Caffeine Shapes Brain to Make Us Buzz

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İngilizce Öğren LingoVivo News

Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate, is a widely-consumed substance, with many relying on it to kickstart their day. A recent study by neurologist Nora Volkow and her team at Brookhaven National Laboratory aimed to uncover the neurological changes induced by caffeine, shedding light on the reasons behind its stimulating effects.

Volunteers were given caffeine tablets equivalent to 2 or 3 cups of strong coffee, and their brain activity was observed using a PET scanner. The study revealed that caffeine, like drugs such as cocaine, enhances the natural activity of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. However, unlike addictive drugs, caffeine increases the number of dopamine receptors, contributing to increased alertness without inducing compulsive patterns.

Although caffeine shares a mechanism with addictive substances, Volkow asserts that it is not addictive in the same sense. Moderate caffeine consumption has even been linked to cognitive benefits and a potential protective effect against cognitive decline and Alzheimer's Disease.

Questions

1- What was the primary goal of the study conducted by neurologist Nora Volkow and her team?

2- How does caffeine affect the number of dopamine receptors, as mentioned in the study?

3- What cognitive benefits are associated with moderate caffeine consumption, according to the passage?

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Parts of this lesson are based on: An article Voice of America..