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Science on Tap: The Origin and Evolution of Beer
January 11, 2010
Dr. Ernie Schyuler, Curator Emeritus of Botany, The Academy of Natural Sciences,
will talk about
“The Origin and Evolution of Beer”
About ten thousand years ago, humans became farmers who cultivated a new kind of barley and brewed beer from it. Some think that the desire for beer was the driving force for cultivating grains and therefore the foundation of civilization. Natural selection favored consumers of beer for health reasons. It was safer to drink than contaminated water and it had nutritional value. Over eight millennia after the invention of beer, a major evolutionary change occurred when hops began to be used in brewing for its bitterness, flavor, aroma, and preservative properties. Eventually the role of yeast in fermentation became known and techniques were devised to control the quality of the final product. Today beer continues to evolve thanks to the efforts of creative brewers, including many in and around Philadelphia.
This month’s Science on Tap is presented by the Academy of Natural Sciences.
SCIENCE ON TAP
Eat. Drink. Science.
Who: Everyone you know or don’t yet know
What: Real Scientists. Real Conversations. Real Bar.
Where: National Mechanics, 22 South Third St.
When: The second Monday of every month at 6:00 p.m.
Science on Tap is a monthly science café in Philadelphia for anyone who is interested in getting together with other people to discuss a range of engaging science topics. Held at the landmark National Mechanics Bar and Restaurant (22 South Third Street), a relaxed, convivial bar in Old City, Science on Tap features a brief, informal presentation by a leading scientist or other expert, followed by lively conversation. The goal is to promote enthusiasm for science in a fun, spirited, and accessible way, while also meeting new people.
Science on Tap is the hip hops creation of five of Philly’s most venerable science institutions— the APS Museum, The Academy of Natural Sciences, the Chemical Heritage Foundation, the Mütter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, and the Wagner Free Institute of Science. Science On Tap will convene on the second Monday of every month and the museums will rotate responsibility for choosing the evening’s star speaker.
Science for what ales you
The science café movement began in Leeds, England in 1998 when a local pub decided to foment a new kind of barroom brawl—a scientific debate. The idea took off as a unique way to advance public understanding of science. Now, there are locations from Maine to California where, for the price of a beer or a glass of wine or a cup of coffee, anyone can discuss scientific ideas with leading experts in their fields and learn about developments that are changing our lives.
