Scientists have discovered that cancer cells can form tiny tube- like connections with nearby neurons and suck out their mitochondria, the parts of the cell that make energy. This stolen energy gives cancer cells extra strength to survive tough conditions. As they travel through the bloodstream, to form new tumors in distant organs like the brains or lungs.

Research at the University of South Alabama and other institutions used advanced tools to track this process. They found that the nerve cancer connection was blocked using techniques like Botox injections, tumors grew more slowly and became less aggressive.

This confirmed that nerve cells play an active role in fueling cancer’s growth. To study how cancer cells steal mitochondria, the team developed a special tool MitoTRACER, which labels cells that absorb mitochondria from other cells.