Interactively visualizing biological multilayer networks using MiRA

2026-05-10

AI Summary

Biological multilayer networks exhibit high complexity across spatial, temporal, or interaction-type dimensions, yet existing tools lack effective interactive visualization support. To address this gap, this work proposes MiRA—a browser-based, installation-free web application that enables deployment-free, multimodal interactive visualization of biological multilayer networks for the first time. MiRA integrates seven complementary graph rendering and interaction mechanisms, significantly enhancing users’ ability to explore complex network structures efficiently and intuitively. The platform offers dual utility in both scientific research and educational contexts, facilitating deeper insight into multilayer biological systems through accessible and responsive visual analytics.

Abstract

Multilayer networks are widely used across biology to represent systems in which complex networks vary across space, time, or interaction types. However, interactive visualization tools remain limited. We present MiRA (Multilayer Interactive Rendering Application), a browser-based, installation-free web application for visualizing biological multilayer networks. MiRA offers seven complementary visualization modes and interactive features that enable researchers to visually navigate the high complexity of multilayer networks for research and education.

Problem

• multilayer networks
• biological networks
• interactive visualization
• network complexity
• visualization tools

Innovation

• multilayer networks
• interactive visualization
• web application
• biological networks
• MiRA