New Fluorescent Imaging Sorts Microbiome In Human Mouth
New fluorescent labeling technology that distinguishes in a single image the population size and spatial distribution of 15 different taxa has uncovered new taxon pairings that indicate unsuspected cooperation -- and standoffishness -- between members of the microbe biofilm that covers teeth, according to a presentation at the American Society for Cell Biology's Annual Meeting in Denver. Members of the genera Prevotella and Actinomyces showed the greatest ability to interact, suggesting a central role for them in producing biofilms, reported the researchers.
3-D Printer Makes Bone-Like Material
It looks like bone. It feels like bone. For the most part, it acts like bone. And it came off an inkjet printer. Washington State University researchers have used a 3D printer to create a bone-like material and structure that can be used in orthopedic procedures, dental work, and to deliver medicine for treating osteoporosis. Paired with actual bone, it acts as a scaffold for new bone to grow on and ultimately dissolves with no apparent ill effects. The authors report on successful in vitro tests in the journal Dental Materials and say they're already seeing promising results with in vivo tests on rats and rabbits.
HPV Vaccination Change Is A Good Thing, Says British Dental Health Foundation
The Government's plan to switch its Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination from "Cervarix" to Gardasil" from Sep. 2012, has been welcomed by the British Dental Health Foundation. The leading oral health charity believes that the novel vaccine will deliver increased health benefits and prevent genital warts. In 2010, 75, 000 individuals were diagnosed with genital warts, according to the Health Protection Agency. Already, the vaccination program helps save the lives of approximately 400 individuals with cervical cancer each year.