The 10,000-year bender

• Autores: Rob Dunn
• Localización: New scientist, ISSN 0262-4079, Nº. 2901, 2013, págs. 38-41
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • The story of alcohol is one of an intimate relationship between humans and yeasts, an affair that began millions of years ago and is still playing out today. People like to cast themselves as the star of this drama, but in fact yeasts are the unsung lead character. Theirs is a symbiotic connection--a mutually beneficial partnership. It is also one in which the balance of power is constantly shifting. If anything, the yeasts seems to have had the upper hand, at least since their ancestors began brewing their own grog. They cultivate yeasts, ensuring they survive and thrive, and in return they get, at best, a good night out and a hangover the next morning. Once upon a time, however, yeast and alcohol may have offered them more significant rewards. Here, Dunn talks about the love affair with alcohol is the result of a long and tempestuous relationship between people and yeast.