t the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research in Potsdam, scientists are working on a new test for beer pathogens that relies on a polymer powder (Photo: Shutterstoc There's nothing quite as refreshing as a glass of beer on a hot day and nothing more disgusting than discovering that the beer has gone off in the bottle, leaving a sour, cloudy mess. To save innocent palettes and Sunday barbecues, the Fraunhofer Institute is developing a new polymer powder that can quickly detect pathogens in beer before they can ruin the brew. To ensure that the finished product is drinkable, breweries invest heavily in quality control systems. Because beer is a living" product produced by fermentation, contamination by microorganisms is a major concern because in the nutrient-rich beer a few bacteria or other microorganisms can rapidly turn a refreshing pint into a nasty experience.