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New study: 14 units a week still harmful to health

A new study published in Clinical Nutrition found that drinking less than the UK's recommended 14 units of alcohol per week increases the risk of cardiovascular events. Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a 23% increased risk of suffering a cardiovascular event for every additional 1.5 pints of beer consumed.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalClinical Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 28, 2022

Celebrated barley came from a single plant

Researchers confirm that Chevalier barley came from a single plant, analyzing seed samples older than 150 years. The study reveals how the single plant's genetic signature was preserved and used to create modern malting barley varieties.

SourceLinköping University·JournalCrop Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Pandemic-related shifts in alcohol sales explored across 16 US states

An analysis of data from 16 US states reveals a major increase in wine and spirit sales during the COVID-19 pandemic, accompanied by changes in the relationship between alcohol sales and business visits. Sales of spirits and wine increased by as much as 20-40% in some states, while beer sales declined overall.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2021

Cheers! Scientists have developed gene-edited barley that could better your beer

Researchers at Okayama University used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to genetically edit barley, creating mutants that resist pre-harvest sprouting and can be promoted with cold temperatures or hydrogen peroxide treatment. This breakthrough has significant implications for high-quality barley production and could lead to improved beer quality.

SourceOkayama University·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2021

Ancient poop shows people in present-day Austria drank beer and ate blue cheese up to 2,700 years ago

Researchers found evidence of two fungal species used in blue cheese and beer production in ancient feces from Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut. The findings suggest that people consumed blue cheese and beer during the Iron Age, nearly 2,700 years ago, and retained a non-Westernized gut microbiome structure until the Baroque period.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 13, 2021

Study shows evidence of beer drinking 9,000 years ago in Southern China

A new study reveals evidence of beer drinking 9,000 years ago in southern China, with ancient pots found at a burial site containing residues consistent with beer fermentation. The discovery suggests that ritualized drinking played a significant role in forging social relationships and cooperation among ancient communities.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 31, 2021

Study shows uptick in U.S. alcohol beverage sales during COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. alcohol retail store sales increased compared to usual trends, indicating a rise in home drinking and potential higher alcohol consumption. The study found that beer, wine, and liquor store sales increased by 17%, while food services and drinking places sales decreased markedly.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAlcohol·DateAug 19, 2021
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

The science is in: Craft beer is unique

Research using mass spectrometry proteomics identified distinct proteins in craft beers compared to mass-produced brews. The study found that single-brewery analysis revealed significant differences between beer styles, suggesting the use of unique yeast strains or brewing processes.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2021

Untrained beer drinkers can taste different barley genotypes

A panel of amateur beer drinkers distinguished between five barley varieties, preferring four developed at WSU over a control. The researchers hope this method can be used to test new barley varieties and reduce reliance on hops.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateJul 20, 2021
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Waste hop stem in the beer industry upcycled into cellulose nanofibers

A Japanese research team has developed a technique to extract cellulose nanofibers from hop stems, reducing agricultural waste in the beer industry. The researchers used a simplified process that eliminates lignin and hemicellulose removal, yielding CNFs with a median width of about 2 nanometers.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalACS Agricultural Science & Technology·DateJul 2, 2021

Does bubble cascade form only in a glass of Guinness beer?

Scientists from Osaka University have solved the physics of Guinness' cascading flow, a phenomenon that affects the texture of nitrogenated stout beer. The research has significant implications for industries such as pharmaceutical production and city water purification.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJun 22, 2021

A new disease called halo blight threatens Michigan hop production

A new disease called halo blight is threatening Michigan's hop production, causing yield losses and altering hop quality. Genetic testing revealed a novel fungal pathogen, Diaporthe sp. 1-MI, which can infect healthy hop plants and cause yellow margins on leaf lesions and browning of cones.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Disease·DateJun 7, 2021

Beer byproduct mixed with manure proves an excellent pesticide

Researchers found a significant reduction in galling on plant roots after incorporating beer bagasse and rapeseed cake into the soil with fresh cow manure. The treatment also boosted populations of beneficial microorganisms and increased crop yields by around 15% compared to control plots.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Food Systems·DateMay 31, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Oktoberfest memories increase life-satisfaction, customer loyalty

Researchers found that creating memorable experiences at events like Oktoberfest increases life satisfaction among attendees. This leads to increased customer loyalty, positive word-of-mouth, and brand trust.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management·DateFeb 24, 2021

Advancing understanding of hop genome to aid brewers, medical researchers

Scientists have expanded their understanding of the hop genome, which could lead to the development of new hop varieties with desirable traits and improved production of compounds with potential health benefits. The research has implications for both the brewing industry and medical researchers studying hops.

SourceOregon State University·JournalThe Plant Genome·DateFeb 21, 2021

Micro-brewing goes more micro

A PhD student has discovered a way to conduct micro-brewing experiments using only a single barley seed in a 1.5 millilitre tube, reducing the need for large-scale brewing operations. This method could speed up the quality testing of newly-bred barley varieties and potentially lead to new styles of beer.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 27, 2021

New study: Which beverages burst with umami potential?

A new study from University of Copenhagen researchers found that sake has the most umami flavor, followed by champagne and wine. The study also showed that pairing certain beverages with specific foods can enhance the umami flavor.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalFood Chemistry·DateJan 27, 2021
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

'Sniffing out' fruity thiols in hoppy beers

Scientists have created an automated process to analyze thiols at very low concentrations in beer, shedding light on the compounds responsible for hoppy flavors. The new method uses tandem mass spectrometry and meets requirements for detecting thiols while processing samples in a safer and quicker manner.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 6, 2021

Lab closed? Head to the kitchen

A mechanical engineer uses pancake batter to teach students about viscosity, while a group at ETH Zurich studies the stability of foam in beers and breads. The research reveals diverse mechanisms behind fluid dynamics, potentially leading to new materials and applications.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 23, 2020

How sour beer gets so... sour (video)

Researchers analyze how acids and other compounds contribute to sour beer's unique taste, with findings that could help brewers gain more control over the flavor. The study uses NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry to track changes in organic acids and identify trace compounds that influence flavor.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 17, 2020
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

BU study: Alcohol taxes have never been lower

A new Boston University study finds that inflation has reduced American alcohol tax rates by 70% since 1933, with the average tax rate now lower than its 1933 value. The study suggests that revamped taxes could provide governments with much-needed revenue without harming industries.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateJun 15, 2020

Exposure to TV alcohol ads linked to drinking behavior

New Cornell research found a link between exposure to TV alcohol ads and drinking behavior, with higher ad exposure correlating to more drinks consumed. The study estimated that nearly 55,000 adults were exposed to over 576 alcohol ads per year.

SourceCornell University·JournalAddiction·DateMay 19, 2020
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Greater availability of non-alcoholic drinks may reduce alcohol consumption

A recent study found that participants were more likely to choose non-alcoholic drinks when presented with eight options, including increasing the proportion of non-alcoholic drinks. The study suggests that interventions to encourage healthier food and drink choices may be effective by changing the relative availability of options.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateMay 5, 2020

China's viticulture in transition

China's wine culture dates back over 9,000 years, with archaeological evidence showing the oldest known alcoholic drink. Viticulture emerged around 8,000 years ago in Georgia, but China played a significant role in Eurasian wine history.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateApr 15, 2020

How horses can save the permafrost

Researchers found that horse herds can significantly slow the loss of permafrost soils, preserving 80% of them until 2100. The approach, inspired by a Russian experiment, uses large herbivores to manipulate snow cover and reduce freezing temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Hamburg·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 17, 2020
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Can beauty be-er ignored?

A study published in Psychology of Addictive Behaviors found that intoxication reduces the distraction caused by attractive faces, allowing intoxicated individuals to focus equally on both attractive and unattractive faces. The researchers used a computer-based task to assess participants' attention while ignoring facial stimuli.

SourceEdge Hill University·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·DateFeb 13, 2020

Craft-beer boom linked to record-number of US states growing hops

A study by Penn State researchers found that the growth of craft breweries in the US is linked to an unprecedented expansion of hop production across 29 states. The number of breweries more than quadrupled from 992 to over 4,000 between 2007 and 2017, resulting in a five-fold increase in hop farms and acreage.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Wine Economics·DateJan 2, 2020

Cheers! Scientists take big step towards making the perfect head of beer

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding foam film stability by studying the behavior of liquids containing multiple additives. This breakthrough has potential applications in improving the creamy topping on flat whites, making beer heads last longer, and developing more effective fire-fighting foams.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalChemical Communications·DateDec 21, 2019

Brewing beer that tastes fresh longer

Researchers have engineered lager yeast to produce more molecules that protect beer against staling, resulting in improved flavor stability. The modified strains produced 26.3-47.3% less acetaldehyde and increased levels of sulfur dioxide, a natural antioxidant.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 4, 2019
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

One shot of ketamine could reduce problem drinking

A new study found that a one-off dose of ketamine can significantly reduce urges to drink and prolonged decrease alcohol intake in heavy drinkers. After reactivating their drinking-related memories, participants who received ketamine showed rapid improvement and sustained reduction over nine months.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 26, 2019

Money spent on beer ads linked to underage drinking

A study published in Addictive Behaviors Reports found that money spent on beer ads strongly predicts brand awareness and usage among teens. Researchers discovered cognitive strategies used by advertisers appeal to youth, leading to increased consumption and heavy drinking.

SourceIowa State University·JournalAddictive Behaviors Reports·DateNov 18, 2019

Some hoppy news: Hops don't need to go dormant in order to flower

Researchers at Colorado State University have found that hops can be induced to flower without the traditional vernalization period, enabling year-round indoor production. This breakthrough could lead to a new era of sustainable and locally grown hops, supporting the craft brewing industry.

SourceColorado State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 12, 2019

The secret of classic Belgian beers? Medieval super yeasts!

A team of scientists discovered that classic Belgian beers, including Gueuze and Trappist ales, are fermented with rare hybrid yeasts combining DNA from traditional ale yeast and stress-resistant feral yeasts. This unique adaptation allows for better fermentation capacity and special aromas.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateOct 21, 2019

Deepest look yet at brewer's yeasts reveals the diversity harnessed by humans

Researchers have discovered seven distinct combinations of yeast species in bottles of beer, wine, and cider, highlighting the complexity of brewing traditions. The study found that some yeasts were hybrids of as many as four species, and that specific genetic traits contribute to the characteristics of fermented beverages.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateOct 21, 2019
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Solution from VTT to prevent beer bottle explosions

VTT scientists developed a genetic test to detect diastatic yeasts, which cause off-flavours, increased alcohol, and over-carbonation. The new method differentiates between problematic and harmless strains, offering breweries savings in time and cost.

SourceVTT Technical Research Centre of Finland·JournalJournal of Applied Microbiology·DateAug 20, 2019

Neuroscience research questions current alcohol limit

A new study published in Addiction Biology found that drinking one pint of beer or a large glass of wine can significantly compromise a person's sense of agency. This sense of agency is crucial for human social behavior, implying knowledge of the consequences of actions. The researchers used an indirect measure called intentional bindi...

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalAddiction Biology·DateJun 21, 2019

Cocktails with Cleopatra?

Researchers at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem recreated a 5,000-year-old brew using yeast from ancient beer jugs, shedding light on the Pharaohs' drinking habits and the brewing techniques of ancient civilizations.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalmBio·DateMay 22, 2019
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

What's on tap? Michigan's economy

A Michigan State University study reveals the significant economic impact of the craft beer value chain on the state's economy. The industry generates nearly $1 billion in aggregate economic contributions, making it a substantial driver in Michigan.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBeverages·DateMay 7, 2019

The secret to a stable society? A steady supply of beer doesn't hurt

Researchers recreated ancient brewing techniques to analyze ceramic beer vessels from Cerro Baúl. They found that the vessels were made of clay from nearby sources and that the beer was made of pepper berries, a drought-resistant ingredient. This steady supply of beer helped keep Wari society stable by forming unity among populations.

SourceField Museum·JournalSustainability·DateApr 18, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Heavy drinkers consuming more than half of all alcohol

A new study found that 10% of Australians drink an average of six standard drinks per day, consuming 54.4% of all alcohol consumed in the country. This group is more likely to drink cheap alcohol and experience negative health effects.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health·DateApr 17, 2019

Keeping heavy metals out of beer and wine

Researchers tested three types of food-grade diatomaceous earth used to filter beer and wine, finding that all contained arsenic and smaller amounts of lead and cadmium. Altering filtering conditions or washing the DE before use reduced arsenic transfer.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateFeb 20, 2019

Investigating cell stress for better health -- and better beer

Chalmers researchers have devised a new method to study how single biological cells react to stressful situations, with potential applications in drug development and brewing better beer. By monitoring changes in compounds within yeast cells, they identified the production of glycerol as a response to stress.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 12, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Wine before beer, or beer before wine? Either way, you'll be hungover, study finds

A recent study by researchers at Witten/Herdecke University and the University of Cambridge found that drinking too much alcohol will still cause a hangover regardless of the order in which it is consumed. Hangovers are associated with dehydration, immune response, and disturbances in metabolism and hormone regulation.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 7, 2019

For older people, medications are common; AGS Beers Criteria aims to make them appropriate, too

The AGS Beers Criteria update includes 30 individual medications or medication classes to avoid for most older people and 40 medications or medication classes to use with caution. The new list aims to guide health professionals and caregivers away from potentially harmful treatments while helping assess quality of care

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 31, 2019

Researchers identify additional inoculation source for lambic beer production

Researchers in Belgium have identified an additional inoculation source for lambic beer production, the wooden casks or foeders. The microbial compositions of these surfaces differed statistically based on barrel cleaning procedures and type, reflecting different characteristics of lambic barrels.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateNov 2, 2018
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Study reveals how climate change could cause global beer shortages

A new study warns that climate change could lead to significant decreases in global beer consumption, ranging from 4% to 16%, and price increases by 15%. The research suggests that countries with smaller beer consumption would face larger reductions, while those where beer is currently expensive may not be affected as much.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Plants·DateOct 15, 2018

Global warming will have us crying in what's left of our beer

Climate change will lead to declines in barley yields, resulting in price surges and reduced availability of beer worldwide. The study projects a decline of 16% in beer supply during severe climate events, affecting hundreds of millions of people.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Plants·DateOct 15, 2018

'Hoppy' beer without exploding bottles and too much alcohol

Researchers have identified the biochemical basis of unintended consequences in dry-hopping beer production, including high alcohol content and pressure issues. By understanding the effects of hops on fermentation, brewers can better control beer quality and safety.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateSep 19, 2018
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.