Comparative analysis of rhesus macaque and human placental organoids highlights evolutionary differences in placentation.

Throughout evolution, the placenta has diversified in both structure and cellular composition while maintaining its fundamental function. Trophoblasts are fetal-derived cells responsible for nourishing and protecting the developing fetus and are a universal component of all placentas. While primate placentas exhibit many shared morphological features, species-specific differences in gene expression remain largely unexplored, primarily due to the lack of suitable models.

Pregnancy-associated morbidity and mortality during pandemics: Looking to the past in order to prepare for the future.

Pregnant women are at high risk of adverse outcomes in the setting of viral-associated outbreaks and pandemics. In this forum, we discuss the impact of past and current pandemics on pregnant women and make recommendations to protect this vulnerable population.

Hallmarks of primary neurulation are conserved in the zebrafish forebrain.

Primary neurulation is the process by which the neural tube, the central nervous system precursor, is formed from the neural plate. Incomplete neural tube closure occurs frequently, yet underlying causes remain poorly understood. Developmental studies in amniotes and amphibians have identified hingepoint and neural fold formation as key morphogenetic events and hallmarks of primary neurulation, the disruption of which causes neural tube defects.