Science Under the Stars: Fermented Fantasia

Planet Earth is infested with germs. They coat everything from the surface of our skin to the machines we use, and yes, even the food we eat. Some of these germs can make us sick, some disgust us with their putrid byproducts, while still others poison the very air we breathe. But hiding amidst these tales of illness and foul decomposition is a love story of epic proportions. Amidst the fray of villainous viruses, bad bacteria, and insidious fungi are a few unsung heroes and gifted culinary artisans. What happens when animals break bread with these good microorganisms? What possibilities are unlocked when two unlikely allies team up and turn terrible into terribly wonderful. Embark on an unexpectedly delicious adventure with Ecology, Evolution and Behavior graduate student Tristan Kubik at 7pm, March 9, for a leavenly evening as he relates one of the world’s lesser-known love stories, a tale of deliberate food spoilage we affectionately refer to as fermentation!

Arrive at 6pm for kids’ table, natural history displays and a BFL tour before the talk.

Science Under the Stars is a free public outreach lecture series run by graduate students.