Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much will this cost per sample?

   For a donation of $100, we will sequence either all of the bacteria or all of the yeasts in your sample. For a donation of $200, we will sequence both types of microbes from the same sample. Regardless, we still recommend sending more than one sample of your mixed culture (see #2 below). Your donations technically go to Indiana University, so they're also tax deductible, #Booyah!

2. How many samples should I send.

   We recommend sending a minimum of two - but preferrably three - samples of your mixed culture. The first will directly be used for sequencing, the second will be used for the massive mixed culture fermentation experiment (Mixed Culture Madness), and the third is because we're humans and afraid of dropping or otherwise contaminating one of the first two. The same set of (2 or 3) samples can be used for both bacterial and fungal sequencing though, so no need to send double.

3. How should I send samples?

   Any well-sealed aseptic container will do, e.g., sterile screw-cap tubes, whirl-loc bags, jars, etc. Probably the easiest vessel to use, though, is a beer bottle that's capped or corked. This is a nice mimic of how some brewers have used bottle dregs to start their sour programs, so we hope to receive many samples in bottle format. We promise to treat your samples carefully and not just get drunk on your beer ;-)

4. Where should I send my samples?

   Please address packages to: Matthew L. Bochman, 212 S. Hawthorne Dr., Simon Hall MSB1 room 405B, Bloomington, IN 47405. We can receive USPS, FedEx, and UPS packages, and someone 21+ is always available to sign for them.

5. Doc Boc, is it true that you'll do anything for a free t-shirt.

   Yes. XL.

6. Will my name, the name of my brewery, or any other identifying information be made public?

   We'll be as discreet as you'd like. We can give your sample a letter/number code so that it's completely anonymous, or we can tack on your name to publicize your participation. No one's mixed culture will be banked, propagated, or shared with anyone else, so your microbial IP is safe in our hands.

7. I've got way more questions, can I just email or call you?

   Yep. You can drop me a line at bochman[at]indiana.edu, find me on Twitter (@Doc_Boc), or call my office 812-856-2095.