http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/beer_and_wine/ The science of wine, beer and whisky. Learn health benefits of wine drinking, then read about cheese and wine combinations and more. en-us Fri, 16 May 2008 14:05:01 EDT Fri, 16 May 2008 14:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/beer_and_wine/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080426083332.htm Mitochondria, the fuel of a cell, has been found to be the "driver" for cell division, according to biochemists. This discovery could play a big role in finding cures for many human diseases, they say. The biochemists studied yeast cells and found that mitochondria, which generates 90 percent of the cell's energy, can be the deciding factor -- the "brain power" -- behind how fast cells divide. Sun, 27 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080426083332.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080420112351.htm Scientists are embarking on a study to index the useful genetic variation of more than 2,000 accessions in the Agricultural Research Service, USDA, grape germplasm collection. Sun, 20 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080420112351.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080402212428.htm Red wine has been shown to protect people from heart disease, even when they follow a diet high in saturated fat, and the healing powers of tea are becoming the stuff of legend. Now, researchers have shown that these beverages may hold promise for regulating the blood sugar of people with type 2 diabetes. Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080402212428.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080325125937.htm Researchers have shown for the first time that a natural antioxidant found in grape skins and red wine can help destroy pancreatic cancer cells by reaching to the cell's core energy source, or mitochondria, and crippling its function. Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080325125937.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080318094514.htm A compound present naturally in grape skin,resveratrol, can protect against the cellular damage to blood vessels caused by high production of glucose in diabetes, according to an article in the science journal "Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism." Resveratrol stops the damage by helping cells make protective enzymes to prevent the leakage of electrons and the production of toxic 'free radicals'. Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080318094514.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080312125606.htm Previous scientific research findings have helped to warn consumers that the pH (potential of hydrogen) levels in beverages such as soda could lead to tooth erosion, the breakdown of tooth structure caused by the effect of acid on the teeth that leads to decay. However, the pH level of soft drinks isn't the only factor that causes dental erosion. A beverage's "buffering capacity," or the ability to neutralize acid, plays a significant role in the cause of dental erosion. Popular energy drinks also cause tooth erosion. Sun, 16 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080312125606.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080212174615.htm One drink of either red wine or alcohol slightly benefits the heart and blood vessels, but the positive effects on specific biological markers disappear with two drinks, say researchers. Researchers conducted a real-time study of thirteen volunteers to determine whether a red wine with a verified high polyphenol content differs from alcohol in its effects on specific markers associated with a greater risk of high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and heart failure. Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080212174615.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080126101053.htm In what will be music to the ears of marketers, the old adage that you get what you pay for really is true when it comes to that most ephemeral of products: bottled wine. If a person is told he or she is tasting two different wines -- and that one costs $5 and the other $45 when they are, in fact, the same wine -- the part of the brain that experiences pleasure will become more active when the drinker thinks he or she is enjoying the more expensive vintage. Thu, 31 Jan 2008 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080126101053.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080108083001.htm People who adopt four healthy behaviors -- not smoking; taking exercise; moderate alcohol intake; and eating five servings of fruit and vegetables a day -- live on average an additional 14 years of life compared with people who adopt none of these behaviors, according to a new study. Wed, 09 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080108083001.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080102122256.htm A class of chemicals in red wine grapes may significantly reduce the ability of bacteria to cause cavities, according to a new study. The findings suggest that specific polyphenols, present in large amounts in fermented seeds and skins cast away after grapes are pressed, interfere with the ability of bacteria to contribute to tooth decay. Tue, 08 Jan 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080102122256.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080102083757.htm Just as additives help gasoline burn cleaner, a research report shows that the food industry could take a similar approach toward reducing health risks associated with fatty foods. These "meal additives" would be based on work of researchers who discovered that consuming polyphenols (natural compounds in red wine, fruits, and vegetables) simultaneously with high-fat foods may reduce health risks associated with these foods. Sun, 06 Jan 2008 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080102083757.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071219082611.htm Viticulture, the growing of grapes to make wine, is an ancient form of agriculture. We have a detailed understanding of how nurture affects the qualities of a grape harvest. Now a high quality draft genome sequence of a pinot noir grape complements that knowledge. Tue, 25 Dec 2007 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071219082611.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071205140118.htm The belief among some archaeologists that Europeans introduced alcohol to the Indians of the American Southwest may be faulty. Ancient and modern pot shards collected by a New Mexico state archaeologist open the possibility that food or beverages made from fermenting corn were consumed by native inhabitants centuries before the Spanish arrived. Thu, 06 Dec 2007 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071205140118.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071130154659.htm Scientists have identified the major gene responsible for boron toxicity tolerance in barley, allowing breeders to select with 100% accuracy barley varieties that are tolerant to boron. Bot1 helps barley plants survive in soils containing high amounts of boron, common to much of Southern Australia, Asia and Africa. Tue, 04 Dec 2007 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071130154659.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071121085719.htm Whether you prefer a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Pinot Noir grape variety, two new research articles offer a host of new genetic information on fruit ripening for this economically important fruit crop. Tue, 27 Nov 2007 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071121085719.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071114130444.htm Low doses of freeze-dried grape powder inhibit genes linked to the development of sporadic colorectal cancer, researchers found. The study suggests that a diet rich in grapes may help prevent the third most common form of cancer, one that kills more than a half a million people worldwide each year. Thu, 15 Nov 2007 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071114130444.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071105095107.htm Scientists are reporting new insights into why diets rich in fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of obesity. Their study focuses on healthful natural antioxidant compounds called flavonoids and phenolic acids. Researchers point out that large amounts of those compounds occur in fruits, vegetables, nuts and plant-based beverages such as coffee, tea, and wine. Thu, 08 Nov 2007 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071105095107.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071030082146.htm The next cancer drug might come from the grocery store. In a new study, scientists describe how high and low doses of polyphenols have different effects. Most notably, they found that very high doses of polyphenols shut down and prevent tumors by stopping the formation of new blood vessels needed for growth. Polyphenols are found in red wine, fruits, vegetables and green tea. Thu, 01 Nov 2007 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071030082146.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071017102057.htm Honey is enjoying a resurgence as a wound-healing solution amid rising concerns about antibiotic resistance and a renewed interest in natural healing. Researchers started to document its success in the early 20th century but the introduction of antibiotics temporary halted its use. Fri, 19 Oct 2007 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071017102057.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071011205352.htm For the first time, scientists proved that plant substances such as those found in red wine, soy, or green tea can accelerate or retard vital processes in cells. These molecules bind to the protein actin which is implicated in cell movement and cell division. Mon, 15 Oct 2007 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071011205352.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071011090436.htm Red wine is known to have multiple health benefits. Red wine may also protect humans from common food-borne diseases. They found that red wines – Cabernet, Zinfandel and Merlot in particular – have anti-microbial properties that defend against food-borne pathogens and don’t harm naturally useful bacteria like probiotic bacteria. Sat, 13 Oct 2007 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071011090436.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071002131152.htm Even relatively low doses of resveratrol -- a chemical found in the skins of red grapes and in red wine -- can improve the sensitivity of mice to the hormone insulin, according to a new report. As insulin resistance is often characterized as the most critical factor contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes, the findings "provide a potential new therapeutic approach for preventing or treating" both conditions, the researchers said. Thu, 04 Oct 2007 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071002131152.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070914105954.htm The key to finding new mineral deposits could be to start looking with a glass of wine or a soft drink. In a surprising piece of spare-time research, scientists has found that chemical ingredients in these drinks have the ability to dissolve weakly-bound metals into solution. Mon, 17 Sep 2007 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070914105954.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070908001613.htm When it comes to boosting antioxidant intake, recent research indicates there's little benefit from taking diet supplements. A better way, according to a report in the September issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter, is eating a diet rich in antioxidant-containing foods. Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, carotene, lycopene, lutein and many other substances may play a role in helping to prevent diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease and macular degeneration. Thu, 13 Sep 2007 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070908001613.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070912130731.htm Different zests for beer might reveal more about alcohol's effect on the brain reward system than inherent differences in taste sensitivity, according to new research. In a study using mice scientists are attempting to map genes responsible for differences in beer consumption. Regardless of taste receptors, many strains of mice voluntarily consumed enough alcohol to become alcohol-dependent, according to researchers. Thu, 13 Sep 2007 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070912130731.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070831143158.htm Beer is the beverage of choice for most adult binge drinkers, according to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The beverage preferences of excessive drinkers are important to public health because binge drinking is a common problem in the United States and because binge drinkers -- and those around them -- are especially vulnerable to alcohol-related problems, said one of the researchers. Wed, 05 Sep 2007 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070831143158.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070831131320.htm Consuming a red wine compound called resveratrol may reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer, report researchers. Male transgenic mice fed resveratrol showed an 87 percent reduction in their prostate tumor risk after 7 months of observation. Besides red wine, other sources of resveratrol include grapes, raspberries, peanuts and blueberries. Sat, 01 Sep 2007 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070831131320.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070824204056.htm Cars in the future could be running on fuel made from the by-products of brewing and distilling thanks to a new research project. Researchers will investigate turning residues from beer and whisky processes into biofuel. The year long project will look at new methods of turning spent grain into bioethanol, a more environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. The main advantages of this bioethanol over traditional fuels are that it is carbon dioxide neutral, it produces 65% less greenhouse gas emissions and because it burns at a higher temperature it is better for fire safety. Wed, 29 Aug 2007 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070824204056.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070806104111.htm Faux wine labels suggesting a wine was from either California or from North Dakota had a surprising impact far beyond the taste of the wine. A study showed that restaurant diners drinking what they thought was California wine rated the wine and food as tasting better, and ate 11 percent more of their food. They were also more likely to make return reservations. Sat, 11 Aug 2007 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070806104111.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070803091010.htm Researchers have developed innovative fluid special effects software that can pour a most realistic-looking stein of beer. Fluids researchers say the physics of bubble creation in carbonated drinks like beer is complex. "As you pour beer into a glass, you see bubbles appearing on what are called nucleation sites, where the glass isn't quite smooth," the developer said. Mon, 06 Aug 2007 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070803091010.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070803141608.htm Many of us look forward to a cold beer at the end of a hot summer day, but physicist John Page can bring beer in to work. For him, the bubbly beverage is a perfect medium for demonstrating a scientific technique pioneered by his group. John Page is a leading expert on the use of multiply scattered acoustic waves to study changes in physical systems and the movement of particles through a medium -- in this case, bubbles in a glass of beer. Sat, 04 Aug 2007 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070803141608.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070730092559.htm A recent study suggests that blue corn tortillas are healthier than white, especially for diabetics and dieters. Scientists found that tortillas made from blue corn had less starch and a lower glycemic index than their white counterparts. They also found that the blue tortillas had 20 percent more protein than white. Wed, 01 Aug 2007 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070730092559.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070628071601.htm An acoustic technology developed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory eliminates the need for laborious and costly sampling of slurries in large containers. Fermentation-based industries, such as beer and pharmaceuticals, could benefit from the technology's noninvasive, continuous and objective "listening" technique in tracking microbial growth through the different process phases. The lab's patented technique is novel in its fusion of information extracted from both acoustic backscatter and transit measurements, including velocity, amplitude and frequency data. Thu, 05 Jul 2007 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070628071601.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070628062844.htm It used to be that tracking the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa--one of the most serious threats to the California wine industry--was as challenging as teasing out the fine, commingling aromas of a complex Bordeaux. Now, scientists with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Beltsville, Md., have developed a method for quickly confirming whether an insect or plant harbors the destructive, disease-causing bacterium. Sat, 30 Jun 2007 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070628062844.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070626115338.htm A search for the molecular clues of longevity has taken Mayo Clinic researchers down another path that could explain why some people who consume excessive calories don't gain weight. The study, which was done in laboratory mouse models, points to the absence of a gene called CD38. When absent, the gene prevented mice on high-fat diets from gaining weight, but when present, the mice became obese. Wed, 27 Jun 2007 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070626115338.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070625093118.htm Both red and white wine may have previously unknown health benefits at the very start of the journey described in that classic childhood food rhyme, "Through the lips and round the gums, look out stomach here it comes." The study showed that red and white wine were effective in controlling the growth of several strains of streptococci bacteria that are involved in tooth decay, and some cases of sore throat. Mon, 25 Jun 2007 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070625093118.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070525215203.htm Researchers have found that men who drink an average of four to seven glasses of red wine per week are only 52% as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer as those who do not drink red wine. In addition, red wine appears particularly protective against advanced or aggressive cancers. Sat, 26 May 2007 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070525215203.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070523153047.htm Women who regularly enjoy an alcoholic drink or two have a significantly lower risk of having a non-fatal heart attack than women who are life-time abstainers, epidemiologists have shown. Moderation is the key, however. Fri, 25 May 2007 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070523153047.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070521162201.htm In people with mild cognitive impairment, up to one drink of alcohol a day may slow their progression to dementia, according to a recent article. Mild cognitive impairment is a transitional stage between normal aging and dementia that is used to classify people with mild memory or cognitive problems and no significant disability. Tue, 22 May 2007 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070521162201.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070504140104.htm Scientists have revealed the mechanisms by which a natural compound destroys blood cancer cells. Tue, 08 May 2007 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070504140104.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070503125741.htm Imagine taking a vitamin for longevity! Not yet, but a new discovery that a cousin of niacin prolongs lifespan in yeast brings the tantalizing possibility a step closer. The research shows how a new vitamin extends lifespan in yeast cells, much like calorie restriction does in animals. It could pave the way for developing supplements to benefit humans. Fri, 04 May 2007 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070503125741.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070502161338.htm A new project to turn beer wastewater into electricity has won $140,000 from the Queensland Government's Sustainable Energy Innovation Fund in Australia. Thu, 03 May 2007 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070502161338.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070427123430.htm Researchers are adding to the list of cancer types for which pomegranates seem to halt growth. A recent study using a mouse model shows that consuming pomegranates could potentially help reduce the growth and spread of lung cancer cells or even prevent lung cancer from developing. Sat, 28 Apr 2007 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070427123430.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070423114236.htm A naturally occurring compound found in many fruits and vegetables as well as red wine, selectively kills leukemia cells in culture while showing no discernible toxicity against healthy cells, according to a study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Tue, 24 Apr 2007 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070423114236.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070419095607.htm Red wine is being widely touted for its health benefits, but not all red wines may act the same according to researchers at the University of Hertfordshire. Fri, 20 Apr 2007 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070419095607.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070326095835.htm Ladybugs produce a foul-smelling liquid that can be inadvertently processed along with grapes and taint the aroma and flavor of wine. Researchers at Iowa State University say they have identified several compounds that are responsible for the noxious odor, a finding that could lead to new strategies to eliminate the offensive compounds and improve wine quality. Mon, 26 Mar 2007 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070326095835.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070325111552.htm A compound in blueberries shows promise of preventing colon cancer in animals, according to a joint study by scientists at Rutgers University and the US Department of Agriculture. The compound, pterostilbene, is a potent antioxidant that could be developed into a pill with the potential for fewer side effects than some commercial drugs that are currently used to prevent the disease. Mon, 26 Mar 2007 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070325111552.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070311202024.htm The health benefits of epicatechin, a compound found in cocoa, are so striking that it may rival penicillin and anaesthesia in terms of importance to public health, reports Marina Murphy in Chemistry & Industry, the magazine of the Society of Chemical Industry. Norman Hollenberg, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, told C&I that epicatechin is so important that it should be considered a vitamin. Mon, 12 Mar 2007 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070311202024.htm