Those who drink to drown their sorrows, thinking alcohol makes the brain and memory go fuzzy, are having a wrong notion.

A new study has revealed that while low levels of alcohol promote neutral memories and moderate amounts boost one?s ability to remember, heavy drinking induces negative memories. ?Moderate levels of alcohol challenge the brain and it responds by improving memory. It is like the best way to build strength in a muscle is to challenge the muscle,? The Daily Telegraph reported yesterday, quoting lead researcher Professor Matthew During of University of Auckland as saying.

?Contrary to popular belief, we also found that excessive levels of alcohol enhanced memories of highly emotional stimuli. Our work suggests that heavy drinking actually reinforces negative memories,? he said.

The scientists came to the conclusion after studying the effects on memory of moderate levels of alcohol consumption, equivalent to a glass or two of wine every day.