During embryonic development, thousands of cells divide and move as one. Understanding the mechanisms that coordinate this collective behavior remains a significant challenge in biology and the physics of living systems. Researchers from UC San Diego have discovered that avian embryos control their size and shape using modular, independent physical mechanisms. This work may help develop strategies for engineering synthetic biomaterials.

The small intestine is not only crucial for digestion but also for immune regulation and microbial balance. In a review, Chinese researchers summarize how specialized epithelial cells—Paneth and tuft cells—and associated immune cells maintain intestinal homeostasis. The review also explores how dysfunction in these cells contributes to chronic diseases such as IBD, obesity, and diabetes. The findings may guide future therapies targeting intestinal cell function to treat both gastrointestinal and metabolic disorders.