Portuguese scientists from the University of Southern Santa Catarina have discovered how the world’s most popular soda can affect the cognitive abilities of experimental mice, according to the popular science journal Experimental Gerontology.
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Professor Josiane Budni led a group of scientists researching this topic, and for the experiment, a set of mice were grouped according to their age. Classic mazes were used to assess the intelligence of the animals. However, 50% of the mice in the group were given cola instead of water to quench their thirst.
Then the tests were repeated and this process continued for 57 days. After that, the experiment was interrupted and the results were analyzed. Memory and ability to cross the maze appeared to be impaired in cola-drinking mice, this was particularly evident in the two youngest (two and eight months old) groups. In addition to all this, some laboratory mice were euthanized to more clearly study their brain state.
May have the same effects in humans
The autopsy showed that the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus regions of their brains were damaged. It was stated that the prefrontal cortex is responsible for coordinating thoughts and actions, while the hippocampus plays a major role in the preservation of memory and attention. In mice that drank water, however, there was no problem in the functioning of the brain.
Scientists tend to assume that cola affects people in the same devastating way. This is believed only because mice and humans have 50% identical DNA and are mammals.
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