taste receptors

"It now pays to get a lot of pleasure out of a little bit of sugar," says Danielle Reed, a scientist at the Monell Chemical Senses Center.

Science
Health & Safety

The Gene For Sweet: Why We Don't All Taste Sugar The Same Way

7:00pm July 29, 2015

by Eliza Barclay

We know that a gene can determine how strongly we experience bitter flavors. Scientists wanted to know if this was also true for sweet. Their study shows genetics may affect our taste for sugar, too.

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Science

Pity For Penguins: They Can't Taste Their Dinner

12:08pm February 17, 2015

by Poncie Rutsch

Savory fish are a staple for penguins, but the poor birds lack the ability to taste the umami flavor of their meals. One hypothesis? The genes at play got frozen out of commission.

The roots of your hankering for hoppy beers and cruciferous vegetables may be genetic.

Science
Health & Safety

From Kale To Pale Ale, A Love Of Bitter May Be In Your Genes

4:02pm October 07, 2014

by Allison Aubrey

Researchers have found a gene that affects how strongly you experience bitter flavors. And those who aren't as sensitive eat about 200 more servings of vegetables per year.

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