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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: Dashing Dasher; Dan from Michigan

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


561 posted on 04/29/2005 11:39:12 PM PDT by pissant (If you have another, you won't be able to resist me)
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To: pissant

I'll try it again.

Stop whining.


562 posted on 04/29/2005 11:40:36 PM PDT by Dashing Dasher (When you lose your fear, you become the people you envied.)
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To: Dashing Dasher
I don't think it's that heavy myself. Stouts are hit/miss with me. Guinness is real smooth tasting to me.
563 posted on 04/29/2005 11:40:49 PM PDT by Dan from Michigan (Defeat Granholm and Stabenow in 2006!!!!!)
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To: Dashing Dasher

Not whining. Women whine. Men correct


564 posted on 04/29/2005 11:42:06 PM PDT by pissant (If you have another, you won't be able to resist me)
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To: pissant
LOL!
565 posted on 04/29/2005 11:42:38 PM PDT by Dashing Dasher (When you lose your fear, you become the people you envied.)
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To: pissant
Women whine. Men correct

Nice! Cheers to that!

566 posted on 04/29/2005 11:44:33 PM PDT by Dan from Michigan (Defeat Granholm and Stabenow in 2006!!!!!)
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To: Dan from Michigan; pissant

Kiss my tuchus.


567 posted on 04/29/2005 11:45:30 PM PDT by Dashing Dasher (When you lose your fear, you become the people you envied.)
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To: Dashing Dasher

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)


568 posted on 04/29/2005 11:47:18 PM PDT by pissant (If you have another, you won't be able to resist me)
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To: pissant

Sad but true.


569 posted on 04/29/2005 11:48:09 PM PDT by Dashing Dasher (When you lose your fear, you become the people you envied.)
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To: Dashing Dasher

Is tichus the same as grits, Flo?


570 posted on 04/29/2005 11:48:12 PM PDT by pissant (If you have another, you won't be able to resist me)
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To: Dashing Dasher


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


571 posted on 04/29/2005 11:49:29 PM PDT by Dan from Michigan (Defeat Granholm and Stabenow in 2006!!!!!)
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To: pissant

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!


572 posted on 04/29/2005 11:49:57 PM PDT by Fierce Allegiance (This is not your granddaddy's America...)
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To: Fierce Allegiance

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!


573 posted on 04/29/2005 11:52:06 PM PDT by pissant (If you have another, you won't be able to resist me)
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To: pissant

574 posted on 04/29/2005 11:52:42 PM PDT by Dashing Dasher (When you lose your fear, you become the people you envied.)
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To: Dan from Michigan; pissant

You two started it...

Women whine; men correct?

BLAH BLAH BLAH.


575 posted on 04/29/2005 11:54:00 PM PDT by Dashing Dasher (When you lose your fear, you become the people you envied.)
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To: Dashing Dasher

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


576 posted on 04/29/2005 11:55:02 PM PDT by pissant (If you have another, you won't be able to resist me)
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To: pissant

The belt accentuates my butt.


577 posted on 04/29/2005 11:55:37 PM PDT by Dashing Dasher (When you lose your fear, you become the people you envied.)
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To: Dashing Dasher
Women whine; men correct? Granted I'm from the semirural Midwest...but dat's jist how things are out hearah, eh? :)
578 posted on 04/29/2005 11:56:28 PM PDT by Dan from Michigan (Defeat Granholm and Stabenow in 2006!!!!!)
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To: Dan from Michigan

farmer?


579 posted on 04/29/2005 11:58:31 PM PDT by Dashing Dasher (When you lose your fear, you become the people you envied.)
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To: Dashing Dasher

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


580 posted on 04/29/2005 11:59:14 PM PDT by pissant (If you have another, you won't be able to resist me)
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