A Cornell University study found that consumers don't consistently judge wine quality based on color, with hybrid grape wines ranking among the most visually appealing. The research, published in the American Journal of Enology and Viticulture, also showed that taste and aroma are more important factors in overall quality perception.
A national study found that alcohol consumption in the US declined modestly in 2024, with declines seen among younger adults and men. However, drinking rates remained higher than pre-pandemic levels, particularly among older adults. The study suggests that targeted efforts may be needed to address these disparities.
A systematic review and meta-analysis revealed a strong association between alcohol marketing exposure and increased drinking outcomes among youth. The study's findings suggest that reducing alcohol marketing can help mitigate the risk of youth drinking, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address this public health con...
Researchers found a significant increase in binge drinking and heavy drinking among pregnant women in the US between 2011 and 2024. The study highlights the importance of addressing alcohol consumption during pregnancy, particularly among vulnerable populations such as those with tobacco use or mental health concerns.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that parents' socioeconomic status has a greater impact on their child's health than prenatal behaviors such as smoking or alcohol consumption. The study analyzed data from over 230,000 participants and found associations between socioeconomic position and 72 different child health outcomes.
This study found that young, non-Hispanic white women who are physically active and drink heavily are more likely to engage in intentional outdoor tanning. Intentional tanning is associated with increased risk of sunburn and skin cancer, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to reduce this behavior.
A team of food scientists found that non-alcoholic beer can be made safer with moderate carbonation, low pH and hops. The most robust protection came from a combination of these factors, which was able to control the growth of five common foodborne pathogens.
Researchers are developing novel yeast strains and fermentation methods to reduce alcohol in wines while maintaining flavor. The goal is to achieve meaningful reductions in alcohol content, which can impact balance, consumer appeal, and tax classifications.
A new study links even low levels of alcohol consumption to increased risks of death, disability, and chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Drinking up to 7 drinks per week is associated with only minimally elevated risks for most conditions, while 14 drinks per week increases mortality risk by 1 in 25.
A new study has found that standard antibody-based tests can fail to detect all gluten residues in barley beer, leading to concerns about the safety of gluten-free products. Researchers developed a new mass spectrometry method to identify celiac disease-active peptides, which were found in some 'gluten-free' beers.
The study found high-risk associations between alcohol use and all ten cancers examined, with risk increasing progressively as intake rose. Low-to-moderate drinking was associated with lower disease risk for type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, ischemic heart disease, and stroke.
A new survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds significant increases in knowing how a mother's pre-pregnancy health affects her baby, as well as rising awareness of drinking beer or wine during pregnancy being not safe. However, uncertainty persists about other maternal health recommendations.
A new review published in Addiction confirms that drinking causes substantial harm to health, including reversibility through reduced or stopped consumption. The review concludes that the harms of alcohol outweigh any potential benefits, highlighting a major cause of disease and injury.
The 'Ozempic Era' suggests a paradigm shift in understanding obesity, blaming commercial food systems rather than individual failings. Emerging medical data on GLP-1 agonists may drive policy responses to regulate ultra-processed foods.
A study published in New Phytologist has identified a genetic region on the X chromosome that determines the sex of cannabis plants. Researchers also found this same region in hops, suggesting a shared 'sex switch'. This discovery has practical implications for agriculture, particularly for crop yields and plant breeding.
A new study found that updated alcohol warning labels, including those highlighting cancer risk, can better motivate consumers to cut back on drinking. The study used a nationally representative sample of adults and found that the new labels outperformed the current U.S. warning label in encouraging participants to drink less.
A new study published at the Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting found that adolescents with high social media use had triple the odds of recent alcohol use compared to non-users. The study suggests that digital literacy and safe online navigation are crucial in reducing exposure to alcohol-related content.
Researchers found that consumers are willing to pay more for glass wine bottles, with Gen Z willing to spend $35.38. Providing sustainability information about packaging can influence willingness to pay, with a significant discount relative to glass packaging.
A study of 65 brews found that many conventional and nonalcoholic beers provide substantial levels of vitamin B6. Nonalcoholic beers have higher vitamin B6 levels than those made using yeast that produces less ethanol.
Scientists developed a process to transform stillage from bourbon production into electrodes for supercapacitors. The resulting devices stored more energy than commercially available ones, offering a potential solution to stabilize the electrical grid with renewable energy.
A study by University of California, Berkeley biologists found detectable alcohol in at least one flower of 26 of the 29 species of plants tested. Hummingbirds and other animals consume small doses throughout the day without apparent effects, but may metabolize ethanol like mammals do.
A recent UK survey conducted by Anglia Ruskin University found that approximately 2% of adults reported being victims of drink spiking in the previous 12 months, equating to nearly one million people. Women were more likely to experience spiking, and incidents are often linked to sexual assault, physical assault, theft, or 'pranks'.
A study of over 340,000 British adults found that low to moderate wine consumption was associated with a significantly lower risk of death compared to spirits, beer, and cider. Moderate wine drinkers had a 21% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, while even low intake of spirits, beer, or cider was linked to a 9% higher risk.
Public awareness of the link between drinking alcohol and elevated cancer risk has remained unchanged since February 2025, with over half of Americans acknowledging that regular consumption increases cancer risk. The new US dietary guidelines do not mention this link, sparking criticism from health experts.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a high-quality diet, moderate exercise, and low alcohol consumption, was associated with lower cardiometabolic disease risk. The study found that adhering to these healthy behaviors reduced the risk of major cardiometabolic diseases independent of medication use.
Researchers at Kumamoto University have developed a new rum using the rare fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces japonicusponicus, producing fruity esters and complex aromas. The resulting 'JAPONICUS RHUM AGRICOLE' offers layered flavors reminiscent of ripe banana and apple.
A new study based on extensive data from Swedish school surveys found that changes in average cannabis use among adolescents are reflected across the entire group. The distribution of cannabis use has remained highly stable over time, with increases or decreases occurring in parallel across all user groups.
Exposure to alcohol-related social media content is associated with increased desire to drink among young adults, regardless of prior alcohol use. Social media influencers may contribute to normalization of alcohol consumption among this age group.
A study of 382 adolescents aged 15–17 found that zero-alcohol advertisements significantly increased their intentions to try full-strength versions. Teenagers who liked the ads showed more positive attitudes toward the brands and clearer intentions to drink.
A study from Rutgers University suggests that exposure to alcohol in social media drives the desire to drink. Young adults who viewed influencer posts with alcohol were significantly more likely to report increased desire to drink compared to those who watched similar posts without alcohol.
A study found that prenatal alcohol exposure changed aspects of the dopamine system in rhesus monkeys, influencing how quickly they drank alcohol in adulthood. The researchers also discovered individualized neuroadaptive responses to drinking, which may promote the transition to alcohol use disorder.
A survey of 438 adults who used cannabis in the past year found that nearly 56% also drank alcoholic beverages, with users more likely to substitute cannabis for alcohol. Respondents reported consuming fewer alcoholic drinks and binge drinking less frequently after starting cannabis beverages.
A study found that ordering takeaway meals is a popular self-gifting option for both rewarding good days and consoling bad days. The research suggests that this may be due to the convenience of taking away daily cooking duties, while also providing a indulgent treat.
Nolo drinks have potential to improve public health, especially for heavier drinkers and those in lower socioeconomic groups. However, experts warn of risks such as marketing tactics and encroachment on alcohol-free spaces, calling for a precautionary approach to balance benefits and harms.
A large comparative study found that even low daily alcohol intake increases mouth cancer risk by 50% in India, with locally brewed drinks posing the greatest threat. Chewing tobacco use is also a major contributor to this risk, accounting for up to 62% of cases.
Researchers found that alcohol causes DNA damage, which can lead to cancer, and discovered a repair mechanism using the SXE enzyme complex. Individuals with genetic mutations affecting DNA repair may be more susceptible to alcohol-related cancers.
Research from Florida Atlantic University strengthens evidence that alcohol consumption increases cancer risk, particularly for breast, colorectal, and liver cancers. Higher intake and specific groups, such as African Americans and those with obesity or diabetes, are found to be more vulnerable to the risks.
A recent study found that over 70% of pregnant women consume alcohol-free or low-alcohol drinks, primarily for safety reasons. However, many feel there is a need for clearer information and support on the suitability of these alternatives during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Researchers from Kyoto University found that soaking sun-dried raisins in water can create wine. The process facilitates the growth of yeast and results in higher ethanol concentrations.
A study found that many US adults believe alcohol has no effect on cancer risk, despite growing evidence linking alcohol use to an increased risk of various cancers. This persistent misbelief contributes to the rising burden of alcohol-related cancers in the country.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center identified distinct cellular microenvironments in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma tumors, providing a framework to develop therapies that engage the patient's immune system. Additionally, a study found widespread misbeliefs about the cancer risks of alcohol among Americans, highlighting the need f...
A large-scale cohort study found that stopping drinking even at low levels can lead to clinically meaningful reductions in blood pressure. Researchers analyzed data from over 359,000 adults and discovered that quantity of alcohol intake is the primary driver of blood pressure changes.
Researchers found that tolcapone increases behavioral control in individuals with AUD by activating the prefrontal cortex, which is consistent with the drug's effects on dopamine levels. The study suggests a new mechanism for treating AUD beyond current medications that target the brain's reward system.
A large observational study found a U-shaped association between alcohol consumption and dementia risk, with non-drinkers and heavy drinkers at higher risk. Genetic analyses also showed that increased genetic risk for all three exposure levels was associated with an increased risk of dementia.
In the past 5 years, there has been a significant increase in the use of low and alcohol-free drinks among 'risky' UK drinkers to cut down on their alcohol intake. The proportion of those using these alternatives rose from 35% in 2020 to 44% in 2024, particularly among older adults and women.
Recent research published in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry has made four significant discoveries about beer and wine. The studies explore the haziness and gluten content of beer as well as the astringent taste and potential health impacts of wine.
A large-scale U.S-based randomized trial shows that intensive lifestyle changes can significantly improve global cognition in older adults at high risk of cognitive decline. The intervention emphasized regular physical activity, healthy diet, cognitive stimulation, and social engagement, leading to clinically meaningful improvements. T...
ETH Zurich researchers discovered that Belgian ales like Tripel and Dubbel have stable foam due to surface viscoelasticity or Marangoni stresses. The study also found that beer foam stability depends on protein content and structure, with LTP1 playing a key role in stabilizing foam.
A new model suggests that inhibiting the cellular molecule CREB might relieve damage to the pancreas and thwart tumor development in response to alcohol. The study found that knocking out CREB relieved precancerous and cancerous lesions, even with continued alcohol exposure.
A new study has coined the term 'scrumping' to describe great apes' fondness for eating ripe, fermented fruit from the forest floor. The researchers suggest that this behavior may have played a significant role in the evolution of human alcohol tolerance.
A nationwide study found that alcohol withdrawal syndrome significantly increases risks of complications and longer hospital stays after major surgery. Proactive screening and multidisciplinary care can help prevent such complications.
A clinical trial found that women experience stronger subjective effects of acute alcohol intake, such as drunkenness and sedation, compared to men. The study adjusted doses to achieve identical blood alcohol concentrations for both sexes, revealing that women's effects were more intense.
Research by Christian Schubert and Scott Lafontaine reveals rice's brewing benefits, including improved flavor profiles and shorter fermentation times. The study highlights the potential of rice to enhance nonalcoholic beer quality, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional brewing methods.
A new study by psychologists, linguists, and policy experts reveals that policymakers and drinkers have different ways of framing alcohol consumption. The findings suggest that policies must reflect real-life behaviours and motivations to make a meaningful difference.
A new study analyzed trends over time in alcohol-linked cancer mortality across the US, finding nearly double the number of alcohol-related cancer deaths between 1990 and 2021. The burden is highest among men over 55, with liver, colorectal, and esophageal cancers seeing significant increases.
Researchers found PFAS in 95% of tested beers, with highest levels and most diverse mix near the Cape Fear River Basin in North Carolina. The study highlights the need for water treatment upgrades at brewing facilities as regulations on PFAS exposure change.
A portable and highly sensitive ethanol sensor has been developed using a copper-based metal–organic framework thin film, enabling precise optical measurements without complex lab equipment. The sensor can visually detect varying ethanol levels, even at low concentrations, and can be integrated with a smartphone app for easy use.
A new study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism found that weight loss medications liraglutide or semaglutide can cut alcohol intake by nearly two-thirds in just four months. Patients reported a significant reduction in their drinking habits, with some describing the effects as 'effortless'. The study's findings offer promisi...
Researchers found that using rice malt instead of milled rice in beer brewing can decrease production costs by 2-12%. Malted rice also requires less crop-growing acreage, making it a viable alternative for craft brewers. The study suggests that malting could open up new markets for Arkansas rice and ensure its long-run sustainability.
A serial cross-sectional study found that legalization of cannabis edibles and extracts was associated with an increase in edible cannabis use, cannabis smoking, and overall cannabis use among adolescents. The study highlights the need for stricter policy measures to curb adolescents' access to cannabis edibles and extracts.