Cocaine Makes You Forget Places and Faces

Scientists from Edinburgh University claimed this week that using cocaine damages a key protein in the brain, leading to long-term memory loss and difficulties in learning, the BBC reported this week. They formed their conclusions after testing genetically modified mice, publishing their findings in medical journal Neuron.

"The protein is important in remembering people, places and things, so cocaine strikes at the kind of learning which would include, for example, studying for examinations," said research author Professor Seth Grant.

"Cocaine damages the brain, there is no doubt about it."

In possibly related news, confused cocaine casualties could be among the 3,000 Brits who this week applied to join MI5, after the British FBI type agency placed adverts seeking wannabe secret agents.

"The first time MI5 advertised in the Guardian it got 14,000 applications," an MI5 'source' told the Independent.

"Thirteen thousand were in need of serious medical help. Open recruiting attracts people who have confused MI5 with the SAS."
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