Scientists have discovered a new infrared technology to look deeper into the guts of cells, potentially opening up a new frontier in the fight against cancer and many other diseases.

Professor Kevin Belfield at University of Central Florida used IR rays and fluorescent dye to take pictures of cells and tumours deep within tissue. The probes specifically target lysosomes, which act as cells' thermostats and waste processors and which have been linked to a variety of diseases.

The probes can be adapted to search for certain proteins found in tumors, which means they someday may help doctors diagnose and potentially treat tumours.

"This is a game-changer," Belfield said.

Current imaging probes are unable to penetrate deep tissue, are sensitive to pH levels and have poor water solubility. But IR technology takes care of all these drawbacks.

Once researchers identified the correct light frequency, they took images of lysosomes for hours. (ANI)