Scientists developed a new drug to cure diseases

               Scientists claim to have discovered a drug that reduces the harmful effects of binge drinking.

               The compound reduces the loss of brain cells and the inflammation that results from bouts of heavy drinking.

               In the long term heavy drinking can cause damage to the brain, triggering symptoms like poor memory.

                The team of scientists at the University of Huddersfield believe the drug could also be used to treat Alzheimer's and other diseases that damage the brain.

                Health experts define binge drinking as consuming double the recommended amount of alcohol in one session.

                It is recommended men should drink no more than three to four units a day - the equivalent of a pint and a half of four per cent beer.

                 And for women the limit is two to three units - the same as a 175ml glass of wine.

                 That means a woman who drinks two large glasses of wine - six units of alcohol - within an hour, is defined as a binge drinker.

                  Exploring ways of lessening the harmful affects of excessive drinking, the scientists focused on the effects of a compound, ethane-beta-sultam.

                   They gave the chemical to rats who had been put on a binge drinking regime.The team noted a reduction in the loss of brain cells and inflammation in those rodents that received doses of ethane-beta-sultam. 

                    It is widely recognised heavy drinking on a regular basis can cause long-term damage. The harmful effects are particularly pronounced in teenagers, whose brains are still developing. 

                    The study found the effects of binge drinking was reduced if rats given the drug.The drug is a taurine 'pro-drug' – a type of medication that easily enters the blood stream before it is processed by the body.