The development of synthetic embryo models using early stem cells has emerged as a powerful platform for studying mammalian development in vitro. However, the generation of high-quality post-implantation embryo models in mice has typically relied on embryonic stem cells (ESCs) engineered to transiently express master regulators of extraembryonic lineages. This strategy diverges from the natural in vivo process of extraembryonic lineage specification.

The endocrine system plays a crucial role in regulating physiological processes and maintaining homeostasis. While previous studies have examined aging in individual endocrine organs, a comprehensive investigation across multiple endocrine tissues at single-cell resolution has been lacking. This study established the first single-cell aging atlas of the endocrine system, revealing conserved and organ-specific aging mechanisms while identifying novel regulatory pathways.

Researchers led by Prof. XU Zhiheng from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, revealed the important roles of POSH phase separation and its co-condensates with SHANK2/3 in the synaptic targeting of SHANK2/3 and synaptogenesis.

In two newly published studies, researchers at the Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University (Hungary) investigated how family dogs’ ADHD-like traits relate to their learning and self-control. Dogs resemble humans in many ways — even traits similar to human Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can naturally appear in them and can be assessed through validated questionnaires developed by the research group. Their recent findings not only highlight parallels between dog and human behaviour but also offer practical insights for dog training.