Early detection is a critical advantage in fighting  cancer. Thanks to Visikol  Inc., cofounded by Rutgers doctoral student Michael Johnson, pictured, the battle may be getting a little easier. His student-run biotech company has devised a bioimaging technique that allows scientists to view tissues in three dimensions instead  of traditional two-dimensional slices. Tissues are thus rendered transparent, making it easier to identify cancers. Johnson, named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in the science category, teamed up with fellow doctoral student Tom Villani, who consulted with Jim Simon, a professor of plant biology at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, to try to find an alternative to chloral hydrate, a chemical agent commonly used for the  microscopic visualization of plants. They came up with a formula that was applicable to viewing not only plants, but also human organs. Soon, Johnson and Villani secured funding, and Visikol was formed. Already, more than 160 European and American researchers are using the technology.