A Hangover Cure in a Pill

A night of drinking can lead to a morning of regret for many people, and often it’s just because of what it does to the body. Alcohol stops the production of a hormone called vasopressin, which causes dehydration severe enough to disrupt the brain. Another problem is that when alcohol is metabolized by the body, it generates a nasty chemical called acetaldehyde. That combination can cause a terrible headache, as explained in the video.

Now scientists have found a way to deliver an enzyme cocktail straight to the liver where it can help break down alcohol. Tests in a mouse model were successful; alcohol was rapidly metabolized, and the harmful acetaldehyde levels were reduced.