What makes fatty foods so enticing?

New research shows that the allure of greasy treats may come from a special sensor in your taste buds that's tuned to fat.

Both animals and humans show a natural preference for fatty foods. But given that our taste buds are known to detect only five tastes — salty, sweet, sour, bitter and umami, which is linked to the taste of meat and cheese — scientists have wondered how we detect fatty foods.

Now Philippe Besnard and colleagues in Dijon, France, have shown that a protein found in the taste buds of rodents may be the elusive fat sensor. The scientists have discovered that when the protein comes in contact with fat on the tongue, it triggers release of stomach juices. Mice missing this protein don't show the typical preference for fatty foods.

Humans also have this protein. Scientists say the finding, published in the Nov. 1 issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation, might shed light on some forms of obesity.

Steve - They are just discovering this now? The fast food corporations are no dummies. They've know this for years!