Everything tasted fresh, and the flavors paired well together! I’m excited to explore more restaurants serving both classic Italian dishes and fusion dishes that reflect Milan’s diverse population.
I haven’t listened to much Italian music since arriving (many of the places I’ve visited play American and British hits!). One interesting musical experience, though, was hearing someone play an electric accordion on the metro during my morning commute.
The most fun activity this week was a welcome day organized by student organizations from universities across Milan. I went with a friend from my program, and it was a great way to meet new people! They also handed out “welcome kits” filled with useful city maps and guides, discount coupons and freebies like tote bags, notebooks, earplugs and stickers.
This week, I read an article in Nature Medicine that one of my professors mentioned in class. It explored the genetics of fibromyalgia, a condition that causes long-lasting, widespread pain and fatigue. Researchers compared DNA from more than 2.5 million people and identified 26 regions, or stretches of DNA, where genetic differences were linked to a higher risk of fibromyalgia. These types of studies help scientists understand how genetic differences contribute to disease and explore potential approaches to treatment.