So because memory recall for some strange reason regenerates hippocampile lability (ie it requires protein synthesis in the hippocampus, which is really weird because consolidated memories aren't hippocampus-dependent and are stored elsewhere in the brain), you can do some funny things.
Imagine the scenario: you have a test coming up on Monday. One week before, you study really hard. Between Monday and Friday the memory begins to consolidate. You decide on Friday that you worked hard enough on Monday, so you just review the material briefly in the afternoon. That night you go to a party and get really drunk.
The interesting thing is that if you do this, you're liable to lose your entire memory of everything you studied, not just your review of it but the original memory as well. This is because when you recall the memory on Friday, you make it labile again. Alcohol is known to mess with forming memories in the hippocampus, so it can mess with reconsolidation of pre-formed memories. Essentially, if all you did was study on Monday and then got drunk Friday, you'd be better off than if you attempted to be somewhat responsible by reviewing before partying.
Wholesome message of the day: get drunk now, review later.
Or, my preferred and personal message: just don't get drunk.
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Humans/primates have been linked to alcohol since we dwelled exclusively in trees and obtained a taste for the fermented berries and fruits found therein. All the major ag. crops worldwide can be fermented into alcoholic beverages.
interesting. perhaps we have always had an affinity for forgetting things as well.
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