By identifying the microbes responsible, as well as the metabolic pathways, scientists can perfect methods for treatment, such as fecal transplantation. Because the gut is home to so many bacteria, a perfect storm of conditions can sometimes create truly head-scratching symptoms. Perhaps the most puzzling of these is a disease known as auto-brewery syndrome (ABS), where gut microbes munch on carbohydrates and produce intoxicating levels of alcohol. The researchers conducted an observational study of 22 patients with ABS, along with 21 of their unaffected partners. After 16 months of treatment, the man’s ABS symptoms waned as his gut health improved thanks to the fecal intervention.