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.

A combination of two local cell interactions, intercalation and ingression amplified by a community-effect, is sufficient to explain the global movements of amniote gastrulation.

Customization of ion channel gating enhances homeostatic regulation through automatic detection and correction of abnormal physiological changes, as illustrated by self-restoration of excitation rhythm in cardiac arrhythmias.

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

Computational models are helping researchers to understand how certain properties of neurons contribute to respiratory rhythms.

Free optical steering of spiral waves by attraction-based dragging of their cores in optogenetically modified cardiac tissue.

By thinking about experimental techniques in terms of six broad approaches – perturbation, visualization, substitution, characterization, reconstitution, and simulation – researchers may be able to generate more reliable inferences.