Observing cells' eating habits may aid cancer diagnosis, finds study

A recent research has found that if we observe what cells eat, then it may be possible to diagnose and treat diseases such as cancer.

In the study published in the journal Angewandte Chemie, scientists have developed a new imaging technology to visualise what cells eat.

The team has designed chemical probes that light up when they attach to specific molecules that cells eat, such as glucose.

Researchers used microscopes to watch cells eating glucose inside live zebrafish embryos, which are transparent and easy to observe. They found the technique also worked with human cells growing in the lab.

The team said their approach could easily be adapted to look at other molecules that are important for health and disease.

All cells rely on glucose and other molecules for their survival. If a cell's eating habits change, it can be a warning sign of disease. Read Complete Article