Medtronic Health Tech: Medtronic won FDA clearance and CE marks for Affera Prism-2 cardiac mapping software and a PulseSelect ProxBox adapter, expanding its precision tools for heart rhythm ablation. Cancer Research: Mayo Clinic researchers report distinct gut microbiome patterns in younger adults with colorectal and breast cancers, using stool samples from a large real-world cohort across multiple states. Clinical Trials Tech: Minneapolis-based Trialynx won DPHARM Idol Disrupt 2026 for its hub-and-spoke “single source of truth” approach to real-time trials, aligning with FDA’s push to modernize how studies run. Education & Testing: Rochester Public Schools posted reading gains and beat the statewide reading proficiency rate for the first time in 14 years, while new MCA data shows fewer than half of Minnesota students meet math and reading standards. Public Health & Environment: Iowa researchers say most excess cancer cases in the state’s top cancers can be explained by modifiable risk factors, pointing to prevention. Healthcare Systems: Essentia Health and HealthPartners approved an affiliation/merger plan, aiming to improve access and affordability. Housing & Community Support: St. Cloud’s Avivo Village broke ground on a 48-unit shelter to move people toward permanent housing. STEM Minnesota Watch: Minnesota’s home insurance rates jumped sharply in early 2026, tied to severe weather impacts like hail and tornado damage.