Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Can computers write product reviews with a human touch?

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.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalInternational Journal of Research in Marketing·DateApr 29, 2022

With a whiff ‘e-nose’ can sense fine whisky

A new e-nose prototype, NOS.E, can distinguish between six whiskies by brand names, regions, and styles in under four minutes, with 100% accuracy for region detection and 96.15% for brand name identification. The technology has applications beyond whisky, including counterfeiting detection in perfume and wine.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalIEEE Sensors Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2022

Large study challenges the theory that light alcohol consumption benefits heart health

A large study published in JAMA Network Open found no evidence that light alcohol consumption provides heart-related health benefits, instead suggesting lifestyle factors common among moderate drinkers contribute to the observed benefit. The study linked high-risk cardiovascular disease across all levels of alcohol intake.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 25, 2022

More alcohol, less brain: Penn-led study finds an association that begins with an average of just one drink a day

A new study using a dataset of over 36,000 adults found that light-to-moderate alcohol consumption was associated with reductions in overall brain volume. The association grew stronger with increasing levels of alcohol consumption, comparable to aging two and three years, respectively.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 4, 2022

The Lancet Global Health: Industry arguments against alcohol labelling influencing policy discussions at World Trade Organisation, study suggests

A qualitative study found that industry arguments against alcohol health warning labels were cited by World Trade Organization representatives, despite not being explicitly stated as industry demands. This highlights the need for greater transparency and curbing the alcohol industry's influence on global policy implementation.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeCase study·DateFeb 1, 2022

Making apple spirits taste better

Measuring apple liquors' conductivity can provide a more objective assessment of their processing, allowing for better flavor quality. The study found that monitoring conductivity during distillation can identify the best conditions for producing high-quality apple spirits.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Food Science & Technology·DateDec 15, 2021

Live-streaming ads for alcohol, junk food increased during pandemic

A Penn State study found that live-streaming ads for alcohol, energy drinks, and junk food significantly increased during the pandemic, targeting young viewers. The researchers discovered that energy drinks made up nearly 80% of marketing, while ads for restaurants and soda were also prevalent.

SourcePenn State·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 13, 2021

Meta-analysis on the relation between acculturation and alcohol use among immigrant youth

A meta-analysis of 43 studies on acculturation and alcohol use among immigrant youth found a statistically significant relationship among the Latinx population. The researchers discovered that length of residence in the US had the strongest correlation to alcohol use, followed by language proficiency and generational status.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 4, 2021

Alcohol taxes have clear effect on drinking

A new study analyzing over 30 years of research finds that increasing alcohol taxes leads to a significant decrease in drinking rates, affecting both heavy and light drinkers. The study's meta-analysis of 112 studies suggests that tax hikes are an effective deterrent against excessive drinking.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateJan 15, 2009