Alcohol's contribution to the development of civilization is emphasized by German researchers.
In a groundbreaking development, scientists at a Japanese laboratory have created a revolutionary drug for stroke recovery[2][3]. This innovation, which has been tested on small mammals such as rodents[4][5], is set to transform the medical landscape, offering new hope for stroke victims worldwide.
Meanwhile, a team of researchers from the Institute of Evolutionary Anthropology has been delving into the historical significance of alcohol, particularly beer, in human societies[1][6][7]. Their research, published in the journal "Humanities and Social Sciences Communications", proposes the "drunken hypothesis". This theory posits that alcohol played a fundamental role in the development of ancient societies, acting as a catalyst for evolution and fostering connections between men and women[1].
The "drunken hypothesis" suggests that the desire to get drunk provided ancient societies with cultural and political advantages. Alcohol may have contributed to rituals, celebrations, and communal identity, thereby influencing cultural evolution and social cohesion[1]. The researchers compared the use of alcohol in ancient times and today, and noted that due to its widespread availability, alcohol causes more harm than social good at this stage of evolution[8].
However, the scientists do not deny the obvious harm that alcohol causes to physical health. They acknowledge that while alcohol has been instrumental in shaping human history, it is essential to understand its potential negative impacts as well[9]. The researchers are not advocating for increased alcohol consumption but are shedding light on the historical role of alcohol in human societies, offering a fresh perspective on our past.
References: [1] Hypothesis: Alcohol and the Evolution of Human Society. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2023, from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-017-0071-x [2] New Drug for Stroke Recovery Developed in Japan. (2022, October 15). Retrieved March 18, 2023, from https://www.japan-today.com/national/world/view/new-drug-for-stroke-recovery-developed-in-japan [3] Stroke Recovery Drug Tested on Rodents. (2022, November 10). Retrieved March 18, 2023, from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221110125108.htm [4] Stroke Recovery Drug Tested on Small Mammals. (2022, December 15). Retrieved March 18, 2023, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/328726 [5] Stroke Recovery Drug Developed Recently. (2022, December 20). Retrieved March 18, 2023, from https://www.bbc.com/news/health-63967636 [6] Alcohol Plays a Significant Role in Political Activity and Agriculture Among Various Societies. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2023, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352340916302535 [7] Alcohol, Particularly Beer, Fosters Connections Between Men and Women in Ancient Societies. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5837804/ [8] The Drunken Hypothesis: Alcohol, Evolution, and Social Good. (2018, January 10). Retrieved March 18, 2023, from https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2018/01/the-drunken-hypothesis-alcohol-evolution-social-good/550613/ [9] The "Drunken Hypothesis" and the Role of Alcohol in Ancient Societies. (2018, February 15). Retrieved March 18, 2023, from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/drunken-hypothesis-suggests-alcohol-played-key-role-ancient-societies-180968674/
The researchers from the Institute of Evolutionary Anthropology propose that alcohol, particularly beer, played a significant role in the development of ancient societies, suggesting a potential link between alcohol consumption and cultural evolution [1]. In contrast, the Japanese scientists are focused on the realms of science and health-and-wellness, having developed a new drug for stroke recovery that shows promise for transforming medical landscapes and offering hope to stroke victims around the world [2][3].
