MiRA: Browser-based tool visualizes complex biological multilayer networks

Biological systems often involve complex networks that vary across space, time, or interaction types—known as multilayer networks. While powerful for modeling, these networks are notoriously difficult to visualize, and existing tools for interactive exploration remain limited. To address this, researchers have introduced MiRA (Multilayer Interactive Rendering Application), a browser-based, installation-free web application designed specifically for visualizing biological multilayer networks. MiRA runs entirely in the browser, requiring no downloads or setup, making it accessible for researchers and educators alike.

The tool offers seven complementary visualization modes and interactive features that allow users to visually navigate the high complexity of multilayer networks. This flexibility enables researchers to explore different structural layers simultaneously, filter by interaction types, and zoom into specific regions of interest. By lowering the technical barrier to network visualization, MiRA aims to accelerate discovery in fields such as ecology, neuroscience, and genomics. The paper, available on arXiv, includes a 7-page description and two figures, with the application accessible via a provided URL.