Drink to Your Health

We’ve all heard about the numerous health benefits associated with drinking red wine. A glass or two with dinner has been shown to have positive effects on heart health and could limit your chances of developing cancer. But what if you aren’t in the mood for wine? What if you’re craving a nice, cold beer?

A group of students and faculty at Rice University are hoping to combine the benefits of both. According to Popular Science, the team hopes to genetically alter a strain of yeast so that it produces the chemical called resveratol while undergoing fermentation. Resveratol is the chemical in wine that has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease and cancer, and even in some cases extend life. The team is calling the final result BioBeer, and it hopes to create the first ever brew that’s as good for you as a glass of merlot.

The group plans to present their invention at the world’s largest synthetic biology competition, the International Genetically Engineered Machines competition sponsored by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. But until the FDA approves, don’t expect to find BioBeer in stores.

(Photo by Tambako The Jaguar)