 colonic crypts contain a small population of stem cells which divide and differentiate into either absorptive or secretory cells. The proportion of these two types of cells must be maintained at a specific ratio for proper functioning of the intestine. A new study has found that these stem cells divide in a way that reduces the amount of variation in their numbers, ensuring that the correct ratio is achieved. This article was authored by Beta Toph, Shani Ben Moshe, Avis Hai Gavish, and others.