Inflammation and loss of brain cells. It sounds bad enough to make us think of neurodegenerative processes like Alzheimer Disease. But it is actually what happens after a night out with friends where binge drinking is involved.

The consequences are especially severe in adolescents, since their brain is still developing and could be permanently damaged by alcohol.

A new drug, named ethane-beta-sultam, was developed over 10 years by Italian, British and Belgian scientists and is now being tested. It is able to counteract the effects of "hangover", restoring the natural balance otherwise disturbed by what is described as "consuming five or more alcoholic drinks one after the other over a four to six-hour period".

The compound seems to be so effective that it will be further developed to be used in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases - real one, this time.