Spatial biology
Spatial biology tools can now measure more things together. 10x markets RNA and protein analysis in the same cell, alongside larger targeted gene panels. These are different test set-ups, and suppliers are still competing on resolution. Clinical use will need evidence beyond a supplier's specifications for its research platform.
Research snapshot · updated Nov 12, 2026
Core thesis
Spatial biology maps which genes are active in a tissue section and where in the tissue they are active. That helps researchers understand how tumours interact with the cells around them and how drugs work. Resolution varies by product. Standard 10x Genomics Visium captures RNA in spots 55 micrometres across, which usually cover several cells. Visium HD uses a grid of 2-micrometre squares, small enough to work at the scale of single cells. 10x also now sells analysis of RNA and protein in the same cell, and larger targeted gene panels. Use in clinical practice is at an early stage.
State of the art (2026)
Spatial biology in 2026 is a 10x Genomics-led market consolidating fast. At AACR in April 2026 10x unveiled Atera, a whole-transcriptome in situ platform it calls its most significant launch ever, shipping in the second half of the year and stacking on top of Xenium Prime 5K and Visium HD. The challengers have been absorbed rather than beaten: Bruker now runs the former NanoString CosMx and GeoMx lines and shipped a CosMx whole-transcriptome panel, while Quanterix acquired Akoya, folding PhenoCycler proteomics into a tissue-plus-blood biomarker play. The open question is no longer resolution or plex — those are largely solved — but whether spatial earns a reimbursed clinical role rather than staying a pharma and academic research tool.
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Signal stack
Evidence stacked leading → lagging
9 signals
Signal stack
Evidence stacked leading → lagging
Technology-native KPIs
Metrics that predict trajectory, tracked over time
4 tracked
Technology-native KPIs
Metrics that predict trajectory, tracked over time
Landscape map
Who builds what, and who depends on whom
54 players · 6 layers
Landscape map
Who builds what, and who depends on whom
Catalyst calendar
Dated events that will move the position
3 ahead
Catalyst calendar
Dated events that will move the position
Technology roadmap
Milestones on the path to maturity
8 milestones
Technology roadmap
Milestones on the path to maturity
Watchlists
Companies, people and papers, each with a condition for removing it
20 · 20
Watchlists
Companies, people and papers, each with a condition for removing it
Decision frameworks
What our view means for your job
Locked
Decision frameworks
What our view means for your job
Thesis changelog
When our view changed, and why
8 updates
Thesis changelog
When our view changed, and why
Change our mind
3 disconfirming conditions
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The full signal stack, technology-native KPIs tracked over time, the landscape of who depends on whom, the dated catalyst calendar, decision frameworks for every desk, live watchlists and a record of every time our view on Spatial biology has changed. All of it is in CanaryIQ.