These Medical Devices Are Inserted Into 500,000 Patients Each Year — but Are Tough to Sterilize

In hospitals around the world, the snakelike duodenoscope is regarded as an indispensable tool for diagnosing and treating diseases of the pancreas and bile ducts. But these fiber-optic devices have a remarkable drawback: Although they are inserted into the upper part of the small intestine through the mouth and constantly reused, they cannot be sterilized…

Details

New Nitrogen Ice Cream Shop Opens

Molecular gastronomy’s contribution to summertime treats is instant ice cream, emerging, like magic, in a puff of smoke. Nitrogen gas, which liquefies at an extremely low temperature, can freeze ingredients, like cream, on contact, an effect that chefs like Heston Blumenthal, of the Fat Duck in England, have used to stunning effect. Some ice cream…

Details

Cake Maven Spills Her Secrets

Sylvia Weinstock, the Fabergé of wedding cakes, is 89 and still at it, fashioning stupendous special-occasion confections. She will be at the Museum at Eldridge Street to talk about her life and loves and help celebrate Tu B’Av, a holiday that’s like a Jewish Valentine’s Day. There will be music, food, drinks and readings of…

Details