The processes and cellular pathways that allow cells to move, stiffen, and react to physical stresses has been identified through new research. This knowledge, researchers hope, could reveal the causes of cancer and help develop treatments, including therapies for a variety of diseases. “In the cancer context, mechanical force is important because tumor cells will generate force as they are invading, pulling on other cells,” said one researcher. “They are pulling on the cells they are attached to as they are trying to get away.”