New Spatial‑Temporal Rice Atlas Offers Insights for Crop Improvement

A team of Chinese researchers has compiled the first spatiotemporal cell atlas that visualises rice development in three dimensions. Covering the full progression from seed to mature grain, the atlas integrates high‑resolution genome sequencing, single‑cell RNA profiling and spatial transcriptomics. This multi‑layered approach identifies tissue‑specific functional genes and their activation timing, giving breeders precise targets for creating more productive and resilient rice varieties.