Primers

Preclinical systematic reviews look at scientific evidence addressing focused questions from animal research studies to inform future clinical research. In this Primer, Ineichen et al. discuss the best practices for conducting preclinical systematic reviews, promoting reproducibility and guiding translational research.

Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) is a versatile statistical method for reducing redundant and noisy information from an original sample to its essential features. In this Primer, Zhao et al. discuss LDA variants and their implementation settings as well as best practices for applying LDA to analyse data.

Nanofluidics studies fluids in artificial nanopores, in which confinement and interfaces result in unique phenomena. This Primer looks at how to prepare nanostructures and probe fluid transport at the nanoscale, including scale-up strategies.

Single-particle tracking is a method for analysing different motion behaviours of individual proteins and protein complexes in live cells. This Primer outlines the experimental setup and labelling techniques commonly used for single-particle tracking, as well as its many applications in cellular biology.

Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring probes interfaces by subjecting them to a periodic shear stress exerted by an acoustic resonator. In this Primer, Johannsmann and Reviakine offer guidelines on experimental aspects of quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring, including measurement cell design, resonator surface treatment, data collection and quantitative data analysis.

Microbial electrodes combine electroactive microorganisms with electron-conducting materials to facilitate the conversion between electrical and chemical energy. In this Primer, ter Heijne and Harnisch overview the key parameters and main electrochemical methods used for characterization of microbial electrodes.

The optimal transport mathematical framework can be used to describe how source populations, such as populations of single cells, can morph into another target population. In this Primer, Bunne et al. describe how optimal transport theory is used for analysing single-cell data.

Stimulated emission depletion microscopy opens new observation windows in challenging samples such as living cells and tissues. In this Primer, Lukinavičius et al. discuss 2D and 3D stimulated emission depletion setup, including adaptive optical elements and their combination with fluorescence lifetime techniques.

Spatial multiomics is an interdisciplinary field combining all molecular omics using advanced imaging techniques to explore interactions within tissues and cells. In this Primer, Carstens et al. examine current technologies for quantification across biological scales and discuss considerations for establishing cross-disciplinary projects.

Holotomography is a 3D, label-free optical imaging method for visualizing living tissues and cells. In this Primer, Kim et al. discuss the implementation of holotomography in various applications ranging from cell biology to biophysics and biotechnology.

The Fourier transform is a mathematical tool for analysing signals that vary in space or time via a transform into the frequency domain. This Primer explores how the Fourier transform is used in analytical science, particularly for spectroscopic data, with an overview of theoretical and experimental considerations.

Tip-enhanced Raman scattering (TERS) can be used to access the molecular composition and structure of surfaces with extreme lateral and depth resolution, down to the nanometre scale and beyond. In this Primer, Höppener et al. discuss the underlying physical principles driving the signal enhancement and lateral resolution of TERS.

Element-specific electronic properties can be probed using resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS). A combination of X-ray absorption and emission, RIXS can investigate collective excitations in energy and momentum space. This Primer explores both valence and core RIXS, including background theory, experimental set-up, data analysis and example applications.

Metal–organic frameworks have a range of desirable properties that make them suitable for application in drug delivery, imaging and new treatment modalities. In this Primer, Lázaro et al. discuss the best practices in synthesis and characterization of metal–organic frameworks for biomedicine.

Origami engineering offers a conceptual framework for non-destructive and scale-independent abstractions for engineering applications. In this Primer, Misseroni et al. provide a comprehensive overview of the major principles and elements in origami engineering, including theoretical fundamentals, simulation tools, manufacturing techniques and testing protocols.

Proteoforms can be investigated using top-down proteomics, a technique that analyses whole proteins without previous digestion. This Primer introduces top-down proteomics, exploring mass spectrometry experimental methods, sample preparation, data analysis and applications in understanding human disease.

Nanozymes are nanomaterial-based artificial enzymes that can emulate the catalytic functions inherent in enzymes. In this Primer, Zhang et al. discuss the nanozyme toolbox, including their design and modification, characterization, activity evaluation and applications in healthcare.

Femtosecond stimulated Raman scattering (FSRS) is an ultrafast pump–probe spectroscopy method for investigating the vibrational dynamics of molecules. In this Primer, Batignani et al. introduce the fundamental concepts behind FSRS, its current utility and future integrations of artificial intelligence and quantum light.

Solid samples can be imaged and chemically analysed using secondary ion mass spectrometry. This Primer describes the secondary ion mass spectrometry experimental setup, in which a primary ion beam sputters secondary ions that are analysed and detected by a mass spectrometer, and explores applications in materials, geological and life sciences.

Photoaffinity labelling (PAL) enables the direct mapping of interactions of small molecules with proteins. In this Primer, Homan et al. discuss the basic principles and considerations involved in the design and implementation of PAL reagents and methods.