Cells can sense 10x farther than expected and it may explain cancer spread

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Source: ScienceDaily Health

Original: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260315004351.htm...

Published: Mon, 16 Mar 2026 01:51:18 EDT

Scientists have discovered that cells can sense far beyond the surfaces they directly touch. Individual cancer cells probe about 10 microns forward by pulling on the surrounding collagen fibers. Clumps of normal epithelial cells join forces and detect layers up to 100 microns away. This binocular "depth perception" helps cells decide where to migrate. Understanding this mechanism may reveal new targets to stop the spread of cancer.