science
According to Chemistry, Alcohol Is a Solution; Proof explores the science of alcohol, from its production to its effect on your bloodstream, brain, body and behavior.
- Top Story - June 2022
"In What Furnace Was Thy Brain?"*
*From "The Tyger" by William Blake Most amino acids build proteins. Undeniably important, they are the basis of the body's structure. Nevertheless, some amino acids have other roles, roles that help sew together the vast complex of protein structures into a seamlessly moving, thinking creature.
D. Thea BaldrickPublished 2 years ago in Proof 4 Life-Altering Myths You May not Know about Alcohol
Every boozy beverage we drink dramatically increases the chance of becoming intoxicated or hungover. According to the CDC, an average male consumes 4-14 drinks per week, while the average woman consumes 4-7 drinks per week. For moderate drinkers, statistics show heavy drinkers consume an even more substantial amount of alcohol regularly. While these amounts feel manageable, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are. Because of secret hangover family recipes and trendy alcohol myths, it seems as though there’s an answer for everything. Unfortunately, many of these hacks are just a myth, making them potentially dangerous for everyone. Some of these common myths might surprise you.
The Science Behind our Hangovers
After a night of drinking, some might start to wonder how their body reacts to alcohol under different circumstances. Some may wake up the next morning feeling great; Others might start the day with a pounding headache and vomiting. We know that the common symptoms of hangovers are nausea, dizziness, dehydration, and vomiting, but what goes on within our system that actually causes these symptoms to happen? Twenty-four hours a day, our body works to stay healthy and functional. However, consuming alcohol (or other toxic substances) can cause the body to work harder than normal to recover and prevent dangers.
The Science Behind our Hangovers
After a night of drinking, some might start to wonder how their body reacts to alcohol under different circumstances. Some may wake up the next morning feeling great; Others might start the day with a pounding headache and vomiting. We know that the common symptoms of hangovers are nausea, dizziness, dehydration, and vomiting, but what goes on within our system that actually causes these symptoms to happen? Twenty-four hours a day, our body works to stay healthy and functional. However, consuming alcohol (or other toxic substances) can cause the body to work harder than normal to recover and prevent dangers.
How Alcohol is Effecting Your Brain
For many, effects on the brain resulting from alcohol might be dizziness, slurred speech, or impaired memory in the short-term. However, these symptoms can affect them in the long-term. The brain, which is the most delicate organ in the human body and throughout one’s lifetime, goes through five different stages both physically and mentally. While this organ physically continues to grow until age 11 for girls and 14 for boys, it continues to mature mentally (and emotionally) until mid to late 20’s. The prefrontal cortex of the brain plays a major role during this stage of life regarding decision-making, especially regarding alcohol. More specifically, this body part is responsible for planning, prioritizing, and controlling impulses, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. If making responsible choices, one can allow these functions to consume alcohol while living a healthy life.
Consumers are in Denial with the Lack of Nutrition Labels on Alcoholic Beverages
Health-conscious consumers have been looking at product labels for years, attempting to avoid sugar, carbohydrates, fats, and high-calorie foods at all costs. While this is nothing new for society, the hype of ‘healthy drinking’ is making its way to alcoholic beverages. While we may still see the occasional keg stand and shotgunning of beers, it seems that millennials have healthier alcoholic beverages in hand and are turning the market when it comes to choosing a better-for-you alternative.
Myth-Busting The Top 5 Hangover Cure Myths
Hangovers suck. Last night, you had the time of your life. This morning, you’re wondering why you ever drank in the first place. The nausea, pounding headache, and shaking is too overwhelming to think about anything else. Which remedies ease the dreaded symptoms and which are just a misconception?
Art vs Alcohol (And other drugs)
Drugs and art have a complicated ebb and flow within our society. Drugs in the mainstream are, of course, a massive taboo for a variety of reasons. Ranging from legal alcohol to soft drugs like cannabis, and then to the potentially devastating likes of crystal meth and heroin. All of which serve their purpose as an escape from reality to a degree, while vulnerable people often fall into habits of usage, their using is often hidden behind a variety of excuses to validate their consumption.
christopher wyerPublished 3 years ago in ProofCraft Brewers’ Commercial Yeast Choice May Affect Beer Diversity
In this instalment of The Beerologist, I will describe a scientific paper by Prof. Dr. Diego Bonatto that I recently found on bioRxiv (https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.17.209171v2). The manuscript is currently (as of 28/08/2020) in peer review and subject to changes before publication. It is in the reviewers’ hands!
BrewingbrowserPublished 4 years ago in ProofBest and Worst Alcoholic Drinks for Your Skin
I'm always getting breakouts. And what's worse is that I just learned that some drinks are terrible for your epidermis. Good thing I have cardio, and good thing I know the best and worst alcoholic drinks for your skin. I know what drinks to avoid!
Chica ReyassPublished 6 years ago in ProofThe Science Behind Why You Turn Red When You Drink Alcohol
Ever wonder the science behind why you turn red when you drink alcohol? It's more intricate than you think, and your body is trying to tell you something. A condition that many people suffer from, it is primarily effective in those of Asian descent.
Kelsey LangePublished 6 years ago in ProofYou Can Pry My Moscow Mule Mugs from My Cold, Lifeless Fingers
Last week, news began to circulate that poorly-made copper Moscow mule mugs can cause food poisoning, and if you have a Moscow mule habit, you should reconsider your choice of vessel.
Cherise ThreewittPublished 7 years ago in Proof