NanoString Blog

Author: Geoffrey Hummelke

Green-outlined cells on a dark background, with pink/purple splotches in each cell

CosMx SMI

What are some examples of cell signals?

Cell signaling is one of my absolute favorite topics in molecular biology. In fact, a lecture on cell signaling during my sophomore year of college was the reason why I…

Geoffrey Hummelke / June 18, 2023

CosMx SMI

What are some examples of cell to cell interactions?

The coordination of 37.2 trillion cells is required for our bodies to function, but it can be difficult enough to coordinate a classroom of thirty students. How then are so…

Geoffrey Hummelke / June 17, 2023

CosMx SMI

Common questions in molecular biology: What is the importance of cell interactions?

Can you imagine if a cell could send an email? Or put in a work request? Think of it: Dear Immune System, I am infected by a virus. Please send…

Geoffrey Hummelke / June 16, 2023

CosMx SMI

Common questions in molecular biology: What are types of cell-cell interactions?

Much like bees or ants, cells are inherently social. Also like various hive-based insects, the social nature of the interactions are important for dictating function and well being of the…

Geoffrey Hummelke / June 15, 2023

CosMx SMI

Common questions in molecular biology: Why do we need biomarkers?

What does it mean to be healthy? If you go in for a regular wellness appointment at the doctor’s office, how does the doctor assess if you are healthy? Wellness…

Geoffrey Hummelke / June 14, 2023
Green-outlined cells on a dark background, with pink/purple splotches in each cell

CosMx SMI

Common questions in molecular biology: What can biomarkers tell us?

As we go about our day, we are surrounded by indicators. Our clocks tell us the time. Ovens will reveal their current temperatures and alert us when they’ve reached their…

Geoffrey Hummelke / June 13, 2023
Detail of a syringe needle in a vial

CosMx SMI Spatial Transcriptomics

Common questions in molecular biology: What are the most common biomarkers?

If you stopped someone on the street and asked them to give you an example of a common biomarker, you will more than likely be met with silence. However, if…

Geoffrey Hummelke / June 12, 2023

CosMx SMI

Common questions in molecular biology: What is an example of a biomarker?

It’s time for your yearly wellness visit with your doctor. It’s the same thing every year. They check your weight, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and pulse. Perhaps you have to…

Geoffrey Hummelke / June 9, 2023

CosMx SMI Multiomics Spatial Analysis

Unveiling the Inner Lives of Cells: A Spatial Look at Cell-Cell Interaction

Cells are the building blocks of all living things, from single-celled organisms such as bacteria to multi-celled organisms like whales. At the most basic level, though, all cells function in…

Geoffrey Hummelke / June 8, 2023
Green-outlined cells on a dark background, with pink/purple splotches in each cell

CosMx SMI Spatial Transcriptomics

A Spatial Twist on Biomarkers: Using Spatial Transcriptomics for Biomarker Discovery

Anyone who studies biology knows that living systems are highly complex, sophisticated entities, often containing redundant processes. Sorting out the mechanisms at play in any biological system is therefore aided…

Geoffrey Hummelke / June 6, 2023

Spatial Biology

Situating Single Cell RNA-seq in the Context of Multiomics

Cells, the building blocks of all life, are built from biological molecules such as proteins and RNA. Biological molecules perform all the functions of living cells, from DNA replication to…

Geoffrey Hummelke / June 2, 2023

CosMx SMI GeoMx DSP Spatial Biology

Single-Cell Spatial Surpasses Single-Cell Sequencing

Modern biology research is deeply interested in discovering the fundamental mechanics that operate within an organism of interest. Since the fundamental unit of all living organisms is the cell, it…

Geoffrey Hummelke / May 11, 2023