Single-Cell Analysis: Uncovering Cellular Heterogeneity
Traditional "bulk" analysis averages the signals from thousands of cells, often hiding critical details about rare cell types. Single-Cell Sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-cell proteomics have solved this by analyzing individual cells in isolation, revealing the hidden diversity within seemingly identical tissues.
Tumor Microenvironments: Researchers use single-cell tools to identify specific "persister cells" in tumors that survive chemotherapy, leading to the development of more effective cancer treatments.
Spatio-Temporal Analysis: Advanced systems now combine single-cell data with spatial information, showing exactly where a cell is located within a tissue and how its location affects its behavior.
Microfluidic Isolation: Technologies like droplet-based microfluidics allow for the rapid processing of tens of thousands of individual cells in a single experiment.