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Ancient brew masters tapped antibiotic secrets

Researchers have found evidence that ancient Nubians regularly consumed tetracycline, a powerful antibiotic, most likely through their beer. This discovery suggests that the art of making antibiotics was common practice nearly 2,000 years ago and challenges traditional views on the origins of modern medicine.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateSep 2, 2010

How strong is your booze?

A new portable device can determine the strength of alcoholic drinks rapidly and easily, using a simple infrared sensor. The technique has been shown to be just as accurate as traditional lab-based methods and can be used in developing countries.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalChemistry Central Journal·DateMar 22, 2010

Alcohol in moderation is good for sick hearts too

A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that moderate alcohol consumption significantly reduces the risk of death from any cause in people who have previously suffered from ischemic vascular disease. The study analyzed data from over 16,000 patients and found a 20% risk reduction, comparable ...

SourceCatholic University - Campobasso·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 22, 2010

Research reveals link between beer and bone health

A study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture reveals that beer is a significant source of dietary silicon, a key ingredient for increasing bone mineral density. The researchers found that beers containing high levels of malted barley and hops are richest in silicon.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateFeb 8, 2010

Is my robot happy to see me?

A study at Georgia Tech found that older adults have difficulty recognizing emotions on robots, particularly happiness and disgust. Despite this, they excel at reading sadness. The researchers suggest that the robot's facial features may not be exaggerated enough to overcome age-related recognition challenges.

Owning alcohol-branded merchandise associated with teen drinking behaviors

A Dartmouth-led study of young U.S. teens found that owning alcohol-branded merchandise is associated with an increased risk of transitioning from susceptibility to binge drinking. The study also discovered that teens who own these items are more likely to develop positive attitudes towards drinking and initiate alcohol use.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMar 3, 2009

Raising alcohol taxes reduces deaths

A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that raising alcohol taxes immediately reduces the number of deaths from alcohol-related diseases. The study shows that two to four times more lives can be saved through tax increases compared to other prevention efforts.

SourceBurness·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 13, 2008

US Hispanics prefer beer

A new study has found that US Hispanics, belonging to four national groups, prefer beer as their beverage of choice. The study, published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, revealed that beer was the preferred beverage among all Hispanic respondents, with variations in preference across ethnic subgroups.

Animated beer smooth to pour

Researchers have developed a new software that allows for super-realistic animation of beers pouring. The technology uses smoothed particle hydrodynamics to create more efficient and realistic animations, making it accessible to smaller film production houses.

'Drinking beer in a blissful mood'

Researchers from University of California at Santa Barbara explore traditional methods for making maize beer, barley and emmer wheat beer, and other ancient beverages. They find that operational chains of food and beverage production offered challenges and opportunities to sponsors, shaping feasting strategies.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateApr 6, 2005

Wine keeps women's hearts beating healthily

A Swedish study of 102 postmenopausal women found that moderate wine consumption was associated with increased heart rate variability, a marker of good cardiovascular health. The researchers suggest that the favourable effects on heart rate variability may be one reason why wine protects against coronary heart disease.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalHeart·DateFeb 14, 2005

Tiny plant a model for commercially important trees

Researchers at Virginia Tech have identified key genes that regulate wood development using the small plant Arabidopsis. By analyzing the expression of over 25,000 genes, they were able to narrow down the number of potential wood formation genes to less than 500, with a focus on transcription factors.

Girls more likely than boys to be overexposed to alcohol ads in magazines

A study found that adolescent girls were overexposed to alcohol advertisements in magazines, with 45% more beer and ale ads, 12% more distilled spirits ads, and 65% more low-alcohol refreshers (LARs) ads compared to their male counterparts. The researchers called for further action due to the failure of industry self-regulation.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJul 5, 2004

Nonalcoholic beverages may impart cardiovascular benefits without the negative effects of alcohol

Researchers have discovered that nonalcoholic beer can impart cardiovascular benefits without the negative effects of alcohol. The study found that nonalcoholic beer reduced platelet activation and blood coagulation just as well as alcoholic beverages, which may help prevent conditions such as coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis.

New study ties moderate beer drinking to lower heart attack risk

A new study found that moderate beer drinking is associated with lower heart attack risk, as shown by decreased cholesterol levels, increased antioxidants, and reduced fibrinogen levels. The study also discovered structural changes in fibrinogen caused by beer consumption, which may serve as a new diagnostic indicator for heart attack ...

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 30, 2002

Arabidopsis study to help understand wood formation

A three-year study using Arabidopsis thaliana aims to define the roles of protein-degrading enzymes important to wood formation. The researchers hope to identify genes that regulate this process, which could have significant implications for forest product development and our understanding of plant development.

Astronomers discover gold in ancient star

Scientists have discovered gold in an ancient star located 2,500 light years from Earth, providing significant insights into the formation of elements and the age of the Milky Way galaxy. The discovery was made using the Hubble Space Telescope and Keck Telescope, revealing the presence of other elements including thorium and uranium.