Genestho
24th June 2009, 13:42
German scientists have sought to measure the time it takes for the brain's chemistry to show a measurable change linked to alcohol.
Test subjects laid in a MRI scanner, where they then quickly drank the equivalent of three beers through a long straw.
The effect on brain cells was evident within six minutes.
"The brain uses an alcohol breakdown product instead of glucose for energy demands," says Dr Armin Biller, of Heidelberg University Hospital, says of the noted change.
A follow-up scan the next day showed this was "completely reversible" but Dr Biller cautions this effect could be reduced over time, and this was a possible cause of "the permanent brain damage that is known to occur in alcoholics".
Eight men and seven women took part in the study, which saw them reach a blood alcohol content of .05 or just over.Stuff.co.nz link (http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/wellbeing/2530477/Sober-to-sozzled-in-six-minutes)
Test subjects laid in a MRI scanner, where they then quickly drank the equivalent of three beers through a long straw.
The effect on brain cells was evident within six minutes.
"The brain uses an alcohol breakdown product instead of glucose for energy demands," says Dr Armin Biller, of Heidelberg University Hospital, says of the noted change.
A follow-up scan the next day showed this was "completely reversible" but Dr Biller cautions this effect could be reduced over time, and this was a possible cause of "the permanent brain damage that is known to occur in alcoholics".
Eight men and seven women took part in the study, which saw them reach a blood alcohol content of .05 or just over.Stuff.co.nz link (http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/wellbeing/2530477/Sober-to-sozzled-in-six-minutes)