NanoString Blog

Digital Spatial Profiling

How to download data from the human protein atlas

The Human Protein Atlas (HPA) is a Swedish-based program initiated in 2003 and has become an important resource for both basic and clinical research. It is one of the largest…

Nirupama Deshpande / June 30, 2023
CosMx tissue image

Spatial Biology

What are NanoString platforms used for?

A pioneer in the field of spatial biology, NanoString Technologies has developed automated workflow platforms enabling researchers to visualize and quantify gene and protein expression in tissue sections down to…

Nirupama Deshpande / June 29, 2023

GeoMx DSP

How is immunofluorescence staining done?

Immunofluorescence (IF) staining is a widely used technique that allows for the detection and localization of antigens in any given tissue or cell type. IF methods use combinations of specific…

Nirupama Deshpande / June 28, 2023

Spatial Transcriptomics

An Integrated Omics Approach: The Human Protein Atlas

Although humans have been using atlases for thousands of years, the word atlas was first coined in 1595 by the Flemish map maker Gerardus Mercator. In geographical terms, an atlas…

Nirupama Deshpande / June 27, 2023

Spatial Transcriptomics

What is the human protein atlas used for?

In order to understand the role of each protein in various biological processes such as cell organization, signaling pathways, or disease mechanisms, it becomes essential to study protein expression with…

Nirupama Deshpande / June 26, 2023
Geo location

Digital Spatial Profiling

What is digital spatial profiling?

The function of biological systems depends on the spatial organization of their cells. Over the past decade, innovative technologies have emerged that can spatially localize and quantify gene expression of…

Nirupama Deshpande / June 25, 2023

GeoMx DSP

Immunofluorescence Staining: An Overview

Immunofluorescence staining is an incredibly powerful yet simple imaging technique that optically detects the localization, distribution, and abundance of proteins at a cellular and intracellular level using fluorescent tags on…

Nirupama Deshpande / June 24, 2023
Checkpoint inhibitors

GeoMx DSP

Digital Spatial Profiling

Understanding how gene expression orchestrates cellular organization within tissues is essential to gain mechanistic insights into development and disease. Spatial transcriptomics allows capturing of transcriptional activity along with positional context…

Nirupama Deshpande / June 23, 2023

Digital Spatial Profiling GeoMx DSP Spatial Transcriptomics

FFPE Genomics: a Portal Into the World of Transcriptomic Research?

The emergence of spatial transcriptomics, with its ability to generate highly detailed maps of gene expression with spatial context, is revolutionizing biomedical research, particularly in developmental biology, cancer, immunology, and…

Nirupama Deshpande / June 21, 2023
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