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."

[itsamelman]

[Bacon Man]

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww yeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!

[Xenalyte]

Best . . . thread . . . EVER.

[Veto!]

"Wet Brain" or Korsakov's Syndrome, which sends many a dedicated alcoholic directly into the looney bin, should counteract any beneficial effects in a hurry. Just keep drinking more and more until they come to take you away..

[Xenalyte]

Is this the first thread you've ever posted?

[Xenalyte]

You incredibly smart men need to get over here STAT!

[Bacon Man]

2nd I think. It's had me laughing all day.

[Dog Gone]

You've GOT to grow some brain cells before you attempt posting a thread here.

[Xenalyte]

This thread made me say Deeeeeeeeamn!

[The SISU kid]

Why wasn't I pinged?????


8^)

[Xenalyte]

So you're saying Bacon had to drink himself smart enough to post a thread?

It's a distinct possibility.

[Xenalyte]

I figured you were SO smart, you knew about it already!

[Samwise]

You are trying out for Jeopardy? Way cool. Good luck!

[evets]

This is your brain

This is your brain on booze.

Any questions?

[itsamelman]

I prefer to think of it as a "gym for ther mind"...



Meet my personal trainer.

.

[Bacon Man]

I think I've been insulted. I'm gonna have to go to the "lab" and do "research" to be sure though. :)

[Dog Gone]

A nice Australian merlot should add about 1/8th of an inch to your hat size.

Here I am, at my company picnic last week.

[ecurbh]

Well, I tried out last Sept. but didn't make it. Will try again next time they're in the area.

[Samwise]

I'll be cheering for you!

[Samwise]

P.S.

Make sure you drink a beer before the test. :^)