Bacteria

This is the season [blank] bacteria sinus infections run rampant. But some people are better able to ward off that malady. They can be identified by their taste buds. Because those of us who can better [blank] bitter flavors may also be better equipped to fight off upper respiratory tract infections. The findings are in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. It turns out that those bitter taste receptors aren't just in our mouths. They're also in our noses. Being better able to sense bitterness may be the first line of defense against bacteria. That's because those bacteria [blank] taste bitter to us. So when the taste receptors in our airways sense a bitter flavor they roll out the defenses. Cilia lining our sinuses to beat faster, to sweep away germs. And bacteria-killing nitric oxide gets [blank] into our nasal cavities. Better bitter sensing means a bigger response. It's one reason researchers at the Monell Chemical Senses Center are trying to come up with a universal taste test - a standardized measurement of [blank] well we sense flavors. Because one key to living healthier could be on the tip of your tongue.