The Combined Effects of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Use on the Brain: Are Co-Use and Tri-Use More Damaging than Alcohol Use Alone?

Alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis are three commonly used drugs, and they may be used independent of one another, in a combination of the two, or all three may even be used by an individual. Use, co-use, and tri-use are terms that can be used to describe these conditions. Previous research has found evidence that when…

Altering Sharp Wave Ripples Leads to Improved Memory

Recent research has increased our understanding of the mechanics of memory and how the brain can improve memory when needed. The focus of the research was based around sharp wave ripples (SPW-Rs). These ripples can be thought of as waves that activate pathways that store and later form memories. SPW-Rs are found in the region…

The Connection Between GABA and Parkinson’s Disease

To understand Parkinson’s Disease, it is important to understand the brain and its function related to the disease. Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive disease of the Central Nervous System, progressive meaning that symptoms, such as slowness of movement (bradykinesia), stiffness and tremors, and more will progress and worsen overtime. When dopamine producing neurons in a…

Marijuana Use and the Teen Brain

It is a common assumption to believe that marijuana is a relatively safe recreational drug. With its many benefits for people with several disorders and its impressively low lethal dose, it has become a popular drug of choice for teenagers and young adults. Marijuana, however, does not affect young brains in the same way it…