Thread by @ZigmanLab

"A Deadly Feast": Chapter 1: The Red Feast

Begins below.
Enjoy!

#OW2023 #SFN2023 #neurotwitter #AcademicTwitter #hormones #ghrelin #LEAP2

The scent of anticipation lingered in the air.....

The scent of anticipation lingered in the air as the administrative team of the Center for Hypothalamic Research meticulously arranged a grand celebratory meal. The occasion was one that would forever be etched in the annals of scientific history.

The Center had overcome the dark shadows of the LEAP2 Conspiracy, unraveled the truth behind the ghastly murder that had haunted their labs, and emerged triumphant in the pursuit of justice.

Tonight was to be a feast, not only to honor the newfound freedom of Dr. Kevin Williams but also to mark the birth of a powerful alliance—the Ghrelin 5.

The elegant dining hall sparkled with an array of glistening silverware and crystal glassware. The long table was adorned with floral centerpieces, and candles cast a warm glow over the scene.

The air crackled with excitement as scientists and postdoctoral fellows from the laboratories of Dr. Alfonso Abizaid, Dr. Jamie Roitman, Dr. Mitch Roitman, and Dr. Jeffrey Zigman mingled, their conversations a harmonious blend of relief, curiosity, and pride.

Dr. Alfonso Abizaid, a renowned neuroscientist from Canada, surveyed the room with a mixture of satisfaction and caution. He had been a key player in unraveling the sinister plot that had ensnared Dr. Kevin Williams.

His piercing eyes hinted at the countless hours spent poring over data and connecting the dots. Tonight, he hoped to set aside the shadows that had haunted them and revel in the success they had achieved.

Dr. Jamie Roitman, an esteemed scientist hailing from Chicago, exchanged smiles and enthusiastic nods with her equally esteemed scientist husband Dr. Mitch Roitman. The couple had been an inseparable force in exposing the truth behind the LEAP2 Conspiracy.

Jamie's silvery white hair, furled brows, and infectious laughter brightened the room, while Mitch's sharp intellect and calm demeanor served as a steady anchor amidst the turmoil. They had weathered storms together and had come out stronger, united in their pursuit of justice.

Dr. Jeffrey Zigman, the host of the feast and the man whose laboratory had once been the backdrop for tragedy, stood at the head of the table. His tall and lanky frame spoke of a focused determination.

A world-renowned expert on the hormones ghrelin and LEAP2, Zigman's dedication to his research had been overshadowed by the murder that had taken place within his very own lab.

Tonight, he sought solace in the camaraderie of his fellow scientists, hoping that this feast would wash away the lingering stains of the past.

Dr. Kevin Williams, the formerly disgraced but now vindicated electrophysiologist and neuroscientist, also looked around the room. While in jail, he had missed scientific conference after scientific conference.

His access to the scientific literature had been restricted and he was kept in the dark about most new discoveries about the neurocircuitry controlling food intake, body weight and the metabolic responses to exercise.

His former lab had already been forcibly disbanded and thus none were present at this celebratory feast.
As the guests took their seats, a hushed anticipation settled over the room.

The murmurs of conversation ebbed and flowed like a distant tide, punctuated by the clinking of glasses and the soft clatter of cutlery. It was a moment of unity, of triumph over adversity, and the promise of a brighter future.

The air was thick with a symphony of aromatic delights, mingling together to create an irresistible fragrance that wafted through the room.

The tantalizing scent of freshly baked bread and naans and fried puris and parathas filled the air, accompanied by the savory aroma of roasted meats and herbs. It was a harmonious blend of flavors, promising an unforgettable culinary experience.

The sight was a feast for the eyes as well. Tables adorned with vibrant platters of colorful fruits and vegetables beckoned, their juicy ripeness and crispness shining under the warm glow of candlelight.

Glistening sauces and gravies cascaded over succulent dishes and curries, adding a rich and enticing sheen. Plates and platters overflowing with Coffee Crisp candy bars added a sense of Canadian whimsy to the scene.

The sounds of sizzling and crackling echoed from the kitchen, creating a symphony of culinary artistry. Laughter and chatter filled the room, intermingling with the clinking of glasses and the occasional gasp of delight as guests savored each exquisite bite.

It was a sensory extravaganza, a feast that celebrated not only the flavors but also the joy of coming together to share in the pleasure of delicious food.

Suddenly, without warning, the room plunged into utter darkness. Gasps and startled exclamations filled the air as panic rippled through the crowd. The celebratory atmosphere shattered, replaced by a primal fear that gripped everyone in its icy talons.

Screams pierced the darkness, their piercing echoes ricocheting off the walls. As the seconds stretched into an agonizing eternity, the assembled principal investigators held their breath, paralyzed by the unknown.....

stay tuned for the continuation of Chapter 1!