Yeasts & Other Beasts

A Novel

A year in the life of microbiology professor Ben Ketchum, who is pursuing his tenure while mentoring students in the lab on various projects. In part one, after losing his anthrax grant, Ben takes on a new project involving the yeast, then travels to Egypt and Germany so he can learn all the ways this tiny fungus has influenced human history and biology over the past 3,000 years. In part two, Ben discusses cholera and the strange chemistry of the water molecule while trying to come up with a new side project to help another professor in his department out of a jam. In part three, things go terribly wrong with a protein purification procedure and the cowboy boot-wearing microbiologist has to troubleshoot his cystic fibrosis project. In part four, Ben lectures his students on energy, steam engines, the geology of Yellowstone National Park, DNA, thermophilic bacteria, enzymes, and how all animal cells on Earth use the chemical energy in their food for obtaining ATP. All this and much more.

Big surprise

Great story teller. Didn't expect such an engaging, honest story. Author has an interesting view and does not compromise on that.