Ethanol News and Research

RSS

Alcohol-free drinks may reduce harm, if marketing loopholes stop

The BMJ review warns that unregulated alcohol-free drinks may widen inequalities and undermine effective alcohol control, emphasizing the need for caution.

19 Jan 2026

Brain immune cells drive persistent negative emotions after repeated binge drinking

New research has identified that neuroinflammation driven by microglia (immune cells in the brain) is a primary underlying driver of prolonged negative feelings caused by repeated, sustained binge drinking (binge exposure).

12 Jan 2026

Specific gut bacteria found to drive alcohol production in patients with auto-brewery syndrome

Researchers at University of California San Diego, Mass General Brigham, and their colleagues have identified specific gut bacteria and metabolic pathways that drive alcohol production in patients with auto-brewery syndrome (ABS).

8 Jan 2026

Alcohol consumption plays a major role in India’s mouth cancer burden

Even a low daily intake of alcohol--just 9 g or around one standard drink-is linked to a 50% heightened risk of mouth (buccal mucosa) cancer in India, with the greatest risk associated with locally brewed alcohol, finds a large comparative study, published online in the open access journal BMJ Global Health.

23 Dec 2025

What drinking kefir really does to your gut and oral microbiome

The impact of kefir on gut and oral microbiomes shows promise, but inconsistent findings and study limitations call for more rigorous scientific investigation.

15 Dec 2025

Sweat testing could transform drug monitoring and diabetes care

Innovative sweat sampling techniques could revolutionize diagnostics, offering insights into glucose levels and environmental toxins with minimal discomfort.

4 Dec 2025

Chronic drinking weakens the blood-brain barrier through the gut

Chronic alcohol consumption disrupts the blood-brain barrier, but Faecalibacterium prausnitzii shows promise in repairing this damage and improving cognition.

27 Nov 2025

Breakthrough in growing brain tissue models using fully animal-free materials

For the first time, scientists have grown functional, brain-like tissue without using any animal-derived materials or added biological coatings. The development opens the door to more controlled and humane neurological drug testing.

17 Nov 2025

Preclinical study reveals dampened neuronal activity in alcohol-exposed mice

A psychedelic found in mushrooms is emerging as a potential treatment for alcohol use disorders. This possibility is due to a compound the body converts the psychedelic into called psilocin, but psilocin's mechanisms remain unclear.

11 Nov 2025

Heavy drinking fuels Alzheimer’s disease by igniting brain inflammation and protein damage

Chronic alcohol use accelerates Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progression by intensifying oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and amyloid-tau pathology through shared molecular pathways. The review highlights emerging therapies, targeting TLR4, GSK-3β, and metabolic dysfunction, that may mitigate alcohol-induced neurodegeneration.

20 Oct 2025

Chemical in everyday products found to worsen alcohol-related liver damage

Have you ever wondered why some people who drink alcohol develop serious liver problems while others don't? A study from University of Louisville researchers published in May in Toxicological Sciences suggests that the answer might be hidden in everyday sources such as drinking water, food packaging or even non-stick cookware.

4 Aug 2025

Low-gluten diets disrupt gut health by depleting key bacteria

Long-term gluten reduction may disrupt gut microbiota balance, reducing beneficial bacteria and increasing ethanol, linked to inflammation and metabolic risks.

24 Jul 2025

Compound-level diet analysis sheds light on hidden triggers in IBD

Dutch researchers identified specific food compounds that influence remission and flare risk in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The study shows compound-level dietary analysis could help personalize IBD management and clarify conflicting advice about diet.

18 Jun 2025

Novel sensor quickly detects small amounts of methanol in breath

Breathalyzers are a frequently used tool to measure the amount of ethanol in someone's breath, which relates to their blood alcohol content. However, alcoholic beverages contaminated by methanol (sometimes called wood alcohol) are hard to identify and toxic if ingested.

11 Jun 2025

Perfumes and lotions interfere with the body’s pollution defense

Fragrances and lotions don't just change the way people smell, they actively alter the indoor air chemistry around the wearer, disrupting a critical natural process the body uses to protect itself from pollution, according to an international research team that includes scientists from Penn State.

27 May 2025

Large global study links higher alcohol intake to increased pancreatic cancer risk

A pooled analysis of over 2.4 million adults across four continents shows a modest but significant increase in pancreatic cancer risk with higher alcohol consumption. The risk is especially pronounced for beer and liquor, and at higher intake levels in men and women.

25 May 2025