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Dental Medicine

A stiff defense: Rethinking gum disease
A section of healthy human gum tissue captured using an imaging technique called Second Harmonic Generation microscopy. In this sample, collagen fibers (shown in yellow), which give healthy gums their firm, resilient stiffness, are dense and well-organized—acting as a supportive scaffold for the surrounding cells (shown in teal).

A section of healthy human gum tissue captured using an imaging technique called Second Harmonic Generation microscopy. In this sample, collagen fibers (shown in yellow), which give healthy gums their firm, resilient stiffness, are dense and well-organized—acting as a supportive scaffold for the surrounding cells (shown in teal).

(Image: Hardik Makkar)

A stiff defense: Rethinking gum disease

Penn Dental Medicine’s Kyle H. Vining and Hardik Makkar take a biomaterials approach to understanding periodontal disease, using a hydrogel system to investigate how the physical properties of the gum tissue impact inflammation.

3 min. read

Novel plant-based approach to a better, cheaper GLP-1 delivery system
Three researchers in a greenhouse full of lettuce heads.

Researchers, including Rahul Singh (left), in the Daniell lab’s greenhouse where the production of clinical grade transgenic lettuce occurs.

(Image: Henry Daniell)

Novel plant-based approach to a better, cheaper GLP-1 delivery system

Research led by Penn Dental’s Henry Daniell investigates the use of a lettuce-based, plant-encapsulated delivery platform as a new oral delivery of two GLP-1 drugs previously approved by the FDA in injectable form.

3 min. read

Discovery reveals how diabetes worsens periodontal disease

Discovery reveals how diabetes worsens periodontal disease

Researchers at Penn Dental Medicine have identified an important immune signaling pathway through which diabetes exacerbates periodontal disease, highlighting the involvement of T cells in the inflammatory response to bacteria.

Expanding access to inclusive dental care 

Expanding access to inclusive dental care 

Abigail Green trains students to treat patients with physical disabilities or neurodivergence who are unable to receive dental care elsewhere.

Awards and accolades for Penn faculty
Ben Franklin statue in front of Penn’s College Hall.

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Awards and accolades for Penn faculty

A roundup of the latest appointments and awards for various faculty members in Penn Engineering, Penn Nursing, and Penn Dental Medicine.

2 min. read