DSCan

DSCan is a software tool designed for analyzing the output of Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) experiments. It facilitates the visualization, segmentation, and statistical analysis of spatially resolved molecular data. The primary function of DSCan is to enable researchers to identify and characterize molecular distributions within biological or material samples.

The software allows users to import and display MSI datasets, where each pixel in an image corresponds to a mass spectrum. This enables the observation of how specific molecules are distributed across the sample. DSCan offers various visualization tools, including ion maps and heatmaps, to highlight the spatial presence of selected analytes.

Segmentation is another key feature, allowing for the grouping of pixels with similar spectral profiles. This can help in delineating distinct regions within a sample based on their molecular composition. Furthermore, DSCan provides capabilities for statistical analysis, such as principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering, to uncover underlying patterns and relationships in the complex MSI data. The tool aims to simplify the interpretation of MSI data and accelerate the discovery of biomarkers or spatially relevant molecular information.