Science Cafe programs to focus on food and drink

The University of Nebraska State Museum’s monthly Science Cafe programs will focus on food and drink topics from August through November.

The programs, for adults 21 and older, are from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the third Thursday of most months.

The fall schedule is:

• Aug. 18: “Food and Fermentation” with Heather Hallen-Adams, UNL assistant professor of food science and technology, Morrill Hall, south of 14th and Vine streets. Hallen-Adams will touch on all aspects of food microbiology but will focus on the “good” side, discussing the role of fermentation in everyday foods such as bread and cheese.

• Sept. 15: “Art + Science = Beer,” Zipline Brewing Co., 2100 Magnum Circle. The discussion will focus on the fermentation process, selection of grains and hops, and their effects on flavor. A brewery tour is included, but the event is limited to 30 ticket holders.

• October: No event.

• Nov. 17: “Farm to Table” with Ingrid Kirst, executive director of Community Crops, Morrill Hall. Kirst will talk about the power of eating local. Participants will learn basic botany and discuss edible plants that thrive in Nebraska and the joys and challenges of growing one’s own food.

Science Cafe at Morrill Hall is a casual, educational and entertaining monthly series for adults, exploring a variety of science and natural history topics. Each month attendees can enjoy food from Raising Cane’s while hearing from scientists and researchers. Attendees can ask questions and offer opinions in this informal setting.

Tickets are on sale here. Admission is $15 for museum members and UNL students, faculty and staff; and $20 for non-members. The ticket includes one drink ticket, three Raising Cane’s chicken fingers, toast and Cane’s Sauce. A vegetarian meal option is available. Seating is limited. A cash bar is available. Ticket sales end at 10 a.m. the day of the program.