Islet Tumor Region (IMAGE) American Institute of Physics Caption Cancer researchers struggle to identify tumor cells that are interspersed within nonmalignant tissues because tumor cells exploit the tissue environment and monopolize available resources to continue growing. Researchers attribute cancer cell's ability to use cell signaling and metabolic pathways that override normal cell growth restrictions to complicated chemical exchanges between tissue and tumor cells. A new approach shows promise to begin analyzing cell-to-cell interactions in this complex environment. The researchers discuss their work in Biointerphases. In this image, an islet tumor region shown with normal staining and with the time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. Fatty molecules appear in red, iron and other blood-related components are green, and surrounding tissue is blue. Credit Dan Graham and Blake Bluestein Usage Restrictions This image may be used only with appropriate credit. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.