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alcohol

·September 26, 2023·3 min read

Probing E-Cig and Alcohol’s Joint Assault on the Blood-Brain Barrier

E-cigarettes, popular among teens, have been linked to increased alcohol and drug consumption. Now, with NIH funding, researchers seeks to understand the effects of combining e-cigarettes and alcohol on our brain's protective layer: the blood brain barrier.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 30, 2023·4 min read

Beer Goggles or Liquid Courage? Alcohol’s Real Effect on Attraction

Contrary to popular belief, alcohol doesn't make people look more attractive, says a new study. The findings indicate alcohol consumption increases the likelihood of approaching people you already find attractive but doesn't change how attractive you find them.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 28, 2023·5 min read

Sobering Findings: Anxiety and Mood Disorders Linked to More Severe Alcohol Symptoms, Even at Same Levels of Drinking

People with anxiety and major depressive disorders experience more alcohol-related symptoms than those without, even at the same levels of drinking. This finding may explain why those with anxiety or mood disorders are at greater risk of developing an alcohol use disorder. The study highlights internalizing disorders as a previously unidentified marker of a specific alcohol-related harm paradox, indicating the need for modifying "safe" drinking recommendations for people with anxiety or mood disorders. The co-occurrence of these conditions may reflect shared neurobiological mechanisms, which raises the risk of developing the other in the future.

This shows a woman breastfeeding her child

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 20, 2023·5 min read

Exposure to Alcohol Through Breastmilk Affects Brain and Behavioral Development

Exposure to alcohol through a mother's breastmilk can have serious and lasting implications for brain and behavioral development in children. Researchers found alcohol exposure via breastmilk resulted in smaller body and brain growth and decreased cortical length in mouse models.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 12, 2023·4 min read

Father’s Alcohol Consumption Before Conception Linked to Brain and Facial Defects in Offspring

Researchers report paternal alcohol exposure prior to conception is associated with an increased risk of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and facial growth defects in their offspring.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 11, 2023·3 min read

A Protective Probiotic Blunts the Ill Effects of Alcohol

Mice treated with a probiotic recovered from alcohol exposure and suffered fewer health effects than those not treated with the probiotic.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 30, 2023·5 min read

How Alcohol’s Impact on the Brain Makes Us More Likely to Drink

Researchers have uncovered a neural mechanism involving the brain's immune system that spurs alcohol use disorder.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 7, 2023·4 min read

A Sobering Shot: Drunk Mice Sober Up After a Hormone Shot

Increasing concentrations of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) via injection dramatically accelerates recovery from intoxication in mice.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 6, 2023·5 min read

How Heavy Alcohol Consumption Increases Brain Inflammation

The immune signaling molecule interleukin 1B (IL-1B) is present at higher levels in mouse models of alcohol use disorder. The IL 1B pathway plays a different role in animal models of AUD, causing inflammation in brain areas that play a critical role in decision-making.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·February 17, 2023·4 min read

Alcohol Consumption Linked to Acceleration of Alzheimer’s Disease

Even modest consumption of alcohol can accelerate brain atrophy and increase amyloid plaque formation. The findings reveal alcohol consumption can accelerate Alzheimer's disease pathologies.