Many of us believe that we are great drinkers and that alcohol does not affect us as much. People who are able to drink without showing any sign of inebriation are known as social drinkers. In short, they are not addicted to alcohol but will not turn down the opportunity to have a good time! While it may seem like it doesn’t affect you, new studies suggest that it is just an illusion, even if you have high tolerance, alcohol affects your cognitive and motor functions more than you think.

The study reveals the below implications and techniques:

• Researchers used a new MRI technique to precisely measure brain electrical activity.
• By comparing brain scans before and after drinking, scientists identified specific areas affected by alcohol and how much brain activity slowed down.
• Participants were chosen to be regular social drinkers without alcohol addiction, ensuring the study focused on the effects of alcohol alone.
• MRI technology provided reliable data on brain activity changes caused by alcohol consumption.

How does the brain react to alcohol?

The human brain is a complex network of billions of neurons that communicate through electrical impulses. Brain conductivity refers to the efficiency with which these electrical signals travel through brain tissue. It's akin to the speed and clarity of a digital signal through a wire. In layman terms, your brain must function in its peak condition as it is essential for various cognitive processes, including memory, attention, decision-making, and motor control.

Think of it as the foundation for your brain's performance. When brain conductivity is high, information flows smoothly, and that helps your brain in rapid processing and response. On the other hand, low conductivity can hinder cognitive function, leading to slower thinking, impaired memory, and difficulties with coordination.

A study conducted at the Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) and UNSW Science unveiled a startling connection between alcohol consumption and brain conductivity.

What is the connection between alcohol consumption and brain activity?

While many people brush off the effects of alcohol as temporary changes in behaviour, the reality is much more complex. Beyond the obvious impacts on coordination and judgment, alcohol significantly alters brain function. Alcohol dramatically slowed down brain activity, especially in areas responsible for decision-making, planning, and physical coordination. This decline was so significant that it resembled the brain changes seen in normal ageing. This means even one drink could temporarily accelerate the ageing process of your brain.

Alcohol and Brain activity: What does the study Imply?

The implications of this research are far-reaching. It provides compelling evidence that alcohol consumption has a direct and measurable impact on brain function. The discovery that alcohol can significantly reduce brain conductivity opens new avenues for understanding the neurocognitive effects of alcohol abuse and dependence. While you may not feel like alcohol is affecting you and you have a high tolerance, it most definitely changes and affects your decision-making abilities and impulse control.

Furthermore, the MRI technique employed in the study could be a valuable tool for assessing the impact of other substances on the brain and for developing interventions to mitigate alcohol-related brain damage.

India's drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), has approved Wegovy (semaglutide injection 2.4 mg) for the treatment of adults with fatty liver disease, Novo Nordisk announced today.

According to the company, Wegovy is the first and only GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) approved globally and in India for the treatment of noncirrhotic metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in adults with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

"People with MASH face a higher risk of serious liver complications and heart-related disease. This approval is an important milestone, giving doctors and patients a new treatment option while also helping address obesity and related heart and metabolic diseases," said Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director, Novo Nordisk India.

Clinical Trial Findings

The approval is based on findings from the ESSENCE clinical trial, which showed that:

• 63% of patients treated with Wegovy experienced resolution of steatohepatitis, an advanced form of fatty liver disease.
• 37% showed improvement in liver fibrosis.
• 33% achieved both resolution of steatohepatitis and improvement in liver fibrosis.

Novo Nordisk said that the liver benefits were not solely explained by weight loss, suggesting semaglutide may have additional effects on liver health.

Who Should Take Wegovy?

Semaglutide injection (Wegovy) is indicated, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, for:

• Chronic weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher, or 27 kg/m² or higher with at least one weight-related condition such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidaemia.
• Chronic weight management in adolescents aged 12 years and older with obesity and a body weight above 60 kg.
• Reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack, or non-fatal stroke) in adults with established cardiovascular disease who are overweight or have obesity.
• Treatment of noncirrhotic MASH with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis (F2-F3) in adults.

What Is MASH?

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a progressive liver disease caused by excess fat accumulation in the liver, leading to chronic inflammation and liver damage.

According to Novo Nordisk, two in three Indians have fatty liver disease. The condition is often called a "silent disease" because many people do not develop symptoms until liver damage has become advanced. If left untreated, MASH can progress to severe liver complications.

"MASH is becoming more common in India as lifestyles change. In many people, early MASH has no obvious symptoms, so the condition may not be diagnosed until liver damage is more advanced," said Dr. Dharmesh Kapoor, Senior Consultant Hepatologist, Hyderabad.

He stressed the importance of early screening, particularly for people with obesity, type 2 diabetes, or other metabolic conditions.

"Wegovy has demonstrated benefits in reducing liver inflammation and fibrosis while also supporting weight management and blood sugar control, both of which are linked to MASH progression," Dr. Kapoor added.

Novo Nordisk said innovator semaglutide is backed by more than 50 clinical trials, 49 million patient-years of exposure, and extensive real-world evidence.

The medicine, manufactured using recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology, has been approved in 75 countries, including by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA).

Planning an overseas holiday this summer? The UK government is urging British travellers to be aware of the dangers of methanol poisoning.

The warning comes after reports of British nationals becoming seriously ill or dying after unknowingly consuming alcohol tainted with methanol in popular tourist destinations.

The UK government has now added warnings about methanol poisoning to its travel advice for 29 destinations, including popular holiday hotspots such as Indonesia, Laos and Vietnam.

"We are working to raise awareness of the warning signs of methanol poisoning and urge anyone who suspects they may have been exposed to seek immediate medical attention, helping British nationals stay safe overseas," said Minister for Consular Hamish Falconer MP.

He urged travelers to check the latest travel advice before departure and act immediately if they suspect methanol poisoning.

UK Launches 'Know the Signs' Campaign

Also read: Cyclospora Parasite: CDC, FDA Trace Outbreak In 5 States To Taco Bell Lettuce Supplier

As part of its 'Know the Signs' campaign, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has released new videos featuring the families and friends of British nationals who died after unknowingly drinking methanol-contaminated alcohol overseas.

The campaign includes first-hand testimonies from survivors and bereaved families to raise awareness of the warning signs and encourage travelers to seek urgent medical help if methanol poisoning is suspected.

"No one expects a holiday to end in tragedy, yet methanol poisoning can have devastating—and sometimes fatal—consequences. The courage of survivors and bereaved families in sharing their experiences will help raise awareness and could save lives," Falconer added.

What Is Methanol?

Methanol is a highly toxic industrial alcohol that can sometimes be present in counterfeit, illegally produced or contaminated alcoholic drinks.

As little as 30 ml—about one shot—can be fatal for an adult, while even smaller amounts can cause permanent blindness, brain damage and other life-threatening complications.

One of the biggest dangers is that there is no reliable way to tell whether alcohol has been contaminated. Symptoms often do not appear until 12 to 24 hours after drinking, delaying life-saving treatment.

Know the Warning Signs

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Early symptoms of methanol poisoning may resemble ordinary alcohol intoxication or a hangover, making it easy to miss.

Warning signs include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe headache
• Blurred or disturbed vision
• Difficulty breathing

Vision problems and breathlessness typically develop 12 to 48 hours after consuming contaminated alcohol.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms after drinking alcohol abroad should seek emergency medical attention immediately, as early treatment can be life-saving.

How to Reduce Your Risk

The UK government advises travellers to:

• Buy alcohol only from reputable bars, restaurants, hotels and licensed retailers.
• Choose sealed bottles or cans whenever possible.
• Avoid homemade, bootleg or street-sold alcohol.
• Do not accept free shots or cocktails from unknown sources.
• Be cautious of unusually cheap or heavily discounted alcoholic drinks claiming to be premium brands.
• Take extra care with spirit-based drinks served as shots, cocktails, buckets or "on the rocks."
• Check the latest travel advice before travelling.

The FCDO has also encouraged British travelers to familiarize themselves with the symptoms before travelling and to consult official travel advice for their destination.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have traced an ongoing Cyclospora outbreak in at least five states to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied to select Taco Bell restaurants.

The agencies have advised consumers: "Do not eat shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia."

The FDA identified Taylor Farms as the supplier of the shredded iceberg lettuce served at the affected Taco Bell locations, where it is linked to illnesses in more than 1,644 people.

Taylor Farms is one of the world's largest producers of fresh salads and ready-to-eat foods, with production facilities across the US, Canada, Mexico, and Western Europe.

The FDA is working with the company to determine whether the contaminated lettuce was distributed to other businesses. Taco Bell has voluntarily removed the affected ingredients from the impacted restaurants.

The Cyclospora outbreak has been reported in more than 30 states. The CDC said this investigation is separate from other Cyclospora outbreaks currently being monitored nationwide.

Also read: H5N1 Bird Flu Reaches New Zealand; 12 Human Infections Reported Worldwide

Michigan Worst Affected

Michigan has reported the highest number of cases, with state officials identifying leafy lettuce as the leading suspected source after interviewing more than 1,000 patients.

As of July 16, the state had reported more than 4,300 cases and at least 100 hospitalizations linked to the outbreak.

More Than 5,100 Cases Under Review

According to the CDC, 1,645 confirmed US cases have been reported since May 1, while more than 5,100 cases are under review to determine whether the infections were acquired domestically.

No deaths have been reported, although officials warned that confirmed case numbers could continue to increase through the end of August.

Taco Bell Responds

Earlier this week, Taco Bell said it has voluntarily and temporarily removed limited fresh ingredients from select restaurants as a precaution.

Notices posted at some Detroit-area Taco Bell restaurants last week informed customers that the chain was temporarily unable to serve lettuce, cilantro, onions, pico de gallo, and guacamole due to a nationwide recall, according to media reports.

The company said it will continue to monitor the situation and follow guidance from public health authorities.

"The health and safety of our guests is our top priority," Taco Bell said in a statement.

How to Reduce Your Risk

Health officials recommend:

• Avoid eating shredded iceberg lettuce from affected Taco Bell locations.
• Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under clean running water, even if they are labeled pre-washed.
• Follow safe food-handling practices.
• Stay updated on food recalls and outbreak alerts.
• Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms develop.

Experts also recommend choosing whole heads of lettuce instead of bagged greens. Remove the outer leaves, wash the inner leaves thoroughly under running water, and cook produce whenever possible, as heat is the most effective way to kill Cyclospora.

Symptoms of Cyclospora Infection

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, a foodborne intestinal illness. People become infected after consuming contaminated food or water.

Symptoms usually begin about one week after exposure, although they can appear anywhere from two days to more than two weeks later. Common symptoms include:

• Prolonged watery diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Stomach cramps
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Fatigue

Without treatment, the illness can last from several days to a month or longer.

The CDC also advises people with persistent diarrheal illness to specifically request testing for Cyclospora, as routine stool tests do not always screen for the parasite.