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School of Dental Medicine
Bone Marrow Protein May Be Target for Improving Stem Cell Transplants
Bone marrow contains hematopoetic stem cells, the precursors to every blood cell type. These cells spring into action following bone marrow transplants, bone marrow injury and during systemic infection, creating new blood cells, including immune cells, in a process known as hematopoiesis.
Diabetes Causes Shift in Oral Microbiome That Fosters Periodontitis, Penn Study Finds
A new study led by University of Pennsylvania researchers has found that the oral microbiome is affected by diabetes, causing a shift to increase its pathogenicity.
Penn Wharton China Center Reflects Upon Two Years of Progress and Growth
On launching the Penn Wharton China Center in Beijing, in March of 2015, University of Pennsylvania President Amy Gutmann said, “We are building on Penn's history of broad, deep eng
Penn Study: Blocking Yeast-Bacteria Interaction May Prevent Severe Biofilms That Cause Childhood Tooth Decay
Though most tooth decay can be blamed on bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans, the fungus Candida albicans may be a joint culprit in an alarmingly common form of severe tooth decay affecting toddlers known as early childhood caries.
University of Pennsylvania to Celebrate Launch of Penn Center for Health, Devices and Technology
On May 2, 2017, the University of Pennsylvania will celebrate the launch of the Penn Center for Health, Devices and Technology, or Penn Health-Tech, a University-wide effort to advance Penn’s world-class breakthroughs into new devices and health technologies to meet the world’s most pressing health care needs.
Penn Team Characterizes the Underlying Cause of a Form of Macular Degeneration
Named for Friedrich Best, who characterized the disease in 1905, Best disease, also known as vitelliform macular dystrophy, affects children and young adults and can cause severe declines in central vision as patients age. The disease is one in a group of conditions known as bestrophinopathies, all linked to mutations in the BEST1 gene.
Penn Dental Medicine Professor Unlocks the Mysteries of Mast Cells
Mast cells, components of the immune system, are responsible for alleriges and asthma, conditions that debilitate millions. Yet relatively few scientists study them.
Plant-made Hemophilia Therapy Shows Promise, Penn Study Finds
People with hemophilia require regular infusions of clotting factor to prevent them from experiencing uncontrolled bleeding. But a significant fraction develop antibodies against the clotting factor, essentially experiencing an allergic reaction to the very treatment that can prolong their lives.
Antibiotic Resistance
Increasing worldwide incidence of antibiotic resistance poses a serious threat to public health. Experts from the University of Pennsylvania are available to comment on antibiotic resistance, including antimicrobial stewardship, efforts to develop new antimicrobials and antibiotic use in pets and livestock.
In the News
The Guardian
Does your jaw click? Do you grind your teeth? It could be this little-known condition
Thomas P. Sollecito of the School of Dental Medicine says that roughly 10-15% of adults have some form of temporomandibular disorder, though the vast majority don’t require treatment.
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Philadelphia Inquirer
What to know about fluoride in drinking water, and whether RFK Jr. could really have it removed
In the early 1900s, Penn alumnus Frederick Sumner McKay collected evidence that fluoride in water helped prevent tooth decay. Dean Mark Wolff of the School of Dental Medicine says that fluoridated water is a great safety net provision for adults who don’t see the dentist regularly or can’t afford to routinely buy toothpaste.
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Associated Press
Menopause can bring on dental problems, but you can protect your mouth
Thomas Sollecito of the School of Dental Medicine says hormonal changes can reduce bone density and saliva production, harming gums and teeth.
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Time
Six health myths about oils
Dean Mark Wolff of the School of Dental Medicine says that oil pulling won’t cause harm but has never reversed periodontitis or gingivitis.
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The New York Times
Swish, spit, repeat: Is oil pulling good for your teeth?
Mark S. Wolff of the School of Dental Medicine says that oil pulling should never be a substitute for brushing or flossing one’s teeth.
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