Metabolomics is the scientific study of metabolites, which are small molecules produced during metabolism in living organisms. This field involves analyzing the chemical processes that occur within cells, tissues, and organisms to understand their physiological and pathological states. By examining the unique chemical fingerprints left by cellular processes, researchers can gain insights into health, disease, and the effects of environmental factors. The techniques used in metabolomics often include mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, which help identify and quantify metabolites in biological samples. This information can be valuable in various applications, such as drug development, disease diagnosis, and personalized medicine, allowing for tailored treatments based on an individual's metabolic profile.