Unexpected Elements A keg of beer-based science
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Nov 14, 2025 Join food historian Pen Vogler as she unpacks the fascinating history of beer, tracing its origins back to ancient China and exploring the evolution from home brewing to a professional industry. She also explains why a 150-year-old Arctic Ale could still be drinkable and discusses the beliefs surrounding alcohol’s role in cold expeditions. Additionally, the episode dives into unique topics like auto-brewery syndrome and the surprising ways yeast might help combat climate change, making for a delightful blend of science and history.
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Alcohol Boosts Male Fly Attraction
- In male fruit flies, dietary alcohol converts body fatty acids into sex pheromones, increasing mating success.
- Flies regulate intake via three neural circuits to gain sexual advantage without lethal intoxication.
Hornets’ Extreme Alcohol Tolerance
- Hornets tolerate very high ethanol levels due to potent alcohol-metabolizing enzymes in their liver-equivalents.
- Studying social wasps could reveal mechanisms to improve ethanol tolerance or treat alcohol disorders.
Why 150-Year Beer Might Survive
- Pen Vogler explains a 150-year Arctic ale likely survives because it was strong (about 9%) and sugary, acting as preservatives.
- The bottle was sealed, protecting it from bacteria which spoil beer over time.
