Moldova, once a Soviet electronics powerhouse, is reviving its electronics industry. The country, known for its agrarian economy, had a significant electronics sector during the Soviet era, producing televisions, integrated circuits, and military systems. The collapse of the Soviet Union led to economic struggles and a decline in the industry. However, companies like Informbusiness, Moldavizolit, and Electromash Ltd. are resurfacing, contributing to public transportation and other sectors. Informbusiness, led by engineer Vitalie Eșanu, has developed energy-efficient solutions for trolleybuses, significantly improving Chisinau's transportation system. Their innovations are now used in 170 cities worldwide, including San Francisco. Despite their achievements, these companies remain relatively unknown.

Liisa Loog, an evolutionary geneticist and anthropologist, is investigating the connection between height and fertility using ancient and modern DNA data. Her research, conducted at the University of Tartu, reveals that genetic traits related to reproduction and height are interconnected and influenced by environmental factors. Estonia's comprehensive biobank and the UK Biobank provide valuable data for her study. Loog aims to understand the biological mechanisms behind these traits to offer better health advice and design environments that promote long-term health and fertility.

Moldovan children in the Russia-controlled territory of Transnistria face daily challenges to study in their native language, enduring threats and humiliation. The unrecognized Transnistrian government enforces Russian or Cyrillic-scripted Romanian education, leading to protests from parents and teachers. Despite threats and imprisonment, educators like Svetlana Jitariuc and Eleonora Cercavschi continue to teach in the Latin alphabet. The European Human Rights Court ruled that Russia must compensate the victims, but the payment remains pending. The article highlights the resilience of the Moldovan community in preserving their language and culture.

Estonian archaeologist Marika Mägi argues that the Baltic Finns, who lived in modern Finland and Estonia, were also Vikings, a fact often ignored by the world. Mägi's extensive research and her book, 'In Austrvegr,' highlight the significant role of the Baltic region in Viking history, challenging traditional narratives that focus primarily on Scandinavian Vikings. Despite the evidence, the Baltic Finns' contributions remain underrecognized due to historical and linguistic barriers. Mägi's work has received notable academic recognition, emphasizing the importance of including the Baltic perspective in Viking history.

Estonian scientists are developing a new type of battery using carbon derived from peat, a common material in Estonia's wetlands. This innovation aims to address the global shortage of lithium, essential for rechargeable batteries. Led by Enn Lust at the University of Tartu, the team has patented their discoveries and is in the testing phase. The new batteries could be significantly cheaper and environmentally friendly, potentially revolutionizing energy storage for renewable sources like wind and solar power. However, large-scale production requires substantial investment, and the team is seeking funding to move beyond the lab.

Estonian textile designer Katrin Kabun advocates for using wool as a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging. Despite the historical decline in wool usage due to synthetic materials, Kabun's research highlights wool's numerous benefits, including biodegradability and versatility. Her collaboration with Anna-Liisa Palatu led to the creation of Woola, a company producing wool-based packaging solutions. Supported by Estonia's largest logistics operator, Omniva, Woola has gained significant investment and is expanding across Europe. Kabun envisions a future where wool regains its prominence, balancing economic, environmental, and community needs.

Creative therapy, which involves expressing feelings and thoughts through arts like drawing, music, and drama, can significantly improve children's relationships with teachers and overall school experience. Marika Ratnik's research at Tallinn University shows that creative therapy helps children adapt better to new environments and enhances their life satisfaction. The practice is gaining traction in Estonia, with the first creative therapy study program launched in 2010. The Estonian education ministry is considering adding creative therapists to schools to support inclusive education, especially for children with special needs. Experts like Mall Tamm emphasize the therapeutic benefits of art in understanding oneself and managing emotions.

Estonian rye bread bakeries like Muhu Leib and Paadi Pagar prioritize traditional methods and small-scale production to maintain quality and cultural heritage. Muhu Leib, founded by Martin Sepping, is known for its fresh, natural bread made without yeast, while Paadi Pagar, led by Karin Juhkam, emphasizes the importance of good-hearted bakers. Eesti Pagar, a major exporter, also focuses on unique, healthy bread rather than mass production. The Estonian Food Industry Association annually awards the best bakery product, highlighting the country's rich bread-making tradition.

Sille Pihlak, an architect and researcher at the Estonian Academy of Arts, advocates for the use of wood in construction to reduce carbon emissions. Her research focuses on creating efficient, modular timber buildings that minimize waste. The European Union supports this movement through initiatives like the New Bauhaus Initiative. Estonia, a leading exporter of timber houses, provides a fertile ground for such innovations. Despite challenges, including slow public sector adoption, there is growing interest in sustainable building materials.

Estonian researchers are focusing on China's growing influence, emphasizing the need for Estonia to better understand China. A report by the Estonian foreign affairs ministry outlines potential future scenarios, highlighting the increasing divide between authoritarian and open societies. The article discusses China's strategic moves in Eastern Europe, including the 16+1 format and its interest in Estonian scientists. The report underscores the risks of dependency on China, especially in technology, and the importance of protecting values in geopolitical conflicts.

The Baltic Sea is recovering, and eating small fish like Baltic herring and sprat can benefit its ecosystem by removing excess nutrients. Estonian scientist Joonas Plaan emphasizes the importance of sustainable fish consumption, recommending local fish over imported ones. Larger predatory fish in the Baltic Sea are endangered, and Plaan's WWF Fish Guide advises against consuming fish from unknown or unsustainable sources. Retail chains like Rimi have adopted sustainable practices, significantly impacting market behavior. Estonia is making strides in sea life protection, with initiatives to open rivers and improve fishing regulations.

The article by Tiina Kaukvere and Marian Männi discusses the severe bottlenecks at the Moldova-Romania border, where Ukrainian and Moldovan truck drivers are stuck for days trying to export grain and sunflower seeds. The situation arose due to Russian bombings that made sea exports risky, leading to an overland export route through Moldova to the Romanian port of Constanta. The Moldovan Ministry of Economy reports drivers wait five to seven days on average. The crisis is impacting Moldovan farmers as well, who are unable to compete with the influx of cheaper Ukrainian grain, leading to a flooded market and potential bankruptcies. The Moldovan government is attempting to alleviate the situation by implementing an electronic queue system. Despite the hardships, drivers feel safer waiting at the border than risking the dangerous roads in Ukraine.

Researchers at the National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics in Estonia discovered a highly effective antibacterial solution by combining silver and another type of nanoparticle. This innovation, developed by Nanordica Medical, has shown promise in treating infections more effectively and at a lower cost than current solutions. The startup has received significant funding and is conducting clinical tests in collaboration with the North Estonia Medical Centre. The new bandages are particularly aimed at patients with diabetes, offering a potential solution to the growing issue of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Estonia's rapid economic growth and vibrant startup scene are attributed to detailed planning, forward-thinking leadership, and a strong focus on employee well-being. A study by the University of Tartu, led by Maaja Vadi and funded by Enterprise Estonia, reveals that Estonian companies prioritize strategic planning and creating supportive work environments. The study highlights the importance of a global mindset for long-term success and notes the increasing control of foreign ownership over local management. Estonian business leaders are becoming more self-confident and independent, emphasizing sustainability and community involvement.

Estonian scientists at Tallinn University of Technology, led by Professor Andres Krumme, are developing a method to produce bioplastic from wood residue using ionic liquids. This process is faster and more environmentally sustainable than traditional methods. The Estonian Research Council's ResTA programme has funded the project, which aligns with the EU's green initiatives. The Estonian environment ministry supports adding value to wood domestically. Viru Keemia Grupp, an Estonian energy company, plans to open a bioproduct factory by 2027 to partner with Krumme's team. The development aims to cater to the growing market for eco-products and compete with Nordic countries in the bioplastic industry.

Vaccine passports are emerging as a solution to reopen economies amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, but they raise human rights concerns. Scientists from the Global Digital Human Rights Network, led by Mart Susi, have analyzed the implications and recommend a temporary system with alternatives for those unable to vaccinate. Disparities in vaccine access within the EU and globally could deepen existing divides. Data privacy and integrity are also issues of concern. The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that immunization cannot be mandatory, but recent decisions may influence future legislation. Governments are urged to prioritize the development of a fair and unified vaccine passport system.

Orthopaedist and researcher Leho Rips, after studying Estonian conscripts, concludes that many health problems such as poor physical performance, depression, susceptibility to viruses, and bone issues are linked to vitamin D deficiency. Despite increased outdoor activities, Estonian men still show critically low levels of vitamin D after winter. Rips advocates for daily movement in fresh air, consumption of fresh food and fish, and taking vitamin D supplements to address this deficiency. His colleague Ahti Varblane supports the integration of vitamin D awareness into military life. A new study with higher vitamin D supplementation is planned.

Tallinn has introduced a new self-driving shuttle bus, Iseauto, which originated from a robotics course at Tallinn University of Technology (Taltech). The project, which began with a modest budget and a team of students and researchers, has now resulted in the bus becoming part of Estonia's public transportation system. Auvetech, a company started by former students, is producing and selling the Iseauto shuttles. Taltech has partnered with Florida Polytechnic University to further research autonomous vehicles. The Iseauto buses have been officially registered and are already driving in real traffic, with the Estonian Road Administration actively supporting the initiative.

Estonia's progressive family policies, including generous parental leave and supportive maternity wards, have led to an increase in birth rates. The country's efforts to address demographic challenges are showing positive results, with fertility rates improving despite economic recessions. Estonia's approach, praised by the UN, aims to preserve its nation, language, and culture amidst historical and modern population challenges.

A new laboratory in Tartu, Estonia, led by scientist Kaspar Valgepea, is developing gas fermentation technology to convert harmful gases into eco-friendly fuels, materials, and chemicals. Valgepea, who has previously collaborated with LanzaTech and gained experience in Australia and the United States, aims to find practical solutions for sustainable production. The lab was established with the support of the European Research Area and is one of the few of its kind globally. Estonian universities have effectively utilized EU funding to advance research, with Valgepea's work contributing to the fight against climate change.

Emily Zamourka, born Liudmila Grekova in Moldova, faced a life of poverty, adoption, and religious oppression in the Soviet Union. Despite being a musical prodigy, her American dream soured, leading to homelessness in Los Angeles. Her story gained attention when a video of her singing went viral, offering her a chance at a new beginning. Friends and family from her home country have expressed support, and she has been offered opportunities to teach music. Her journey highlights resilience amidst personal and systemic challenges.

Emily Zamourka, a classically-trained musician who became homeless in Los Angeles, has captured the world's attention with her singing. Born Liudmila Grekova in Soviet Moldova, she faced religious oppression, an abusive marriage, and a challenging journey to America. Despite her talents, she struggled with homelessness and health issues. However, her viral fame has led to offers of help and a potential new chapter in her life. Friends and family from Moldova have expressed their support and hope for her future.