For more than 20 years, scientists have been able to unravel the sequence of the human genome, the precise recipe of everyone’s DNA. That has led to incredible advances in discovering genes responsible for countless diseases. But within the last five to seven years, new and more sophisticated research tools have emerged.
Known as single-cell genomics, these tools enable scientists to peer into individual cells — ranging from skin, nerve, muscle, immune cells, and even to cells that haven’t been discovered before — to learn more about how they function. Two of the leaders in this young field — Jason Buenrostro and Fei Chen — lead laboratories within Harvard’s Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology.