A precise sequence of left-right asymmetries, combined with mechanical constraints, is sufficient to drive the looped morphogenesis of the embryonic heart tube, with potential impact for congenital heart defects.

Computational modelling of the heart tube during development reveals the interplay between tissue asymmetry and growth that helps our hearts take shape.

A new three-dimensional model of the blood-brain barrier can be used to study processes that are involved in neurodegenerative diseases.

A compendium of critical genomic numbers for viruses through the lenses of different viral classification systems.

Gender-bias in peer reviewing might persist even when gender-equity is reached because both male and female editors operate with a same-gender preference whose characteristics differ by editor-gender.

Guidelines governing research into embryos need to be updated in a way that reflects the moral status of synthetic human entities generated using the methods of synthetic biology.

Horizon scanning has been used to identify opportunities and risks presented by 20 emerging issues in the field of biological engineering.

Advances in techniques for analysing single cells and tissues have inspired an international effort to create comprehensive reference maps of all human cells - the fundamental units of life - as a basis for both understanding human health and diagnosing, monitoring and treating disease.