Alcoholic Anony-mouseBehind the headlines
Your guide to the science that makes the news
Thursday July 10 2008
“Carry on boozing!” is the headline in the Daily Star today. This and other newspapers describe a piece of animal research which suggests quitting even moderate levels of booze could be bad for your mental health. “It’s the news we’ve all been waiting for”, the Daily Express says.
The basis for this somewhat surprising conclusion is also described by the newspaper. Mice were tested for depression-like behaviour using the Porsolt Swim Test, in which they were placed inside a beaker filled with water and allowed to swim for six minutes. Mice usually manage this easily, however some stop swimming, and the longer a mouse spends floating, the more “depressed” it is thought to be.
The relevance of this research to humans is not yet clear, and in view of the significant harms that alcohol can do to the lives of individuals and to society, a more cautious and serious interpretation of this animal study is advisable.
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