Credit: Midjourney and Studio Miko. Prompt (abbreviated): Microchip attached to a leaf. Read more: Discover expert analysis related to wearable plant sensors on the Strategic Intelligence Platform. Two companies, Growvera and Phytech, have independently developed micro-sized needle sensors that insert into a plants leaves or stems to measure changes in electrical resistance. Data are transmitted wirelessly to a computer or mobile device, where they are analysed to generate insights about plant health. Farmers can thus monitor crops in real time and perform precise interventions based on the specific demands of plants, such as adjusting irrigation or fertilizer application in response to moisture levels or nutrient data. Much work remains. Wearable sensors can be expensive to install and maintain, and interpretation Industry

Prosperity 70% increase in world food production will be required to feed the global population by 2050. 19 07 Spatial omics Molecular-level mapping of biological processes to unlock lifes mysteries. Elizabeth ODay Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Olaris Angela Ruohao Wu Associate Professor, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Xu Xun Director, BGI Research The human body is composed of approximately 37.2 trillion cells. How do they all work together to keep us alive and healthy? Spatial omics may provide researchers with an answer. By combining advanced imaging techniques with the specificity and resolution of DNA sequencing, this emerging method enables the mapping of the what, where and when of biological processes at the molecular level. Starting with an organ of interest (such as a mouse brain), scientists slice tissue into sections only one cell thick. Innovative techniques are then used to visualize the locations of specific biomolecules in each slice .36,37,38 Spatial omics allows previously unobservable cell architecture and biological events to be viewed in unprecedented detail. up 89% of the market in 2020 , 49 the market is dramatically expanding to include pharmaceutical and biotech industries.

To realize the full promise of spatial omics, technical challenges around data acquisition, processing, storage and standardized reporting must be addressed. Further, applications should be expanded to map other biomolecules, such as metabolites, and other organisms, including plants and invertebrates, to further illuminate the underlying biology. In the brief time since Nature Methods selected spatial omics as the method of the year in 2021 ,50 it has evolved from a niche technique to one that is poised to become standardized and widely employed, revolutionizing the understanding of life. Image: New imaging techniques may allow for unprecedented access to the previously unobservable. Credit: Midjourney and Studio Miko. Prompt (abbreviated): Organic cell structure at the molecular level taken through microscopic imaging in a heatmap style. Read more: Discover expert analysis related to spatial omics on the Strategic Intelligence Platform.