64 A new scientific review has highlighted the transformative role of single-cell transcriptomics in understanding how non-coding RNAs influence colorectal cancer. Published in Non-Coding RNA, the paper argues that single-cell technologies could redefine cancer diagnostics and treatment by uncovering molecular signatures at a resolution previously thought impossible. While much cancer research has historically focused on protein-coding genes, non-coding RNAs are now emerging as powerful regulators of disease. These RNA molecules, which do not produce proteins, are increasingly understood to govern gene expression, cell communication, and tumour development. The review outlines how long non-coding RNAs, microRNAs, and circular RNAs contribute to cancer hallmarks such as metastasis, chemoresistance, and immune evasion. What sets this study apart is its focus on single-cell RNA sequencing. Unlike traditional bulk tissue analysis, which blends signals from thousands of cells, single-cell methods allow researchers to zoom in on the molecular behaviour of individual cancer and immune cells. This approach has revealed striking levels of heterogeneity within colorectal tumours, particularly in the expression of non-coding RNAs. A key insight comes from the analysis of nearly 50,000 single cells from colorectal cancer patients. Researchers found that non-coding RNAs exhibit stronger cell type-specific expression patterns than protein-coding genes. For example, 996 long non-coding RNAs were strongly enriched in epithelial cells, of which 98 were differentially expressed in cancer tissue compared to healthy samples. This finding suggests that future treatments could be designed to target non-coding RNAs specific to cell subtypes that drive tumour progression. These observations are not just academic. Some of the identified non-coding RNAs are already being explored as biomarkers. Their presence in blood and stool samples raises the possibility of non-invasive tests for early diagnosis. Others, such as the long non-coding RNAs CASC19 and LINC00460, have been experimentally shown to promote tumour growth and may serve as therapeutic targets. The review also delves into the computational tools required to make sense of single-cell data. With thousands of non-coding RNA transcripts recorded per cell, bioinformatics methods are essential for filtering, analysing, and interpreting the results. The authors discuss techniques such as machine learning, sequence-based search algorithms, and pathway enrichment tools to decode the functional roles of these molecules. Despite the progress, the field faces challenges. Many non-coding RNAs have unknown functions and proving their clinical relevance requires further experimentation. Technical issues, such as the difficulty of detecting low-abundance transcripts, also remain. Nonetheless, the review calls for greater integration of computational analysis with laboratory validation to accelerate discoveries. By revealing the intricate landscape of non-coding RNAs in colorectal cancer at single-cell resolution, this study marks a significant step toward more personalised and effective therapies. It positions non-coding RNA research not as a fringe interest but as central to the future of oncology.