The “Beer with a Scientist” crew invited Roland Vlades Jr., a professor from the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, to uncover the science and practicality of personal metabolic absorption of medicine on March 23.
“The fact that an event like this is out here is amazing, I mean this medical breakthrough is crazy. I mean no doctor has ever mentioned anything like it to me. Where else could I come to learn something like this,” one attendee said.
Levi Beverly, the initiator of “Beer with a scientist,” has been putting on these events for two years now, with an event every month.
“We have a lot of amazing stuff happening in our science and health communities here in Louisville, and this is just a way to let those people be appreciated and let our community hear about it. I mean honestly most people don’t know what is going on in those,” Shane Benton, General Manager of ATG, said.
“I saw it through my Facebook feed where one of my friends was interested and I am so glad I found it,” Elizabeth Otting said.
“It really creates a relaxed forum for this conversation, which for some people can seem too difficult or taboo,” Benton said.
“As a student that works in the lab doing all this work, it is nice to see it getting put out there,” Julie Gosney said.
“It can cost between $400-$450 to have these enzymes looked at. But in the end it really can save lives and money,” Dr. Roland Valdes said. “What we are looking at here is taking a glance at your genomes so we can understand how each individual person will metabolize these medicines.”
Photos by Dustin Massengill / The Louisville Cardinal