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.