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Mechanosensitive ion channels regulate tooth development

Researchers found that Piezo1 and Piezo2 channels regulate odontoblast differentiation by modulating Wnt signaling, leading to decreased odontoblast height and impaired tooth development in mice. Exogenous supplementation of Wnt10a restored odontoblast differentiation, suggesting the channels' role in tooth development.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalInternational Journal of Oral Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2026

Epigenetic “mechanostat” protects tooth progenitor cells from mechanical stress

A team of researchers discovered an epigenetic mechanism that protects tooth progenitor cells from mechanical stress, preserving tissue renewal. The study found that the enzyme KDM6B removes repressive chromatin marks, allowing genes to be active and preventing excessive activation of mechanosensitive ion channels.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalBone Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2026

Bitter tasting herbal extracts stimulate gastric cells

Researchers at Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology found that bitter-tasting herbal extracts stimulate proton secretion in human gastric cells, with polyphenol-rich extracts showing the strongest effects. The study identified three human bitter taste receptor subtypes as key mediators of this response.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2026

The oral microbiome and dementia

A study found a link between oral microbiome and dementia risk, with certain bacteria associated with better executive function. A nitrate-rich diet may favor beneficial oral bacteria, potentially delaying cognitive decline.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJan 28, 2025

Optical imaging technique offers more precise diagnosis of sleep apnea

A recent study has explored a new imaging approach that uses swept-source optical coherence tomography to visualize the upper airway with high precision. By integrating computational fluid dynamics, researchers were able to identify areas of turbulence and pinpoint obstruction sites, leading to more accurate diagnoses and treatment pla...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalBiophotonics Discovery·DateJan 7, 2025

Microbes in mouth reflect lifestyle choices

A recent study published in the journal Microbiome found that lifestyle factors, such as diet and smoking habits, significantly impact the composition of beneficial bacteria in the mouth. The research team analyzed saliva samples from individuals representing different subsistence strategies in Nepal and discovered a correlation betwee...

SourcePenn State·JournalMicrobiome·DateNov 5, 2024

Bottlenose dolphins “smile” at each other while playing

Researchers discovered that bottlenose dolphins use the open mouth facial expression to signal playfulness and that they mirror each other's expressions 33% of the time. This finding suggests that visual communication plays a crucial role in shaping complex social interactions in marine mammals.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2024

Iron given through the vein corrects iron deficiency anaemia in pregnant women faster and better than iron taken by mouth

A recent clinical trial found that an IV iron treatment called ferric carboxymaltose works faster and better than oral iron tablets in treating anaemia during pregnancy. The study showed improved haemoglobin levels and iron correction with the IV treatment, with comparable side effects.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 18, 2024

Positive effects of rhythm and music in brain disorder

A scoping review from the University of Gothenburg found that music-based movement therapy, known as the Ronnie Gardiner Method, can improve rehabilitation outcomes in individuals with brain disorders. The method has been shown to be challenging, motivating, and enjoyable for participants, leading to improved recovery and quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalDisability and Rehabilitation·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 21, 2024

These giant, prehistoric salmon had tusk-like teeth

A new study has reconstructed the ancient giant salmon with tusk-like teeth, previously thought to be 'saber-toothed'. The teeth actually pointed sideways out of the fish's mouth, similar to a warthog. This discovery sheds light on the species' possible uses for these massive spikes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateApr 24, 2024

Burning mouth syndrome: Study unveils instant relief through low level laser therapy

A new study found that low-level laser therapy (PBM) provides immediate pain relief for Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) patients, with a significant drop in pain scores after each treatment. The study also observed a cumulative effect of PBM on alleviating BMS symptoms, especially up to the third treatment.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalOral Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 13, 2024

Gargling away the bad bacteria in type 2 diabetes

Researchers from Osaka University found that gargling with an antiseptic mouthwash can reduce periodontitis-related bacteria in patients with type 2 diabetes. This simple method may improve the lives of people with periodontitis-linked diseases such as diabetes, dementia, and cardiovascular disease.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 14, 2024

What smoking does to oral bacteria

A study conducted by Eurac Research Institute found that cigarette use alters the oral microbiome, leading to an increased risk of periodontitis and cardiovascular disease. Quitting smoking results in a gradual increase in aerobic bacteria, which can lead to improved blood pressure regulation.

SourceEurac Research·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 29, 2023

Obesity may not be the only factor to link ultra-processed foods to higher risk of mouth, throat and oesophagus cancers

A new study found that consuming ultra-processed foods is associated with a higher risk of developing upper aerodigestive tract cancers. The study analysed data from 450,111 adults and found that eating more UPFs was linked to a 23% higher risk of head and neck cancer and a 24% higher risk of oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEuropean Journal of Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2023

Cleft lip caused by combination of genes and environment

A recent study has revealed how genetic and environmental factors interact to cause cleft lip or palate in a developing fetus. The research found that mutations in the e-cadherin gene combined with exposure to inflammatory risk factors during pregnancy can lead to cleft lip, which affects one in 700 live births.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2023

Forsyth microbiologists discover a regulatory mechanism that keeps cancer-causing bacteria in check

Researchers at the Forsyth Institute have discovered a molecule naturally produced by the human host that targets and inhibits Fusobacteria, an opportunistic oral pathogen linked to colorectal cancer. The findings suggest a chemically modified version of this molecule could be used as a potential therapeutic to prevent colorectal cance...

SourceForsyth Institute·JournalThe ISME Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023

Study sheds new light on the link between oral bacteria and diseases

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified the most common bacteria found in severe oral infections, shedding new light on the association between oral health and systemic diseases. The study found that certain bacterial infections can spread to other parts of the body, highlighting the importance of understanding the role of...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeObservational study·DateNov 24, 2022