The Vitessce Framework for Multi-Modal Visualization of Spatial and Single-Cell Biology Data

In the past, single-cell data visualization has primarily focused on dimensionality reduction techniques and scatter plots. However, with the advent of spatial single-cell biology, the demand for interactive tools supporting visual exploration of integrated, multi-modal spatial datasets has surged. These datasets often encompass measurements of multiple molecular entities and are generated using diverse assays. To address the rapidly evolving landscape of data sets and analytical tools, we have developed the Vitessce visualization framework (https://vitessce.io). This talk will introduce the Vitessce framework, highlighting its capabilities and applications across various research studies and software tools and other tools that the HIDIVE Lab has developed for spatial and single-cell biology data based on this framework. The talk will also discuss needs for standardization of data schemas and frameworks as well as strategies to effectively support 3D tissue maps data exploration using the Vitessce Link hybrid mixed reality approach developed by the HIDIVE Lab.