Moldova is experiencing a dynamic growth in its animation sector, with companies like Crunchyroll establishing significant operations in Chișinău. The industry is being bolstered by local initiatives such as Langly, which uses animation for language learning, and educational programs supported by the Ministry of Education and USAID. Key figures like Igor Canonic and Lev Voloshin are driving this growth, emphasizing creativity and storytelling. The influx of Ukrainian specialists has further enriched the sector. Moldova's animation industry is poised for international recognition, with aspirations to become a hub for animation akin to 'Moldovawood'.

The article offers a personal guide to family-friendly activities in Moldova, particularly in Chișinău, highlighting parks like Valea Morilor and Rose Valley Park. It suggests weekend trips to eco-villages and vineyards, emphasizing the simplicity and charm of local attractions. The narrative underscores the value of spending quality time with family amidst Moldova's natural beauty, despite the lack of famous wellness centers or theme parks.

Old Orhei in Moldova is a significant archaeological and historical site with a rich past dating back to prehistoric times. Despite its potential as a major tourist attraction, efforts to preserve its authenticity have been inconsistent, hindering its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Professor Sergiu Musteață, a key advocate for the site, highlights the challenges posed by modern developments and the need for a national strategy to promote Moldova's cultural heritage. The site remains underrepresented on the global stage, with ongoing efforts to secure its place in history.

Entrepreneurs Viorica Vanica and Elena Oprea have returned to their roots in Moldova to develop their self-therapy platform, Selftalk, after experiencing the competitive environment of Silicon Valley. Despite the challenges of working from a small village, they have found peace and focus, leveraging local resources and support. Their startup has received significant backing, including from the Draper Accelerator and the UK government. The article highlights the potential for innovation and success outside traditional tech hubs, emphasizing the growing startup scene in Moldova.

A Soviet-era factory in Moldova, Eliri, is at the forefront of neuroscience innovation, producing some of the world's thinnest nanowires. These nanowires are crucial for understanding brain activity at the cellular level, a challenge that researchers like Mihaly Kollo and Matt Angle are tackling. Despite its past, Eliri is being revitalized by Marcel Varlan, who is transforming it into a modern nanowire production company. The article highlights the potential of these nanowires in advancing brain-computer interfaces and treating neurological diseases, with significant contributions from researchers in Germany, the US, and the UK.

Moldovan musicians Pasha Parfeni and Catalin Josan stood against oligarchic control in Moldova, particularly targeting Vlad Plahotniuc's influence. Parfeni's public protest in 2016 led to his blacklisting, but the Moldovan diaspora supported him and Josan, inviting them on international tours. Their actions contributed to a shift in Moldova's political landscape, culminating in Plahotniuc's departure in 2019. Parfeni's return to Eurovision symbolizes a more democratic Moldova, where artists can freely express themselves.

Female entrepreneurs in Moldova face unique challenges due to societal stereotypes and expectations. Anna Sîrbu, who transitioned from a marketing job to running Moró Atelier, highlights the difficulties and eventual success in her entrepreneurial journey. Viorica Cerbusca of Yep!Moldova notes a shift in mindset post-war, with more women pursuing their passions despite societal constraints. Ana Bradu, founder of Green Pack Moldova, and Maria Ginga, a game designer, share their experiences of overcoming societal pressures and finding purpose in their ventures. Support systems like Dreamups and government initiatives are fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Moldova's youth robotics team, led by 17-year-old Vladimir Corduneanu, gained international recognition at the FIRST Global youth robotics competition in Singapore. The team impressed the audience with their robot's ability to shoot balls into boxes of varying heights, showcasing Moldova's unexpected prowess in robotics.

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.