Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Who Gives a Rat's Ass?

Apparently scientists in Venezuela. Using rats and their deposits, researchers at Simon Bolivar University in Caracas were able to learn which type of bacteria-infused beans can reduce flatulence among consumers. According to Reuters, the scientists "identified two bacteria ... which can be added to beans so they cause minimal distress to those who eat them, and to those around the bean-lovers...." The researchers also point out that "In spite of being part of the staple diets of these [poor] populations, their consumption is limited by the flatulence they produce."

So will this latest discovery help bring an end to world hunger? It's too soon to tell, and the testing was not entirely accurate. Apparently the rats had also consumed light beer and sauerkraut.

Besides that, not everyone was happy to hear of this latest breakthrough. When GlaxoSmithKline, makers of Beano, got wind of the results, they were reportedly fuming.

2 comments:

jon said...

Sounds like it could be a financial windfall for the bean growers though.

Anonymous said...

Hey,
THere is an herb used in Mexican cooking to reduce/eliminate gas--epazote. You can get it in a powder or dried herb form. Yes, it does work & is much cheaper than Beano.