Random Links for 6/6/09

9,000-Year-Old Brew Hitting Shelves This Summer

This summer, how would you like to lean back in your lawn chair and toss back a brew made from what may be the world’s oldest recipe for beer? Called Chateau Jiahu, this blend of rice, honey and fruit was intoxicating Chinese villagers 9,000 years ago—long before grape wine had its start in Mesopotamia.

New Laser Facility Fuels Dreams of Nuclear Fusion

Talk of the Nation, June 5, 2009 · A new multibillion-dollar facility in California houses the world’s most powerful laser. But is it powerful enough to trigger the thermonuclear fusion reaction that occurs in stars? Some scientists are doubtful. Lab Director Edward Moses discusses the controversial project.