Spatial Biology: Learning The Landscape

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Biological research is changing with a growing understanding of spatial biology and the integration of advanced technologies. Spatial biology is the combination of spatial data with information about the identity of biological molecules. Growing understanding of these molecules has researchers curious about how they are organized, particularly within heterogeneous tissues and during disease states.

Researchers can generate spatial biology data through fluorescence microscopy, sequencing, mass spectrometry, and often a combination of all three. The integrated nature of these technologies, alongside new discoveries, has led to a rise in complex techniques. In this article, we explore what spatial biology is and its effect on areas such as tumor microenvironments, genetics, and development.