Researcher Invents New Field to Study Life Found in Smoke

As flames still burn from another year of disastrous fires, Leda Kobziar (of the University of Idaho) works to grow a new field of study, Pyroaerobiology, that surveys life found in the puffs of smoke emitted from forest fires. Not only bacteria, fungi, and archaea flourish here, but allergens and viruses, too. When the ashen clouds rise and permeate faraway places, so do the things …

BENEE: Blu

BENEE’s surreal new single, “Blu,” arrives with a music video wherein she (aka Stella Bennett) puts on a performance aimed at unsettling its sole attendee (and all those watching on a screen). The lyrics suggest this lonely guest, who’s eventually held hostage and forced to watch a video of himself on stage, is an ex—specifically one that was unaware of how awful they’d treated her. …

Casa Ora Typifies the Uniqueness of Venezuelan Cuisine and Culture

Helmed by mother-son duo Ivo and Isbelis Diaz, the new Williamsburg restaurant educates, delights and donates

There’s a palpable warmth that permeates every inch of Casa Ora, a new Venezuelan restaurant in Williamsburg. That feeling extends from the decor choices to the food that’s served, and it all comes courtesy of mother-son duo Ivo (a Nomad alum) and Isbelis Diaz—Venezuelan immigrants and the duo in charge of their all-Venezuelan kitchen staff. The menu—which consists of well-known favorites (arepas) and lesser-known treats …