During embryonic development, what are the molecular events that initiate the first heartbeat?  If we could understand how the first heartbeat occurs, maybe we could repurpose this knowledge and translate it into a therapy that delays the final one…

Researchers from Harvard captured and molecularly characterized this event in real time using various techniques, including electrophysiology and fluorescent video microscopy.  You can witness this captivating event for yourself by watching the video in the first link.  To delve deeper into this subject, explore the additional links provided.

The Video

Commentary on the paper

The paper from Nature