A Laboratory of the Future Human Experience
Can heavy gaming be considered an addiction?
Some children’s brains could be hard-wired to spend hours playing video games, according to a study which reignites the debate over whether the habit should be considered an addiction. Researchers found that children who spent an excessive amount of time playing the games had an enlarged area of the brain which is the main hub of the reward system.
Foods high in sugar and fat have a similar effect on the brain as alcohol and other drugs of abuse.
Do you think you’re addicted to chocolate? It’s unlikely you cut yourself off from your friends because you’re too embarrassed to scarf down Hershey bar after Hershey bar in front of them.
Continue reading… “Addiction is the same whether it’s drugs or food: Study”
Researchers discovered several small regions in online addicts’ brains shrunk.
There are more internet and gaming addicts in China than in any other country. China also conducts more research on the issue than anyone. Chinese researchers think that excessive gaming and internet use can permanently alter brain function, according to a new study.
Continue reading… “Addictive internet use rewires the brain: study”
Teenagers report overwhelming cravings when deprived of their laptops and cell phones.
Researchers found 79 per cent of students subjected to a complete media blackout for just one day reported adverse reactions ranging from distress to confusion and isolation.
25% to 35% of wounded soldiers are addicted to drugs.
Medical officials estimate that 25% to 35% of about 10,000 ailing soldiers assigned to special wounded-care companies or battalions are addicted or dependent on drugs — particularly prescription narcotic pain relievers, according to an Army inspector general’s report made public Tuesday.
Continue reading… “Up to 35% of Wounded Soldiers in Warrior Units are Addicted to Drugs”
In excess: not so beneficial, but a fun time indeed.
Many studies support the assertion that moderate drinking is beneficial when it comes to cardiovascular health, and for the first time scientists have discovered that a well-known molecule, called Notch, may be behind alcohol’s protective effects. Down the road, this finding could help scientists create a new treatment for heart disease that mimics the beneficial influence of modest alcohol consumption.
Continue reading… “Alcohol’s Benefits to Heart Health”
Gambling addiction can be inherited.
If one of your parents is addicted to gambling the odds are high that you will be as well, research has revealed. An Australian study of twins found that genes play a central role in whether you are unable to stop playing for high stakes.
Continue reading… “Study Reveals Gambling Addiction Can Be Inherited”
People who both smoke and drink might get a greater reward, making it harder for them to quit.
If drinking and smoking seem inextricably linked, perhaps it’s because in the brain’s pleasure center they actually are.
Continue reading… “Drinking and Smoking Linked Making It Harder to Quit”
Coffee drinkers develop a tolerance to the effects of caffeine.
Caffeine addiction is such a downer that regular coffee drinkers may get no real pick-me-up from their morning cup, according to a study by British scientists.
Continue reading… “Caffeine Addicts Get No Real Pick-Me-Up From Their Morning Cup of Coffee”
The smoking toddler video is sparking outrage on the web. When the clip of 2-year-old Sumatran Ardi Rizal puffing away surfaced on YouTube Wednesday, it spread to online social media like, well, fire. (Pics and Video)
Continue reading… “Shocking Video of Smoking Toddler Shows a Disturbing Trend in Indonesia”
Symptoms are similar to drug and alcohol addictions.
American college students are hooked on cellphones, social media and the Internet and showing symptoms similar to drug and alcohol addictions, according to a new study.
Continue reading… “Study: U.S. College Students Suffering From Internet Addiction”
