Articles tagged with Alcoholic Beverages
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.
A study of 123 adults found that providing nonalcoholic beverages significantly lowers alcohol consumption, with no significant gender differences in the rate of decline. Men reduced the quantity consumed per session, while women decreased their drinking frequency.
A study by researchers at the University of Cambridge found that removing the largest individual serving size of wine from menus in 21 English licensed premises decreased total wine sales by 7.6%. Despite this, daily revenue remained unchanged, suggesting an increase in profit margins for smaller glasses of wine.
A new study identified 60 alcohol-associated circulating metabolites that appear to produce counteractive effects on the risk of heart disease. The findings suggest that moderate alcohol consumption may trigger changes in metabolomic profiles, yielding both beneficial and harmful outcomes.
Researchers have developed a sustainable solution using winery waste as a natural colouring agent and bioactive component in gelatine-based sweets. The use of wine lees improves the texture and flavour profile of jellies, while also providing added health benefits.
A randomized controlled trial found that nonalcoholic beverages significantly reduced alcohol consumption in adults, with the reduction persisting after 8 weeks. The study suggests that these beverages may replace alcoholic drinks in consumption.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that heavy alcohol consumption is associated with higher levels of ectopic fat, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The research team used CT scans to measure and analyze data on body fat distribution, revealing a J-shaped pattern between alcoho...
A new study found that drinking alcohol increases the likelihood of interacting with attractive people, but doesn't change how others are perceived. When intoxicated, men were 1.71 times more likely to choose one of their top-four attractive candidates to interact with in the future.
A study published in The Journal of Rural Health found that rural US youth who engage in heavy drinking are more likely to carry a handgun, with a 43% increased risk. The study suggests that evidence-based prevention programs can address both behaviors and potentially lower firearm-related harm among adolescents.
A smartphone intervention app reduced unhealthy alcohol use among university students, with a 10% decrease in weekly drinks and 11% fewer heavy drinking days. The app, available for both Apple and Android smartphones, was effective in promoting healthier drinking habits without requiring significant resources.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that drinking alcohol after a breast cancer diagnosis does not impact a patient's prognosis. The research used data from over 4,500 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and tracked their lifestyle changes and outcomes over 11 years.
Researchers found that daily consumption of dealcoholized muscadine wine for six weeks improved skin elasticity and barrier function, while reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Although wrinkles were not significantly affected, participants showed significant improvements in skin smoothness.
Researchers from Spain used high-power ultrasound technology to treat Monastrell grapes, resulting in improved color and sensory profile of the rosé. The study found that sonication enhanced the extraction of volatile compounds, such as terpenes, which improve aroma.
A large study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has found that moderate to light alcohol consumption does not protect against obesity and type 2 diabetes. The research, which analyzed data from over 408,000 participants, confirmed that heavy drinking increases measures of obesity and risk of type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found that larger champagne bottles retain gas substantially better, with 3-liter bottles lasting up to 132 years. The study estimated a shelf life of 40 years for standard 750-milliliter bottles and developed a formula to calculate a bottle's shelf life based on its size.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that women who turned 35 in recent years and those without children are most at risk of excessive alcohol consumption. The study's findings highlight the need to address unhealthy drinking habits among middle-aged women, particularly those without children.
A study by Scripps Research and University of Bologna found that excessive alcohol consumption accelerates cognitive decline in genetically susceptible mice. Gene expression analysis revealed widespread changes indicative of disease progression, including increased neuronal excitability and neurodegeneration.
A Washington State University-led study found that adding too much water to whisky (about 20%) can change its smell and taste, making them indistinguishable from each other. The researchers also discovered that different types of whiskies respond differently to dilution.
Researchers develop self-propelled 'BeerBots' that ferment sugar faster than traditional yeast cells, reducing fermentation time and making separation of yeast from beer easier. The BeerBots were found to be active for up to three more brewing cycles after the initial fermentation process.
A new study published in The Lancet finds that minimum unit pricing for alcohol is associated with a 13% decrease in deaths from alcohol consumption in Scotland. The policy has also led to significant reductions in alcohol-specific hospitalisations and long-term conditions, such as alcoholic liver disease and alcohol dependence syndrome.
Researchers identified a new class of sulfur-containing compounds, thiophenols, contributing to smoke taint in wine. Thiophenols were found in wines exposed to smoke and not in control samples.
Research at Texas A&M University reveals that a father's alcohol consumption before conception can lead to FAS-related craniofacial differences in offspring. The study challenges the existing dogma that only maternal alcohol exposure causes fetal growth defects.
Researchers find that beer flavor compounds change over time, regardless of packaging. Amber ale packaged in bottles showed greater variation during aging than cans, but IPA was more resistant due to its higher polyphenol content.
A new study uses DNA-based identification to determine the identity of larvae found in 21 commercially available mezcals. The results suggest a single moth species, Comadia redtenbacheri, is being consumed, contrary to historical estimates of 63 species.
Researchers used high-resolution microscopy to study the formation of ouzo droplets, finding a unique internal structure with concentrated anise extract at the edge and water/ethanol in the center. This discovery could help create highly stable emulsions in cosmetics and paints.
A hormone called FGF21 protects mice from ethanol-induced loss of balance and righting reflex by activating a specific part of the brain that controls alertness. The study reveals that higher FGF21 concentrations can dramatically accelerate recovery from intoxication.
A new study suggests that even moderate amounts of alcohol can accelerate brain atrophy and increase amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that chronic drinking altered healthy brain function and behavior, potentially setting the stage for increased plaque proliferation.
A Finnish study found that lowering alcohol prices led to a short-term increase in abortions and adverse birth outcomes, particularly among low-income women. Both factors returned to normal levels after several months. The research suggests that cheaper alcohol may lead to increased drinking and prenatal exposure to alcohol.
A new report from Boston University School of Public Health finds that alcohol causes 1 in 20 deaths in Massachusetts, with a toll of 2,760 fatalities per year. The state's lax alcohol policies and low taxes contribute to the problem.
A study by the University of Reading found that up to 20-25% of UK land may be suitable for growing high-quality Chardonnay still wines by 2050. The regions with the best conditions are expected to be South East England, East of England, and Central England.
A study found online alcohol retailers in NZ under-provide mandatory health information and warnings, while UK retailers do better despite not being required to. This lack of visibility impacts consumers' ability to make informed purchase decisions.
The UC San Diego TREDS program aims to educate drivers and pedestrians about road safety with a new self-paced online program targeting underage drivers. The initiative seeks to reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths, particularly among teens aged 15-20 who are at higher crash rates.
A recent study found no association between women's caffeine consumption and pregnancy or live birth rate after fertility treatments. However, moderate alcohol consumption (84g/week) was associated with decreased pregnancy and live birth rates in both men and women undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment.
Researchers have identified a single mutation in the MDS3 gene that improves yeast's tolerance to carbon dioxide pressure, resulting in full-flavored beer. This breakthrough could lead to improved quality beer production worldwide.
A recent study found that former smokers who stick to a healthy lifestyle have a lower risk of dying from all causes, including cancer and heart and lung diseases. The study analyzed data from over 159,000 former smokers and found that maintaining a healthy lifestyle was associated with a 27% reduction in the risk of death.
A genetically modified yeast strain can alter fermentation to create beers with intense tropical flavors and aromas. The strains increase the amounts of free thiols, which provide aromatic compounds found in hops.
Past-year marijuana use reached its highest level since 1988, with past-month use also increasing. Hallucinogen use surged to an all-time high, while nicotine vaping prevalence nearly tripled among young adults in 2021.
A new Oregon State University study found significant differences in hop aroma profiles between Oregon and Washington-grown hops, affecting beer flavor. The research suggests that regional identity, similar to terroir in wine, can be attributed to specific growing environments.
Young people face higher health risks from alcohol consumption, while older adults without underlying conditions may benefit from small amounts. The study recommends age and region-based guidelines to minimize risks and maximize potential benefits.
A study of almost 21,000 people found that moderate drinking is associated with higher iron levels in the brain and poorer cognitive function. Iron accumulation is a potential mechanism for alcohol-related cognitive decline, which can lead to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Researchers found alcohol alters synchronized brain activity in the amygdala of mice, differing by sex. The study suggests that alcohol can trigger changes in anxious behavior by affecting the amygdala's activity states.
A UK study of nearly 400,000 adults found that being overweight or obese amplifies the harmful effects of alcohol on cancer risk. Higher obesity levels are associated with a greater risk of developing both obesity-related and alcohol-related cancers, regardless of alcohol consumption.
Researchers from Dartmouth College used artificial intelligence to draft wine and beer reviews, finding agreement between human and machine-generated reviews. The team also developed a system to write review syntheses, aggregating elements from existing reviews to provide limited but relevant information about products.