Articles tagged with Alcoholic Beverages
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A recent study found that people who use cannabis while drinking alcohol may experience fewer negative effects, potentially fueling more drinking. The study examined 6,334 data entries and found that participants perceived fewer negative impacts when using cannabis simultaneously with alcohol.
A survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that over half of Americans believe drinking alcohol increases their chances of developing cancer. The Surgeon General's advisory on alcohol and cancer risk also contributed to increased public awareness, with nearly 3 in 10 respondents saying they would be less likely to accept a dr...
Grocery store sales increase when beer is introduced, with households visiting more frequently and increasing expenditures by 8% per month. Beer-purchasing households also tend to spend more on related categories like snacks, cheese, and soda.
A new study analyzing US data from over 27,500 participants reveals that retirees show more signs of depression than working individuals, with binge drinking exacerbating the issue. Moderate drinking appears to have fewer depressive symptoms compared to abstaining completely.
A new study reveals that more than half of US college students experience alcohol-related harms caused by others. The findings show that students who identified as White, cisfemale, or transgender, and those living with roommates, were at greater risk. Commonly reported harms included social harm, sleep disruptions, and emotional hurt.
Counterfeit spirits cost the EU €3 billion annually, with 25-40% of consumption in some areas. Experts advise monitoring 4 P's: product, price, package, and place of purchase to avoid contaminated alcohol-related deaths. A database is being built to test and compare alcoholic spirits using chemical fingerprints.
Less than half of Americans know that drinking alcohol raises cancer risk, despite the CDC's claim that reducing alcohol intake lowers cancer risk. The Annenberg Public Policy Center survey found that 40% were unaware or misinformed about the link between alcohol consumption and cancer.
A new study found that nearly 160 million Americans have been harmed by someone else's substance use, with 113 million experiencing harm from alcohol use and 46 million from other drugs. The survey also revealed significant overlap between the two groups, highlighting a major public health issue.
Providing nonalcoholic beverages significantly reduces alcohol consumption in individuals with moderate to severe drinking problems, as indicated by AUDIT scores ≤7, 8-11, 12-14, and ≥15. However, this approach is not sufficient for those with more severe cases, highlighting the need for a combination of strategies.
A recent study by Washington State University researchers found that women are more inclined to purchase wine with labels featuring feminine gender cues. The study's lead author noted that winemakers may want to pay attention to the perceptions of this understudied group, which represents 59% of U.S. wine consumers.
A new study by UCL researchers found that 54% of heavier drinkers would make changes to their drinking if calorie labels were introduced. Hazardous drinkers were more likely to choose lower-calorie drinks and consume fewer drinks.
A century-old experiment has pinpointed the genes behind barley's adaptability, enabling its continued survival in rapidly changing environments. Researchers identified key genes that enable flowering at optimal times, allowing crops to thrive despite increased temperatures and droughts.
A UK cohort study reveals that even low-risk alcohol consumption is linked to increased mortality among older adults with health-related or socioeconomic risk factors. The findings suggest that healthier lifestyles may play a role in the observed attenuation of mortality for wine drinkers and those who drink only during meals.
A new analysis by researchers found that studies linking moderate drinking to health benefits suffer from fundamental design flaws. Moderate drinkers were compared with abstainer and occasional drinker groups that included older adults who had quit or cut down on drinking due to health conditions, leading to biased results.
A Virginia Tech researcher has developed a simulation model to examine how public health interventions affect fatalities among teens and young adults. The study found that a single measure is not effective in reducing alcohol-related crashes; instead, a combined strategy with three key tenets is necessary.
A recent statistical analysis published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reveals a significant association between more restrictive alcohol policy environments and lower homicide rates. The study suggests that adopting stricter policies could lead to a reduction in approximately 1200 homicides annually.
A study published in BMC Medicine found that personalized alcohol-reduction advice based on genetic information significantly reduced alcohol consumption among young excessive drinkers. The intervention group showed lower alcohol consumption and AUDIT-C scores compared to the control group, with continued reductions in scores over time.
A Japanese research team analyzed oxygen and nitrogen stable isotope ratios in nitrate to differentiate between sake breweries. The study found a distinct N isotope signature across various types of sake within a single brewery, which could be used as a marker for authentication.
A proposed change in Ontario's alcohol sales policy could lead to higher consumption rates and increased harms. The authors propose policies to mitigate potential harms, including strengthening minimum pricing, mandating warning labels, and increasing access to screening and treatment.
A new study found that shortening overnight operations at bars and taverns reduced homicides by 51% within the first month and by 40% annually. Reducing late-night alcohol sales also decreased all violent crimes by 23% annually in a Baltimore neighborhood.
A large study found that drinking more than one drink per day can increase the risk of coronary heart disease, especially among young to middle-aged women. The risk was highest among those who engaged in binge drinking, with women facing a 68% higher risk compared to moderate drinkers.