"Asian glow" could be linked to Alzheimer's, study finds

If you've spent any time partying with Asian kids, you've witnessed it.



Some more bad news for us folks who deal with the "Asian glow," according to a new study... In the presence of alcohol, a defective version of the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene -- which causes that pesky redness when we drink -- also leads to biochemical changes associated with Alzheimer's disease.

A common mutation in aldehyde dehydrogenase 2, or ALDH2, a key enzyme involved in alcohol metabolism, increases damage in cells from patients with Alzheimer's disease and in mice, according to a study by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine.

UC Irvine student found dead after fraternity party

18-year-old Noah Caleb Domingo's death appears to be alcohol-related.



A UC Irvine student died over the weekend after going to a party, and his fraternity has been suspended indefinitely amid an active police investigation. The death appears to be alcohol-related.

18-year-old Noah Caleb Domingo, a freshman member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, was apparently participating in a rush week event for his fraternity when he attended a "big brother/little brother" party on Friday night.

When Domingo was found the next morning, he was dead.

More here: Father of UC Irvine student asks after son’s death: 'Could it have been prevented?'

Do you turn red when you drink? There's a tonic for that.

Before Elixir claims to be a safe, natural and effective way to fight the flush.



Are you a fellow alcohol drinker who suffers from the "Asian Glow"? Party people, you know what I'm talking about. For me, it only takes a few sips. When we drink, we turn red. It happens, and it's not particularly pretty.

Alcohol Flush Reaction, aka "Asian Glow," occurs in people who have a variant of the enzyme used to metabolize alcohol causing them to process alcohol up to a hundred faster than the average person. This creates a buildup of a toxin called acetaldehyde which causes flushing, headaches, pounding heartbeats and other uncomfortable feelings. This is what more or less happens to me when I drink.

But now there's apparently a way to fight the flush. Before Elixir is a new tonic that purports to prevent flushing during alcohol consumption. It claims be "safe, natural, and effective" way to slow down the metabolism of alcohol, and thus prevent flushing. Because somebody had to think of this sooner or later, right?

Connecticut brewery apologizes for Gandhi-themed beer

New England Brewing Co sells an IPA called Gandhi-Bot



A Connecticut brewery has apologized for using Mahatma Gandhi's name and likeness on one of its beers.

New England Brewing Co, based in Woodbridge, brews and sells an India pale ale it calls Gandhi-Bot. The can design features a cartoon image depicting a robot version of the late Indian leader, and is described as "fully vegetarian" and "an ideal aid for self-purification and the seeking of truth of love."

"We apologize to any Indian people that find our Gandhi-Bot label offensive. Our intent is not to offend anyone but rather pay homage and celebrate a man who we respect greatly," the company wrote over the weekend on its Facebook page.

I guess nobody told them that Gandhi was publicly opposed to the consumption of alcohol.

More here: Connecticut brewery apologizes for using Gandhi on beer can

Are you Asian American? Drink alcohol? Science needs you.

UCLA Addictions Lab seeks Asian American participants for a research study on alcohol use.


Remember that alcohol research study I posted a few months back? They were looking for Asians Americans who drink alcohol to participate in a study -- all in the name of scientific research! I'm told it was a big hit and they got a huge response. So good for you, Asians, for getting your alcohol on. Oh, they're recruiting again.

The Addictions Research Laboratory in the Department of Psychology at UCLA is looking for Asian Americans who drink alcohol to take part in a study investigating a medication for alcohol use. You'll be compensated up to $446 for your participation, which will involve, among other things, providing a DNA sample, completing questionnaires... and consumption of alcohol. Sort of.

Read on for details:

Research Study seeks Asian Americans who drink alcohol

Where do I sign up? In the name of science, of course.


Do you drink alcohol? Are you Asian American? Are you in the Southern California area? Then I've got the opportunity for you... all in the name of scientific research! Saw this posted on Craigslist...

The Addictions Research Laboratory in the Department of Psychology at UCLA is looking for Asian Americans who drink alcohol to participate in a study investigating a medication for alcohol use. You'll be compensated up to $478 for your participation, which will involve, among other things, providing a DNA sample, completing questionnaires... and consumption of alcohol.

Here are some more details about the study: