Alcohol

Alcohol

Alcohol is a class of organic compound which contains the hydroxyl (-OH) group bound to a carbon atom. More commonly it is the name given to a drink that contains the chemical ethanol produced by the fermentation process of fruit, vegetables or grains. Alcohol is a legal drug in many countries, with varying legal drinking ages. Many negative health effects have been associated with drinking, such as liver damage and cancer, although in moderation, there have been some noted benefits.
Illustration of a man chopping down a wooden beer bottle.

Why it's time to change your relationship with alcohol (and how to do it)

More of us are thinking 'I should probably drink less.' But what is booze really doing to our bodies? Is abstinence as worthwhile as people say? And what's the best way to change, if not end, our relationship with alcohol?
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I swapped booze for a drink that tricks your brain into feeling tipsy. Here's what happened

This functional drink claims to calm the brain without the hangover, addictive qualities or calories of alcohol
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3D illustration of a person and a moose sharing a drink

Can animals get drunk?

The natural world is one big pub, with alcohol on tap from fermented fruits, sap and nectar. Different animals have different tolerance levels
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A woman looks into the distance, pausing during a run.

After decades of guesswork, science might have found a real hangover hack

It may not seem as appealing as eggs and bacon for breakfast, but science says you might be able to run off your hangover
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Illustration of a person pouring beer into a glass from their stomach.

Could I brew alcohol in my body?

It's possible to brew alcohol in your gut if you have auto-brewery syndrome (ABS), which can make you appear drunk without having a drink.
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Close up of an artistic rosé wine spill

How to permanently change your relationship with alcohol in 30 days

How much good can ditching drink for a month really do? Answer: A whole lot
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Woman holding wine glass, close-up.

Why does drinking alcohol make it so much harder to lose weight?

Downing drinks can trick your body into prioritising alcohol processing, temporarily pausing fat burning
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A man lying on his sofa with a hangover

Are hangovers hereditary?

You might have done the damage but why not blame your parents too?
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A martini glass filled with pills.

Why shouldn’t I drink alcohol when I’m taking antibiotics?

Here's how alcohol and antibiotics actually interact.
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Person refusing alcoholic drink.

Alcohol has a dramatic impact on your biological age. Here’s how

The effects of alcohol extend beyond a sore head the next day.
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A young woman with curly strawberry blonde hair and rosy cheeks

Why do I go red when I’m embarrassed or have been drinking?

Blushing is a physiological response which is triggered when we are stressed.
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Happy friends toasting with beer

Top 10 countries that drink the most beer

The UK doesn't even rank in the top 10.
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A complete beginner’s guide to human memory © Getty Images

What is memory?

Why photographic memory is often misunderstood – and simple tricks to boost your memory.
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Hangover depression: The neuroscience behind your alcohol morning blues © Daniel Bright

Why do I turn into a weeping wreck when I’m hungover?

Hanging like the gardens of Babylon? GP Nish Manek explains why your anxiety is soaring right now.
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Beer ‘tastes better’ with music © iStock

Could we survive on beer alone?

Asked by: Cassandra Sturgeon Delia
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© Getty Images

Cheers! Method for turning spent grain from beer production into biofuels and plant-based foods developed

The technique could be used to produce animal feed, protein for use in human foods, synthetic rubber, materials for creating plastics, and biofuels, the researchers say.
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Does putting a spoon in an opened bottle of champagne keep it fizzy? © Getty Images

Does putting a spoon in an opened bottle of champagne keep it fizzy?

Will this old wives’ tale help to keep the champers bubbly or will it lose its fizzle?
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Is Dry January worth it? © Nick Ballon, with special thanks to the Hereford Arms Kensington, London

Is Dry January worth it?

After an alcohol-infused festive season, many people stay off the booze in January. But while your wallet might thank you, do we really see any health benefits from just one month of sobriety?
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What happens to your body after eating Christmas dinner? © Getty Images

What happens to your body after eating Christmas dinner?

One Christmas meal could fuel a 1.7-day hike in the Himalayas - that's a lot of calories to burn!
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Drinking in pubs creates "perfect storm" for spreading coronavirus (Social distancing measures are seen at the bar inside The Ancoats Lad © Oli Scarff/AFP via GEtty Images

Drinking in pubs creates "perfect storm" for spreading coronavirus

Academics' warning comes after households mixing in pubs and homes has been blamed for a rise in cases in Preston.
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Pubs packed with non-alcoholic drinks push more people to pick the booze-free option © Getty Images

Pubs packed with non-alcoholic drinks push more people to pick the booze-free option

The research could pave the way for increasing the selection of non-alcoholic drinks in pubs and bars.
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Eat plants before wine, you're more likely to feel fine, says science © Getty Images

Plants before wine, you're more likely to feel fine, study finds

People taking plant extract supplement before and after drinking alcohol found their hangover headache intensity and nausea lowered.
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