Scientists discover why some people still can’t taste food after COVID-19

What BBN said about it

1. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe claim under review: scientists have discovered why some people still can't taste food after COVID-19.

2. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThis is the Bonk-o-Meter, and the stakes are a sandwich.

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   Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorDiscovered. In twenty-eight people. I've found more than that behind my sofa.

4. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorScienceDaily reports researchers took taste bud samples from twenty participants and found less messenger RNA for making a protein called PLCβ2.

5. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorIt boosts sweet, bitter and savory signals.

6. 

   Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorSo the sweet, the bitter and the savory are all quietly turned down, and nobody was told.

7. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorSalty and sour were largely unaffected. Eight of the twenty-eight participants had clearly abnormal taste scores, and eleven reported trouble with specific flavors.

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   Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorTaste buds replace themselves every two to four weeks, yet this problem may last over a year.

9. 

   Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorThey've stopped following the schedule, Hank, and the schedule was all we had.

10. 

    Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorDale, relax. Study co-author Thomas Finger says the protein acts like a molecular amplifier, and when levels are reduced, the taste signal weakens.

11. 

    Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorDon't worry, I've got a cellar lined up for when the world ends. It's stocked with jam, and you're not getting any.

12. 

    Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThanks, I've made arrangements.

13. 

    Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorOnly a possible explanation, so mildly bonkers. Dale, keep your jam. I'll have the salt.