CyPath^® uses a porphyrin molecule that displays an unusually high affinity to bind to cancer cells that fluoresce brightly when labeled to distinguish cancer from non-cancer cells using flow cytometry. Our innovative scientific research results in non-invasive diagnostics and advanced treatments in the fight against cancer. This animated video produced by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Star CellBio introduces flow cytometry, a technique in which cells suspended in a fluid flow one at a time through a focus of exciting light, which is scattered in patterns characteristic to the cells and their components. Cells are labeled with fluorescent markers so that light is first absorbed and then emitted at altered frequencies. A sensor detecting the scattered or emitted light measures the size and molecular characteristics of individual cells. Tens of thousands of cells can be examined per minute and the data gathered is processed by computer.