Good News, and Better News

The Good News?  Booze doesn't kill brain cells

Scientists "meticulously counted neurons in matched samples of non-alcoholics and alcoholics" and found "no real difference in the density or overall number of neurons between the two groups."

[E]ven alcoholics who are continually taking in unhealthy amounts of alcohol aren't going to see brain cells die because of their drinking problem.

Copious drinking obviously has some harmful effects, but moderate drinking has benefits — including preserving cognition as a person ages — so look at the actual facts and make your own decisions.

And shame on those who make stuff up or outright lie because they're so concerned that we can't enjoy life's pleasures in moderation that they think it's best to scare us into doing nothing at all.

So Cliff was wrong about his idea that killing off the slow brain cells allowed the remainder to run faster?  Bummer, but this still calls for a drink.

The Better News?  Sex actually grows more brain cells!

Researchers in Maryland and South Korea recently found that sexual activity in mice and rats improves mental performance and increases neurogenesis (the production of new neurons) in the hippocampus, where long-term memories are formed.

In April, a team from the University of Maryland reported that middle-aged rats permitted to engage in sex showed signs of improved cognitive function and hippocampal function.

In November, a group from Konkuk University in Seoulconcluded that sexual activity counteracts the memory-robbing effects of chronic stress in mice.

“Sexual interaction could be helpful,” they wrote, “for buffering adult hippocampal neurogenesis and recognition memory function against the suppressive actions of chronic stress.”

Ann Althouse wonders if masterbation counts...

Really dear, help me get smarter!

Just kidding...