The Science of the Pour

I’m actually surprised I haven’t seen anything about this sooner but I can’t say I’m surprised that this exists.

Researchers are using simulations to try and create the “perfect” pour for a glass of beer.

Ancient Yeasts

They have apparently discovered the final? parent of lager yeast-in Ireland!

This is cool for a couple reasons to me: first being that, hey there’s still a lot of the world to discover!

The other is that they’re going to try to make a commercial partner to brew beer with this yeast, and I’m all here for it.

Short and Sweet

A neat little video on lacing.

Heavy Metals

I have no idea how far the implications of the study in this article might go, but if yeast can purify something humans desperately need to live? That’s absolutely amazing.

The implications are massive too, as yeast is cheap. Obviously there are other concerns-one still has to remove yeast from the water, and the scale at which these things would have to be built isn’t small but damn if it isn’t cool.

Reuse

I thought this story on a company reusing spend grains from beer for food was fascinating. I had no idea that these could be so useful! The standard line I heard about spent grain use was as feed for livestock.

Editing

Here’s a neat story about how they’re using CRISPR gene editing to manipulate yeast for beer. I’ve seen the yeasts available but have been reluctant to try them as I’m not sure I want the level of fruitiness they offer in beers I make.

But still, pretty cool!

Where Yeast Comes From (Sorta)

Here’s a really neat post, talking about how they’re using gene sequencing to find out where yeasts that make beer originated geographically.

Using ale yeast makes sense-beer is a centuries old food, and humans would have an interest in utilizing it, much in the same way that we kept avocados around. So being able to trace it can help fill in bits and pieces of our ancient history-which I think is cool.

Old Old School

This is a neat story about archaeologists being called in to excavate one of the oldest breweries in the Northwest! Nice to know I’m part of a fine tradition.

Past Becomes Present

I have been hoping something like this would happen. I’ve been posting stories for years about beer or wine that’s been salvaged from shipwrecks, and about scientists looking at those beverages.

Taking data from those drinks can illuminate how human beings have impacted our environment.

BUT. There’s this Very Cool Thing where we get to play with yeasts from decades ago, and see how those yeasts impacted the food and drink of the day, and I’m psyched to try them.

Other Portland

Sure, this scientist is helping breweries in Portland, Maine but still! Neat job to read about.