The Human Genetics Research Group of the University of Tartu Faculty of Medicine has identified a gene whose defect may cause congenital heart malformations in the fetus. The MGRN1 gene has not previously been associated with early human development or with any disease. The discovery will help doctors better recognise similar cases in the future and improve the counselling and treatment offered to affected families.

The article examines the emerging use of genomic testing to predict complex traits in embryos, such as intelligence or the risk of developing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or Alzheimer’s disease later in life. As embryo testing moves beyond disease prevention toward the prediction of complex human social characteristics, the author argues that stronger oversight and clearer regulations are needed.

Assessing the health impacts of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in cetaceans is challenging due to ethical constraints on live animal testing. This study developed a predictive "QIVIVE" model for finless porpoises. By calculating the "freely dissolved concentration" of POPs using a mass distribution model, we discovered that current environmental exposure levels pose a low risk to cell viability. This novel framework enables precise, ethical chemical risk assessments for marine mammals.

Researchers from the National University of Singapore have developed a new AI-powered wearable hydrogel sensor system that continuously and accurately tracks heart signals and blood pressure – key indicators of mental health - throughout daily activities, with particularly superior performance during movement when reducing signal noise is critical. The soft and skin-like sensor captures clinical-grade cardiovascular markers to classify fatigue levels with 92 per cent accuracy – meeting clinical-grade standards and outperforming commercial devices. This breakthrough unlocks seamless, real-time monitoring of mental wellbeing. 

Food aromas do more than please the senses—they can subtly reshape human emotions.