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We've chosen organoids as Method of the Year 2017, for their immense potential as tools to study human biology in health and disease. A News Feature gives a flavor of the exciting applications of these 3D constructs, and a Primer provides a short overview for newcomers to the field. Two expert Commentaries consider these tools from different angles: how cutting-edge imaging is synergizing with organoid culture to deepen our view into many biological systems, and how pluripotent stem cell-derived constructs can be used to model the human brain. As in the past, we've also chosen eight 'methods to watch' for the future.
The ability to prod stem cells into three-dimensional tissue models makes for a powerful way to study human biology. But these exciting tools are still works in progress.
New X-ray free-electron (XFEL) facilities will broaden access to this technology, facilitate methods development, and push boundaries in structural biology.