Soybean is a strategic crop for global protein and vegetable oil supply chains; however, genetic improvement remains constrained by genotype-dependent regeneration, variable transformation efficiency, and regulatory concerns regarding stable transgene integration. This review synthesizes emerging DNA-free and genotype-independent genome-editing frameworks for soybean, where genotype independence is defined as the ability to recover fertile, non-chimeric edited plants across elite germplasm. We critically examine the soybean genome-editing toolbox, including CRISPR-Cas9, Cas12a, multiplex editing systems, base editing, and prime editing, and discuss persistent bottlenecks associated with target selection, off-target assessment, editability, and plant recovery. Particular emphasis is placed on artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted approaches that integrate genomic, epigenomic, chromatin-accessibility, and multi-omics datasets to improve target prioritization, guide RNA design, off-target prediction, and locus- and genotype-specific editability assessment. We further evaluate DNA-free genome-editing technologies, including CRISPR-Cas ribonucleoproteins, transient RNA-based systems, and nanocarrier-mediated delivery platforms, highlighting their potential to generate non-integrative edits while reducing prolonged nuclease exposure. In addition, we discuss regeneration reprogramming strategies based on developmental regulators and morphogenic modules, including BBM-WUS, GRF-GIF, de novo meristem induction, and somatic embryogenesis, as enabling technologies for overcoming cultivar-dependent regeneration barriers. Importantly, this review proposes an integrated AI-to-field framework that connects target discovery, editability prediction, DNA-free editing, regeneration reprogramming, phenotypic validation, and breeding deployment into a unified soybean improvement pipeline. We further highlight emerging opportunities in multi-omics-guided target discovery, genotype-aware prediction models, regeneration-aware editing strategies, and closed-loop machine-learning systems that continuously improve editing decisions through experimental feedback. Collectively, these convergent innovations provide a practical foundation for accelerating the development of climate-resilient, nutritionally enhanced, and industry-ready soybean cultivars.

Background/Objectives: Migraine is a common, disabling neurological disorder disproportionately affecting women during hormonally sensitive phases like menarche, pregnancy, and menopause. Despite awareness of sex-specific risk factors, management remains fragmented and predominantly neurologist-led, with limited coordination. To address these gaps, this project aimed to develop a national expert consensus, endorsed by scientific societies, on multidisciplinary migraine management in women across the lifespan, integrating perspectives from neurology, gynecology, endocrinology, cardiology, and general medicine. Methods: A two-round Delphi survey was conducted among 145 Italian clinicians representing the five specialties. The Scientific Board formulated 50 questions, each consisting of a variable number of statements, covering diagnostic approaches, hormonal therapies, comorbidities, and organizational care pathways. Statements were rated on a nine-point Likert scale, and consensus was defined using pre-specified criteria based on median scores and agreement. Results: Overall, 79 of 145 statements (54%) achieved consensus. High-level agreement emerged on sex-informed diagnostic strategies, including systematic gynecological and endocrinological evaluation and hormonal profiling in women with migraine. Round 2 facilitated consensus on contentious issues, such as avoiding estrogen-containing contraceptives in migraine with aura, individualized thrombotic risk assessment during menopause, and structured interdisciplinary coordination-particularly among neurologists, gynecologists, and general practitioners-during fertility planning and assisted reproduction. Qualitative feedback emphasized the need to update clinical pathways, implement standardized referral models, and strengthen interprofessional communication. However, persistent divergence remained on selected topics, particularly the role of hormonal contraceptives as a first-line approach to migraine management in women of reproductive age, reflecting different priorities between gynecologists and neurologists. Conclusions: This Delphi initiative provides the first national multidisciplinary consensus on migraine management in women in Italy. The findings support the development of sex- and life-stage-specific clinical guidance and integrated care models tailored to the complex needs of women with migraine.

This study investigates the effects of psychopharmacological drug on male reproductive health, with a specific focus on sperm parameters, DNA integrity, and chromatin structure. The aim is to understand the potential risks these medications pose to fertility. A comparative analysis was conducted involving 14 individuals undergoing psychopharmacological treatment and 15 non-users. Key seminal parameters, including volume, concentration, count, morphology, and motility, were evaluated to assess the impact on overall sperm quality. Additionally, genetic markers such as DNA fragmentation and chromatin structural integrity were measured to determine the extent of damage to genetic material. The study also analysed Protein Kinase A (PKA) expression, a critical enzyme in the cAMP-mediated signalling pathway, to explore its role in regulating sperm function. Significant statistical differences were observed in semen parameters, DNA fragmentation, chromatin integrity, and PKA protein expression between the two groups. Individuals using psychopharmacological drugs exhibited marked impairments in sperm quality and genetic markers compared to non-users. These findings suggest a potential link between psychopharmacological drug use and adverse effects on male reproductive health. The study underscores the importance of understanding the reproductive risks associated with these medications. It highlights the need for increased awareness among healthcare professionals and patients about the potential consequences of psychopharmacological treatment on fertility. Further research is essential to explore the underlying mechanisms and develop strategies to mitigate these adverse effects, ensuring better reproductive outcomes for individuals undergoing such treatments.

Health technologies (HealthTech), including mobile applications, wearables, at-home testing and telehealth platforms, are increasingly marketed to support fertility awareness, conception and fertility management. In the context of declining global birth rates, these tools are often positioned as innovative solutions to improve reproductive outcomes. Evidence suggests that HealthTech can enhance fertility literacy, facilitate self-monitoring, expand access to care and support patient-clinician communication. However, these benefits are contingent on accuracy, clinical validity and appropriate integration into healthcare pathways. Despite their potential, many fertility-focused technologies are introduced to the market with limited evidence of analytical validity, clinical relevance or meaningful benefit to users. Over-reliance on predictive algorithms, particularly those based on limited inputs, may lead to misinformation and unintended consequences for individuals attempting to conceive. Furthermore, concerns arise regarding the commercialization of reproductive health, inequities in design and access, and the handling of highly sensitive personal data. The amplification of unvalidated claims through social media further complicates the landscape. Stronger regulatory frameworks, including pre-market validation, algorithmic transparency, data protection and integration with clinical care, are urgently required. Ensuring that HealthTech solutions are evidence-based, equitable and patient centred will be critical to realizing their potential while minimizing harm.

A total fertility rate (the average number of children born per woman during their reproductive lifespan) of 2.1, termed the 'replacement level', is needed to keep a population size stable. This index is already below 2 in the great majority of developed and middle-income countries, and current estimates show that by the year 2100, many countries will experience a population decline of more than 50%. This poses an extraordinary challenge to our societies, as a shrinking workforce will produce fewer products and services and therefore less income from taxes to sustain children and elderly individuals. Economic factors such as household income and the cost of housing and childcare have been shown to be strong drivers of the willingness to establish a family; however, current trends in attitudes to childbearing reveal a high percentage of voluntary childlessness, i.e. individuals not willing to have children. The International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS) MoreJoy™ campaign seeks to explore the reasons for these cultural changes, is raising awareness of the fertility decline and is committed to promoting education on fertility and infertility prevention, and access to infertility care to all, irrespective of gender or marital status.

People who use medically assisted reproduction (MAR) outside the legal and/or medical framework are generally on the margins of the dominant procreative norm, making them particularly vulnerable to a wide range of reproductive violence such as legal restriction to medical care, discrimination, or mistreatment. The aim of this study was to explore experiences of reproductive violence among people living in France who sought MAR either abroad or without medical assistance. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between 2022 and 2023. Almost half of the interviewees (n = 28/69) had been confronted with reproductive violence during their MAR journey. Although the French bioethics law extended access to MAR to single women and female same-sex couples in 2021, participants described how the shortage of gametes fuelled all forms of reproductive violence, encompassing psychological, economic and physical violence. Our findings revealed an intersectional dimension to these experiences, particularly affecting individuals with non-heterosexual identities, older age, or higher body weight. Single women appeared particularly exposed to such violence. However, faced with reproductive violence, many participants demonstrated resilience and empowerment, notably through support from social networks and associations. This solidarity helped them to develop strategies of resistance and avoidance. From personal difficulties and experiences of violence at institutional level and in care, people moved on to awareness of systemic violence, encouraging them to support their peers. Awareness led them to denounce reproductive injustice and even to demand changes in MAR organisation and care.