[null, {"document_url": "https://www.askmen.com/news/fine_living/foamy-beer-magnets.html", "unformatted_src": "https://images.askmen.com/1080x540/news/fine_living/foamy-beer-magnets-1101844-TwoByOne.jpg", "src": "https://images.askmen.com/1080x540/news/fine_living/foamy-beer-magnets-1101844-TwoByOne.jpg", "formatted_filename": "foamy beer magnets TwoByOne", "alt_text": "Foamy Beer & Magnets"}, null, {"document_url": "https://www.askmen.com/news/fine_living/foamy-beer-magnets.html", "unformatted_src": "https://images.askmen.com/authors/responsive/EmmaOverton.png", "src": "https://images.askmen.com/authors/responsive/EmmaOverton.png", "formatted_filename": "EmmaOverton", "rendered_width": 32}, null, {"document_url": "https://www.askmen.com/news/fine_living/foamy-beer-magnets.html", "unformatted_src": "https://images.askmen.com/responsive/common/noimage.jpg", "src": "https://images.askmen.com/responsive/common/noimage.jpg", "formatted_filename": "noimage"}, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null]
Foamy Beer & Magnets - AskMen © Mike Kniec/Flickr


Foamy Beer & Magnets 

Because nothing ruins a freshly poured pint of beer like a big, dumb, foamy head.


Scientists have found a way to effectively decrease foam in beer. With miracles magnets.


There are a few places where foam is more than welcome: one of those raverkid foam parties, a sudsy charity car wash and in a bubble bath. On top of your beer, however, is not one of them.

Luckily, scientists have our backs and have harnessed the power of magnets to eliminate "gushing," which is apparently the scientific term for the production of foam in beer.

According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, gushing occurs when "fungi infect the barley grains in beer’s malt base." The microorganisms of fungi latch onto the barley via surface proteins called "hydropphobins" and attract carbon dioxide, which creates foam. Brewers add hops extract, which latch on to the hydrophobins before the fungi has a chance, to try to reduce foaming.

What the scientists discovered was that when a magnetic field was applied to the hops-infused malt mixture, the magnets dispersed the hops into smaller particles. This made them more effective at binding onto the hydrophobins, which allowed them to block more carbon dioxide, thus decreasing gushing.

If this all sounds a bit confusing, it's because it is. Magnets are magical. Just ask the Juggalos: For most of us, a beer foam-deterrent is great news, but not everyone feels ill will toward foam. In fact, according to Wikipedia, some beer snobs even consider foam an essential part of a beer because it gives off the "aroma" of the beverage. What do you think? Will you miss foam on your beer or are you happy to see it go?


Ask The Big Question: Could this be the key to the end of foamy beer?

Disrupt Your Feed: Say goodbye to foamy beer forever.

Drop This Fact: Some beers, such as Guinness, incorporate a device called a "widget" to create a firm, creamy head, which is considered to be an essential quality of the beer.
