Beer

Modern brewing

Beer is not a new invention. In 6000 BC the Sumerians already established the first beer-like drink in Mesopotamia. At that time, the people put some bread in the water for a few days, producing an alcoholic concoction. Today, brewing takes place in huge fermenters made of steel. The starch in malted barley is converted into sugar by enzymes. This solution is fermented with hops and yeast. 

European Forest Institute opens office in Bonn

Forests as a resource and ecosystem offer countless opportunities and possible applications. Unfortunately, oftentimes many of these are not compatible. Therefore it is particularly important to develop intelligent plans and policies in order to protect the forest as an ecosystem and as a home for numerous animal- and plant-species, while simultaneously being used as a sustainable resource.

Marine algae to provide omega-3 fatty acids

Humans and animals require omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy and well-balanced nutrition. These essential fatty acids consist of a family of polyunsaturated fats that also include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Since the body can’t produce them, omega-3 fatty acids have to be taken up through the diet or diet supplements. Many studies have shown that sufficient levels of omega-3 EPA and DHA support brain, eye, and heart health in multiple species, including humans.

Remote-controlled feeding tools

GPS and sensor technology have been a part of agriculture for quite some time now. But not just the cultivation of fields can be simplified by the digitization. Radio chips and the likes are also useful to optimize animal husbandry by monitoring animal health and thus increasing revenue. Last fall a survey by Germany's Digital Association bitkom together with the German Farmers’ Association (DBV) revealed that the majority of farmers are already using or would like to use digital technologies in the near future.

Mining copper with microbes

Copper is an important bulk metal for the German industry: it is mainly used in the cable and electrical industry, but also in the construction and automotive sectors, and in mechanical engineering. Until now most of it had to be imported either in the form of metal concentrates or crude ore. The world market leader Chile has been an important copper partner for Germany.