How Light Reveals the Fibers of Tissue
Inside our bodies, between cells, there is a support network — the extracellular matrix. It's like scaffolding made of proteins and carbohydrates that holds cells in place. When the fibers in this network change, it can be a sign of disease — for example, cancer or fibrosis.
Usually, to see these fibers, tissue is cut into thin slices and stained with special dyes.