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Molecule in human saliva has potential for wound healing

A study published in The FASEB Journal found that the salivary peptide histatin-1 promotes angiogenesis, a critical process for efficient wound healing. Histatin-1 was also shown to increase cell adhesion and migration, opening new avenues for understanding oral wound healing and potentially improving treatments for other types of wounds.

A protein in mosquito spit can keep Dengue virus in check

Researchers have identified a protein in mosquito saliva that binds to and inhibits the Dengue virus, reducing its transmission to human cells and mice. The study suggests that targeting this protein could provide a novel approach to preventing disease transmission.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateSep 15, 2016

Looking to saliva to gain insight on evolution

New research on slobber shows that adaptation isn't just about creating new tools for survival. The study found repeated instructions in the MUC7 gene helped primates enhance important traits like saliva's lubricity and ability to bind microbes, suggesting evolution favors expansion of tried-and-true genetic tools.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 25, 2016

Searching for signs of disease in spit

Researchers have discovered unique molecular signatures, known as saliva fingerprints, which may be used to detect diseases in a non-invasive and stress-free manner. These signatures are distinct from those found in urine samples and remain relatively stable despite dietary variations.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateMay 4, 2016

New scientific evidence of sexual transmission of the Zika virus

Researchers from Inserm and Aix-Marseille University have confirmed that the ZIKA virus can be transmitted sexually. Genetic analysis showed a 100% correlation between the virus forms present in a man who contracted the virus in Brazil and a woman who had never traveled to an epidemic area but had sexual relations with him.

Saliva test to detect GHB and alcohol poisonings

Researchers developed a saliva-based test detecting methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, propan 1,3 glycol and γ-hydroxybutyric acid. The test uses gas chromatography-differential mobility spectrometry for accurate detection of toxic levels in saliva samples.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Breath Research·DateJan 7, 2016

Mucus -- the first line of defense

Research at Lund University reveals that mucus in the saliva stimulates white blood cells to form effective nets of DNA and proteins, capturing and killing bacteria. Patients with aphthous stomatitis and Behçet's disease often lack saliva with this property, highlighting a potential link between mucus and these diseases.

SourceLund University·JournalBlood·DateNov 6, 2015

Poses of power are less powerful than we thought

A recent study by University of Zurich researchers found that power poses, commonly believed to boost confidence and influence hormones, have no impact on actual behavior. However, the study did show that power poses can affect one's perception of power, leading to increased self-confidence.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 1, 2015

80 million bacteria sealed with a kiss

Researchers found that couples who kiss frequently share similar oral bacteria, with at least nine kisses per day leading to significantly shared salivary microbiota. The study also suggests an important role for other mechanisms that select oral microbiota, shaped by lifestyle and personal care habits.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMicrobiome·DateNov 16, 2014

Progress on detecting glucose levels in saliva

The new sensor uses dye chemistry and plasmonic interferometry to selectively measure glucose concentrations in complex solutions like human saliva. It can detect changes in glucose concentration of 0.1 micromoles per liter, which is 10 times more sensitive than previous methods.

SourceBrown University·JournalNanophotonics·DateJun 3, 2014

Compounds in saliva and common body proteins may fend off DNA-damaging chemicals

A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that saliva enzymes, blood proteins, and muscle proteins can protect against DNA damage caused by pyrogallol-like polyphenols (PLPs) in teas, coffees, and liquid smoke flavorings. The presence of these defenses may explain why PLPs are not causing widespread illness despite their toxic effects.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalFood and Chemical Toxicology·DateMay 30, 2014

Tiny power generator runs on spit

Researchers have developed a saliva-powered, micro-sized microbial fuel cell that produces nearly 1 microwatt of power. The device uses graphene and bacteria from the natural environment to create energy, paving the way for portable biomedical devices with built-in power sources.

SourcePenn State·JournalNPG Asia Materials·DateApr 3, 2014