Today's slackering led me to explore some of the science blog postings on the internet. So, this is a few of the interesting things to be learned from them.
Firstly, this article states that mice are less likely to administer cocaine if they get aerobic exercise. I guess New Jack City rehab works.
Some gender differences in cocaine taking habits have been explored and presented recently. Rats don't have societal pressure on females to cultivate a negative body image, but the females still choose cocaine over sweets. The reason for this is not yet known, but if these findings extend to humans, there might be a genetic reason why women check into rehab more often and relapse sooner than men.
More good news for addicts considering rehab: scientists have tested a vaccine on mice that would prevent the user from feeling the high, helping them kick the habit. The vaccine is a cold virus "infused" with cocaine molecules. When injected into a mouse it taught the immune system to recognize cocaine as an intruder and attack, destroying the molecules before the mouse could feel high.
To actually go to rehab, though, one must be addicted first. In the US or Europe, you'd have to ask your friends or find a shadier neighborhood, but there is a solution south of the border.
Some people can ditch the street corners and shady car deals to visit a bar and get their fix straight from the source, at a cocaine bar in Bolivia. The bar serves regular (cut) and strong (more pure) cocaine. Although illegal, it still operates for stretches of time. Location changes as locals get more distressed about its existence and drive out the dealers. The local authorities are bought off to keep the bar open, with a nightclub close by for foreigners to spend their high in a familiar, high-energy environment. You can read the full story here.
No comments:
Post a Comment