What is spatial transcriptomics?

Spatial transcriptomics is an advanced technique that allows scientists to measure gene expression within the spatial context of tissue samples. Unlike traditional RNA sequencing, which loses information about where each gene is expressed, spatial transcriptomics preserves the physical location of gene activity in tissues. This helps researchers better understand how cells function within their native environments and interact with neighboring cells, which is especially valuable in fields like cancer research, neuroscience, and developmental biology. The method combines microscopy, molecular biology, and computational analysis to produce detailed maps of gene expression.