News

A group of scientists at the ADA Forsyth Institute has identified a mechanism used by host cells to fight back against common oral bacteria Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum). A microorganism implicated in periodontal disease, F. nucleatum is also associated with many other systemic conditions including colorectal cancer and pregnancy complications. A new study, published in…

In April 2025, the ADA Forsyth Institute moved in to a brand new, state-of-the-art, Platinum LEED-Certified facility in Somerville, Massachusetts. See below the building’s features, which include a fully equipped dental clinic and premium laboratory space. ❮ ❯ Fullscreen

In the United States, more than 3.5 million babies are born each year. Thanks to the fact that the US is a developed nation with advanced prenatal care professionals and resources, the majority of these babies grow up healthy. However, many are born with birth defects because of genetic or environmental factors. And still more…

An AFI scientist’s stunning image detailing the complexity of the oral microbiome was chosen by the Journal of Dental Research as its 2024 Cover of the Year.  The image, featured in JDR’s December 2024 cover of its Special Issue on Advanced Imaging, shows a group of bacteria that form a community on the surface of…

Fibromodulin, a matricellular proteoglycan, regulates myofibroblasts at the site of tissue closure to prevent excessive scarring  Somerville, Mass., 05/07/2025 – Cleft lip and/or cleft palate are among the most common craniofacial birth defects in the United States. These conditions, collectively referred to as orofacial clefts, occur when a baby’s lip or mouth do not form…

Somerville, Mass., (05/08/2025) – The American Dental Association Forsyth Institute (AFI) is pleased to announce that James M. Boyle, III, D.D.S., M.S., 3rd District Trustee of the American Dental Association (ADA), has been appointed the new chair of the AFI Board of Directors. Joining Dr. Boyle are four new board members: Jonathan Knapp, D.M.D., 1st…

On Ambush Science Episode 4, we sat down with Dr. Jessica Mark Welch, Senior Member of Staff and microbiologist, ahead of a major update to the Human Oral Microbiome Database. Dr. Mark Welch manages this invaluable global resource, which helps scientists around the world explore the complex world of oral bacteria. The upcoming update will…

Connection to systemic diseases presents a major concern about periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Systemic diseases related to gum disease include Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Infections that begin in the gums can lead to virulence factors traveling to other parts of the body, setting off immune responses that spur systemic diseases.…

On Episode 3 of Ambush Science, we caught up with ADA Forsyth Assistant Investigator Dr. Yulong Zhang while he was waiting for a 3D print to complete. Perfect timing to chat about his lab’s cutting-edge biomaterials research. Dr. Zhang’s lab is developing advanced drug delivery systems and high-precision dental appliances, such as 3D-printed clear aligners…

Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is one of the most common oral diseases, affecting 4 in 10 adults aged 30 and 60% of adults aged 65 or older The over 65 age group was one of the most prevalent among severe periodontitis patients in the United States, according to a 2018 JADA study. This…

An estimated total of one trillion species of bacteria exist in the world, with only about 30,000 species discovered and named. While scientists are aware of many unnamed, unstudied microorganisms, they remain understudied because these microbes haven’t been cultured in a laboratory. These illusive microorganisms are known by microbiologists as “microbial dark matter.” Dr. Xuesong…

One of the most notorious pathogens on the radars of dentists and periodontists is Porphyromonas gingivalis, or P. gingivalis. This pathogen, known as a major agent of periodontitis, tricks human cells, taking them over to create conditions that allow periodontitis to progress.  Mary Ellen Davey, Professor at the ADA Forsyth Institute, has dedicated over a…

On Episode 2 of Ambush Science, we catch Dr. Chengji Zhou in his brand-new lab space at our new facility. A key focus of Chengji’s lab is studying the mechanisms behind tissue closure—a critical stage in embryonic development. This process is both fascinating and crucial; it is when many birth defects such as neural tube…

We are thrilled to bring you Episode 1 of Ambush Science — an all-new series where we conduct a “surprise” Q&A with our scientists so you can learn directly from them about their cutting-edge research in oral health. The first episode features Dr. Batbileg Bor, who started at ADA Forsyth as a postdoctoral researcher and…

In October 2023, the ADA integrated with the Forsyth Institute to form AFI, a world-class leader in oral health research and innovation. With nearly $30 million in research awards granted in 2024, AFI ranks fourth in the nation and No. 1 on the East Coast in total funding awarded to dental institutions by the National…