Alcohol Makes Your Brain Grow

BBC News UK Edition ^ | 04/29/2005 | BBC News

[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."

[pissant]

Guiness is not "heavy" at all. It is the cleanest, lightest tasting stout out there. And the best

[Dashing Dasher]

I'll try it again.

Stop whining.

[Dan from Michigan]

I don't think it's that heavy myself. Stouts are hit/miss with me. Guinness is real smooth tasting to me.

[pissant]

Not whining. Women whine. Men correct

[Dashing Dasher]

LOL!

[Dan from Michigan]

Women whine. Men correct

Nice! Cheers to that!

[Dashing Dasher]

Kiss my tuchus.

[pissant]

I'm sure its more common to find whining males in your neck of the woods. Up here its usually the females. But Cali does set the trends for the rest of the country. (ughh)

[Dashing Dasher]

Sad but true.

[pissant]

Is tichus the same as grits, Flo?

[Dan from Michigan]

Now that ain't a very nice thing to say!!!......

[Fierce Allegiance]

I know what I like, and i like bud, Iv'e tried a lot of beer in a lot of places, but I can't find a beer I like better than bud. Call mea damn america or wht you will, i like it!

[pissant]

I hear it also improves one's typing skills! Hey, I'll Drink Bud, Coors, PBRs, etc on any hot day. Especially after watching my wife mow the lawn!

[Dashing Dasher]

[Dashing Dasher]

You two started it...

Women whine; men correct?

BLAH BLAH BLAH.

[pissant]

Dasher, I had no idea you had such an attractive caboose!

[Dashing Dasher]

The belt accentuates my butt.

[Dan from Michigan]

Women whine; men correct? Granted I'm from the semirural Midwest...but dat's jist how things are out hearah, eh? :)

[Dashing Dasher]

farmer?

[pissant]

Is it true that dropping a quarter in your crack will bring good luck. An old russian custom, no?