Well, yesterday, and not exactly at school, but it is the most interesting thing I learned over the past 36 hours, thanks to the learned Elaine Chow at Shanghaiist (click on the link to see the appropriate and entertaining (if you’re into that sort of thing) Japanese anime-ish artwork):

Everyone in China probably knows about the phenomenon called the “Asian blush” – when a compatriot who’s had barely half a beer turns as red as a beet.

The flush response is linked to an inherited deficiency in an enzyme called ALDH2, shared by over a third of East Asians – Japanese, Chinese and Koreans. No doubt if you’ve hung around an Asian at any point in time, you’ve all had a laugh about it.

Unfortunately these folks carry an increased risk of throat cancer, so that’s a bummer.

Perhaps if more people learn why the Asian Blush happens, the whole social stigma will be reduced. My wife for one is quite sensitive about turning red after half a beer. I don’t think most people care one way or the other, but afflicted folks seem to be very self-conscious.