A Pint of Nature: Plants, Plastic, and the Science of What We Consume

Some plants can survive months—or even years—without water, only to spring back to life with a single drink. In this talk, we’ll explore the wild world of these “resurrection plants” and how evolution has equipped them to endure extreme thirst.

Beer may be brewed from a variety of cereal grains, but the oil and the yellow pigments in corn can oxidize, causing “staling” or off-flavors that reduce shelf life. The Riggs Beer Company in Urbana, Illinois has revived the traditional American Double Mash process to brew their American Lager using BeerCorn, a novel corn hybrid from the University of Illinois that produces white seeds with low oil concentration. I will share the story of how “BeerCorn” was bred from an 1890s heirloom variety into a locally popular beverage that can now be enjoyed by anyone as “Pints of Science”.

Plastic pollution has become one of the most pervasive environmental challenges of the modern era. From vast oceanic gyres to remote terrestrial ecosystems, plastic debris has a ubiquitous presence, affecting wildlife, ecosystems, and even human health. Once lauded for its durability, versatility, and low cost, plastic has now become a symbol of environmental degradation, with its far-reaching negative effects felt globally. This talk will explore the intricate issues surrounding plastic pollution, with a particular focus on microplastics, and will examine a variety of approaches to mitigate the impact and transition toward a more sustainable future.