‘Asian Gene’ lets Russians drink more
Scientists at the Russian University for National Friendship claim to have found a gene in Russians that enables them to imbibe excessive amounts of alcohol.
The so-called "Asian gene" allows the possessor to become drunk 10 times as slowly as those without it.
This enhanced ability to hold their liquor comes with a price, however. Because of the reduced felt effects, it increases the likelihood and the speed of alcohol poisoning, also by tenfold.
According to Pravda, Russians, living in a country that is considered by Moscow Psychiatric Research Institute as one of the top alcohol consuming countries, have a higher rate of alcohol related deaths than surrounding nations.