Why "Asian Flush" Might Actually Save Your Life

Why "Asian Flush" Might Actually Save Your Life

That embarrassing red face after drinking alcohol might be protecting you from one of history's deadliest diseases. The gene mutation behind "Asian flush" causes toxic acetaldehyde buildup that makes drinking miserable—but may also kill tuberculosis bacteria in your body. Evolution traded your happy hour for survival against an ancient killer, and science is only now figuring out why.