FluidFM, Inflammasomes
and Enteroids
A story of my postdoc – The Cocktail version
At my postdoc farewell party, I created a theme of cocktails that were crafted to celebrate my journey. Together they symbolize project defining techniques, the complexity and challenges of research and moments of breakthrough discoveries. These drinks brought a taste of science to life in a memorable way for me and my guests. Many of the concepts are technical, capturing real biology, lab processes and results, but I’ll be sharing simplified versions in separate posts – no scientific know-how needed for those. Each recipe will include full instructions and a new name, but will keep the flavors inspired by the lab’s triumphs and challenges. Stay tuned for these approachable creations or dive into the intricate story of my postdoc told through cocktails!
A) Inflammasome Negroni
Embark on a discovery of molecular intrigue with this Negroni variant, inspired by the fiery boldness of inflammasomes. Smoked ice cubes add a subtle smokiness, while a charred orange wheel releases a burst of aromatic intensity. Like the complex assembly of inflammasomes, each sip offers a complex blend of flavors, inviting you to savor the intricate interplay of botanicals and bitterness. Discover the burning allure of mixology with the Inflammasome Negroni.
B) FluidFM FloralGT
Dive into the world where science meets mixology with this innovative creation, “FluidFM FloralGT.” This gin and tonic variant showcases the beauty of rosebud-infused gin, enhanced by the sweetness of sugar syrup and the visual appeal of edible leaves encapsulated in alginate spheres. The spheres, injected with the rosebud gin, emulate the FluidFM injection process used in my project to study inflammasomes, offering a visual experience that’s both delightful and educational.
C) ASC Reporter Mojito
Experience the ASC Reporter Mojito, where cellular responses and experimental approaches sparks new ideas for the art of garnish in mixology. This refreshing cocktail, inspired by the striking ASC specks that was a crucial readout for my project, features mint syrup spheres that bursts with flavor, adding a playful and visually stunning twist to the classic mojito. Enjoy a drink that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also celebrates the wonders of molecular science.
D) FRET Daiquiri and Margarita pair
Experience the FRET Daiquiri and Margarita pair, where fluorescent assays and mixology meld to create a truly unique cocktail. Inspired by the color-changing fluorescence used to detect Caspase-1 activity through my project, this Daiquiri and Margarita pair dazzles with a brilliant transition from green to red. This visually stunning drink not only delights your palate with its balanced flavors but also honors the marvels of molecular science. Indulge in a cocktail that captures the essence of experimental innovation and makes your drinking experience a celebration of scientific exploration.
E) Dark Valley
Embark on a tantalizing journey with the “Dark Valley” a cocktail that captures the essence of the challenging phases of a research project where only negative results are obtained. Like these phases of a project, the cocktail is complex, challenging and bittersweet – but at the same time it’s a shimmering reminder of hope and perseverance and a testament to the resilience and optimism often found in the researchers. As you sip this beautifully complex and visually stunning drink, let it remind you of the beauty and hope that lie within the journey, even when the path seems dark.
F) Sweet Breakthrough
This Clover Club cocktail, vibrant and fragrant from raspberries, captures the essence of the experimental breakthrough I achieved by adding BSA to stabilize my FluidFM injection buffer. Similarly, this cocktail replaces the traditional egg white with a blend of methylcellulose, gum Arabic (a complex mixture of glycosylated proteins and saccharides), and xanthan gum, achieving perfect texture and stability. The drink is garnished with a thin, raspberry-flavored isomalt plate that must be shattered before drinking, symbolizing the breakthrough moment in science when barriers are overcome, revealing new possibilities beneath.
G) Clarity
With each sip of this exquisite French 75, you experience the clarity gained and the complexity unraveled when you finally crack a research project open. The clear version of the French 75, with its balance of crisp acidity from the citric acid, the herbal depth from the rosemary syrup, and the effervescence from the sparkling wine, reflects the harmonious integration of different experiments coming together to tell a larger story. This contrasts sharply with the traditional, less rich and cloudier version, mirroring the initial stages of a project where clarity is obstructed and true insights are harder to discern
H) Maturity & Molarity
The final cocktail creation of this theme celebrates my project’s main findings and is double layered in more than one way. The top layer features tequila blanco diluted to a long drink, while the bottom layer is made with mezcal and chili-infused honey syrup, packing a heat-inducing punch and smoky notes. Stay tuned for the details of its symbolism in my forthcoming publication. As you enjoy this final creation, remember the hard work scientists invest in advancing knowledge, the friendships made along the way, and how those friendships help us reach our goals.