News

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., December 15 -- Scientists at The Forsyth Institute and Tufts University have succeeded in describing and validating a unique system of oral vaccine delivery using a common bacteria found in the mouth. Findings published today by Elsevier in Microbes and Infection identify Streptococcus mitis as a successful vector for oral mucosal immunization, and further research will determine its potential clinical use in tuberculosis vaccine development.

Harvard School of Dental Medicine and The Forsyth Institute are pleased to announce a joint Research Academy which will offer an unparalleled three-year (minimum) structured Doctor of Medical Sciences (DMSc-only) research-intensive degree in oral biology.

Today the Forsyth Institute officially opened its new Salivary Diagnostics Center in Cambridge, MA. 

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., July 22, 2014 —  A team of scientists has made an important discovery about the molecular interactions that occur between generally benign species of Propionibacterium bacteria and the pathogenic bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, the cause of most “staph” infections. These bacterial species are commonly found in the human nostrils and, also, on human skin. S.

Alexandria, Va., USA - The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) will present Floyd Dewhirst with the 2014 IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in Research in Oral Biology. He will be recognized during the Opening Ceremonies of the 92nd IADR General Session & Exhibition, held in conjunction with the IADR Africa/Middle East Regional Meeting, June 25, 2014, in Cape Town, South Africa.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 24, 2014 — Scientists have applied a new technique to comprehensively analyze the human oral microbiome—providing greater knowledge of the diversity of the bacteria in the mouth. For the first-time, scientists can provide high-resolution bacterial classification at the sub-species level. This work will enable researchers to more closely examine the role of bacterial communities in health and disease.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 11, 2014 -- Scientists have announced results from a large-scale study that uses saliva as a tool for identifying children who are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. This team of investigators found significantly altered levels of salivary biomarkers in obese children.  By testing this non-invasive approach to the study of metabolic diseases, the researchers hope to develop simplified screening procedures to identify people at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Chefs from 14 restaurants joined the Forsyth Institute in honoring Dr. Anthony Volpe and Joanne Chang at the inaugural event A Taste & A Toast event on June 5th. The evening raised $167,000 to support Forsyth’s mission of improving oral and overall health.

Guest sampled tasting from the following renowned local restaurants. Participants included:

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 19, 2014 -- Scientists at Forsyth, Massachusetts General Hospital and the Harvard School of Public Health have developed a new protocol for collecting saliva and stool samples for genomic and transcriptomic analyses. This method eliminates the need for specialized personnel and facilities while keeping the sample intact.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 24 — Scientists at Forsyth, along with a colleague from  Northwestern University, have discovered that the protein, Transglutaminase 2 (TG2), is a key component in the process of gum disease. TG2 is widely distributed inside and outside of human cells. The scientists found that blocking some associations of TG2 prevents the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis (PG) from adhering to cells.