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Why some beetles like alcohol

Researchers investigated the role of alcohol in ambrosia beetles' fungal farming, finding that increased enzyme activity allows optimal fungus growth in alcohol-rich wood. The beetles' sophisticated social care system ensures optimal symbiosis between beetle and fungus.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2018

Brewing hoppy beer without the hops

Scientists at UC Berkeley have developed a way to create hoppy beer without using hops by genetically engineering brewer's yeast. The engineered strains produce two prominent flavor notes found in hops, resulting in beers that are indistinguishable from those made with traditional hopping methods.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 2018

A brewer's tale of proteins and beer

Scientists used mass spectrometry to analyze proteins in beer at three stages of production, revealing over 200 unique proteins from barley and yeast. The study aims to understand how these proteins control beer's properties and potentially improve brewing techniques.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateMar 14, 2018

Mexico well ahead of US in LGBT rights

A new study by University of Vermont professor Caroline Beer reveals that Mexico is more progressive than the US when it comes to LGBT rights. In contrast to the US, where religion suppresses LGBT rights, Mexico sees a positive correlation between liberal governance and increased LGBT-friendly legislation.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalState Politics & Policy Quarterly·DateMar 12, 2018

Bristol scientists turn beer into fuel

Scientists from the University of Bristol have developed technology to convert widely-available ethanol into butanol, a more efficient fuel alternative. The breakthrough uses catalysts to convert beer's ethanol content into butanol, paving the way for sustainable petrol production.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCatalysis Science & Technology·DateDec 6, 2017

Barley no longer an afterthought in beer flavor

Researchers at Oregon State University found notable differences in the taste of beers malted from two barley varieties, revealing novel flavors that carry through malting and brewing into beer. The study's results have significant implications for the brewing industry, particularly for beer connoisseurs.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of the American Society of Brewing Chemists·DateNov 27, 2017

Barley is flavor of the month as new study settles centuries-old brewing debate

A new study reveals that specific barley varieties contribute to beer flavor beyond the malting process, with genetics and environment playing a significant role. The research found that breeding for malting quality does not necessarily result in brewing for flavor, providing insights for future barley breeding programs.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalJournal of the American Society of Brewing Chemists·DateNov 27, 2017

A dream of foam

Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered a way to control Ostwald ripening in foams, which causes undesirable changes in texture and weakens product performance. By using networked particles as stabilizers, they can prevent or stop this process, leading to more effective and controlled foam stability.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2017

Gaining distribution in small retail formats bring big payoffs even for major brands

A recent study found that gaining distribution in small retail formats, such as Save-A-Lot and Aldi, can lead to significantly higher sales increases compared to larger assortment stores. The study, published in Marketing Science, analyzed data from Systembolaget, a Swedish state-owned monopoly, and found that a 10% widening in retail ...

Gluten-free beer from Witkop teff grains

Researchers have successfully developed gluten-free beer using Witkop teff grains, which could provide an alternative to traditional barley beers. The study found that custom malting equipment would be required to produce the beer on an industrial scale.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 14, 2017

Beer yeasts show surprising diversity, genome study finds

A recent genome study reveals that beer yeasts exhibit a surprisingly high level of genetic diversity, forming multiple groups beyond the main subgroup. The research sheds light on the complex history of beer production, suggesting separate domestication events for beer and wine/sake yeasts.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 6, 2016

The history of beer yeast

Researchers sequenced genomes of 157 yeast strains used in brewing and found that industrial yeast came from just a few ancestral strains. Genetic patterns revealed clues on when yeast was first domesticated and how humans shaped its development.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateSep 8, 2016

Music makes beer taste better

Researchers found that music and packaging design can increase enjoyment of beer. A study involved participants tasting beer with different conditions: no label, label only, or label with matching song. Results showed those with the matching song rated the beer more enjoyable. The study suggests multisensory information influences tast...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJul 28, 2016

When queuing in a supermarket, who do you let go first?

A new study on supermarket queuing behavior found that customers are more willing to cooperate if the recipients can save significant waiting time. The authors propose a model of indirect reciprocity, where potential helpers' readiness to cooperate depends on their image of the recipient.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Nature·DateOct 22, 2015