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Well, I just couldn't resist this!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4496727.stm

'Alcohol makes your brain grow'

Last Updated: Friday, 29 April, 2005, 12:19 GMT 13:19 UK

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."

Have a good weekend!

Sarah

I agree! I must have built up a "bazillion" new brain cells back in my drinking days and they all must have died off and left holes in it now that I've been sober since '89!!! Aha! I knew I should'a never stopped!! (just kidding of course)

I grew up being taught tha ETOH killed brain cells. Remember junior high with the flask of grain alcohol and the poor little worm getting dropped into it to "show us" how dangerous it was. We all just got thirsty for a bottle Mescal is all.