To Science -- Cheers!

By Conrad Spencer

It's like Christmas come early to learn that a habit previously thought to be unhealthy may have its benefits.

Tens of millions of Americans who, like me, start the day drinking too much coffee and end the day guzzling too much beer, wine and/or liquor will be thrilled to learn that coffee may significantly lessen the chances of liver damage. In fact, java junkies may develop chronic liver disease at half the rate of the decaffeinated.

There's nothing quite like learning that two of your vices cancel each other out. As the holidays are upon us, don't forget to raise a glass in honor of those scientists whose hard work and studious research we misuse to justify our bad habits.

Now, if only someone will prove that opiates stave off lung cancer.