The scientists analyzed the cellular makeup of 131 samples from six types of cancer. Using the “molecular clock,” they traced how normal cells in the intestine go out of control and proliferate. They employed single - cell analysis and the gene - editing tool CRISPR to generate mutations in the DNA of each cell, thereby recording the timeline of each cell's changes and divisions. Applying this method to 418 human colon polyps, they found that up to 30% of polyps originate from several cell types.

These findings overturn the previous view that colon cancer starts from a single rogue cell in the intestinal lining. The new research may open up more opportunities for early diagnosis and intervention in cancer, potentially revolutionizing the way we detect and treat this life - threatening disease in the future.