The federal investment at NIH over the last decade has yielded astounding discoveries in science that have greatly improved the public health, including new gene therapies, breakthrough drugs, effective preventive measures, and life-saving treatments. Except for trauma, virtually all human diseases have a genetic component. Once these genes have been identified, it may be possible to identify individuals at risk for these disorders at an early stage and intervene to prevent the malformations from occurring.
Saliva contains antibodies and myriad molecules that nurture, preserve, and defend the oral tissues.
Genetic engineering techniques are uncovering ways to restore saliva flow in patients who have lost this critical fluid due to disease or radiation. The FDA has approved a commercial application to test a new procedure for repairing knee cartilage, and more extensive applications, perhaps involving the temporomandibular joint, are likely to follow. Minority oral health Five-year awards to four regional centers are enabling dental schools to initiate research aimed at improving the oral health of racial and ethnic minority populations. Yet, graduating student debt remains an obstacle for research careers, requiring new and innovative loan repayment incentives. If you have comments or suggestions regarding the ADEA website, please contact webmaster .