Core Insights - Congenital heart disease is the most common type of birth defect in newborns, and recent research by Chinese scientists has identified an organ primordium determination zone that provides a crucial theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of congenital heart disease and other birth defects [1][3] - The study, published in the international academic journal "Cell," utilized single-cell spatial omics analysis to capture the dynamic process of organ formation in mouse embryos, focusing on the early stages of development [1][3] Research Findings - The research team discovered a unique signaling "depression" known as the organ primordium determination zone (PDZ) at 7.75 days of mouse embryonic development, characterized by low signal activity and the expression of various receptor signaling genes [3] - The PDZ area is surrounded by high concentrations of inhibitory and activating signaling molecules, creating a microenvironment conducive to the coordinated development of the heart and foregut [3] - This study provides a new methodology for understanding organ regeneration and tumorigenesis, offering precise scientific evidence for the prevention and treatment of congenital heart disease and related conditions [3]

Group 1 - The "Heart Guardian Project" has provided free screening for over 200,000 children and treated more than 2,300 congenital heart disease patients since its launch in 2014, with 494 of those being from Tibet [3] - The project has expanded its screening locations from hospitals to schools, and the scope of screening now includes conditions such as funnel chest, pigeon chest, and arrhythmia [3] - The "Heart Guardian Cabin," a comprehensive service platform for congenital heart disease prevention and treatment, was inaugurated, aiming to enhance public awareness of children's heart health through educational activities [2] Group 2 - A total of 31 children with congenital heart disease were treated in Jiangsu, with the most complex cases being addressed, including three cases of severe congenital heart disease [2] - The medical team developed personalized treatment plans for each child, with 15 children having already completed their surgeries successfully [2] - The project has traveled over 1 million kilometers across 15 provinces, highlighting the importance of screening in rural and remote areas where many children are unaware of their conditions [3]