Cellular Antennas Reveal Heart Defect Secrets | Science News

Science News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Sep 15, 2026 · 1m

Scientists have uncovered a hidden cellular communication system in tiny antenna-like structures called primary cilia, which may explain why some babies are born with heart defects. These cilia act as molecular signal hubs guiding stem cells to form heart muscle — and when key proteins within them malfunction due to genetic errors, heart development goes awry. Remarkably, this same system appears vital for building other organs like the brain, kidneys, and skeleton, offering a unifying theory for congenital heart disease linked to broader genetic syndromes. Researchers confirmed their…