NIDCR Digital Library

A 3D confocal image of  nano-particles permeating topically into the tongue tissue.

This up-close look at a fruit fly salivary gland shows individual cells containing many secretory granules (blue-green), which store proteins that aid in the fly’s lifecycle. The black region in the middle of each cell is the nucleus.

Cells in fruit fly salivary glands are filled with cellular packets known as secretory granules (blue-green), which store molecules that aid in the fly lifecycle.

This image shows part of a digestive organ called a proventriculus from a fruit fly larva. Cells in the organ’s outer layer are active in secreting a lining that protects the whole digestive system, similar to  the mucous lining of the human digestive system.

NIDCR scientists used live-cell imaging to capture fibroblasts (pink) using a “front wheel drive” method to propel themselves forward through a web of proteins (green) in a lab dish meant to mimic its 3-D environment in the human body. 

Understanding fruit fly glands and the cellular packets known as secretory granules (red), which store proteins destined for secretion, may help scientists better understand how secretion goes wrong, and how it might be treated, in conditions like salivary gland disorders.

Confocal microscopy was used to create this image of a mouse embryo torso which sheds new light on mammalian development.

An international team of scientists has found evidence that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, infects cells in the mouth. While it’s well known that the upper airways and lungs are primary sites of SARS-CoV-2 infection, there are clues the virus can infect cells in other parts of the body.

Nerves that stimulate skin are grouped in structures next to the spinal cord. Here, nerves in such a structure—called a dorsal root ganglion—that are involved in detecting an itch are labeled green. Nerves involved in sensing pain, temperature and other stimuli are shown in magenta.

This creeping creature is composed of cavity-causing bacteria (green) that piggyback on fungi (blue), forming superorganisms that “walk” and “lunge” on tooth-like surfaces. These movements allow the microbial assemblages to spread faster and farther, making them extra skilled at promoting tooth decay.