 537 | View Replies]

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.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 540 | View Replies]

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.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 539 | View Replies]

To: Fierce Allegiance

Hurry back.


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.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 538 | View Replies]

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)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 535 | View Replies]

To: Miss Behave

You have freepmale


546 posted on 04/29/2005 11:23:27 PM PDT by Fierce Allegiance (This is not your granddaddy's America...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 543 | View Replies]

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...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 545 | View Replies]

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.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 546 | View Replies]

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!!!!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

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)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 542 | View Replies]

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.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 549 | View Replies]

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...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 548 | View Replies]

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!!!!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 551 | View Replies]

To: Fierce Allegiance

Wise.


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.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 552 | View Replies]

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.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 553 | View Replies]

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...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 555 | View Replies]

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!!!!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 555 | View Replies]

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)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 553 | View Replies]

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!!!!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 556 | View Replies]

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.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 557 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 521-540541-560561-580 ... 641-645 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson