The October breeze felt exhilarating on my scalp as a hairdresser shaved my head. With mixed feelings, I watched my wild, frizzy brown locks fall away and leave behind a clean, neat half-inch buzz. I had often joked about shaving my head to friends. “Wouldn’t it be nice not to have to fuss with it…
A federally-supported database, ClinVar, allows laboratories to publicly share data on genetic mutations and what they are thought to mean. But some companies, like Myriad, which host huge databases on genetic mutations, do not contribute to ClinVar. Even the terminology for DNA variants may not be widely shared. Different labs have different naming schemes. For…
In a rare political riposte, Senator Elizabeth Warren on Monday released an analysis of her DNA indicating that she has a Native American ancestor, likely between six and 10 generations back in her family history. President Trump has mocked Ms. Warren’s claims of Native American ancestry, often calling her Pocahontas. The new analysis appeared to…
Chandler Fowles knew it wouldn’t be simple to move from Mystic, Conn., to New York City last year. But staying put held little appeal. Her degree in art history and fine arts from Eastern Connecticut State University wasn’t helping her land any job worth sticking around for. She was coming out of a tough breakup.…
Herbert David Kleber was born on June 19, 1934, in Pittsburgh to Dorothea (Schulman) and Max Kleber, both of whom were Eastern European Jewish immigrants. His father trained as a pharmacist before going into the family luggage business, “Kleber Trunk and Bag,” which manufactured soldiers’ footlockers during World War II. His mother raised bonds for…
Our No. 2 wine was the rich and textured Domaine du Fief aux Dames, while at No. 3 was the fresh, minerally La Pépie from Domaine de la Pépière, one of the best Muscadet producers. La Pépie is an accessible bottle, delicious now, while the more structured Pepière cuvées, like Briords, are at their best…
When it comes to Japanese spirits, one thinks of whiskey and soju, not gin and vodka. But now those “white spirits,” notably gin, have seeped into the American market. Recently, Suntory — the Japanese distiller that has been in business near Kyoto since 1899 — started shipping its newest gin and vodka to the United…
Emma’s Torch — named for Emma Lazarus, whose poem is inscribed on the base of the Statue of Liberty — is a Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, restaurant that’s also a nonprofit training facility to help refugees and survivors of human trafficking qualify for jobs in the hospitality field. Kerry Brodie, the founder and executive director, and…
The closing of the New York Cake Academy, the venerable baking supply house and cooking school this year, has a very happy ending. Lisa Mansour and Jenny Kashanian, the daughters of the founder, Joan Mansour, have moved the establishment into a larger space just a block away. The new store has a cafe in the…
A line of dinnerware designed by the artist Sol LeWitt and made to his specifications in Deruta, Italy, is a stunning addition to the Whitney Museum store. Serving pieces include this flat, 12-inch sharply patterned plate, for hors d’oeuvres, cheese and desserts like tarts and cakes. It’s worthy of display when not in use. There…