SciArt of the Day: Fermented Teeth?

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American


First, fermented fashion, now fermented teeth? Ok, ok, foul ball?!

Halloween is a month away and already, kids everywhere are beginning to dream of the loot they'll collect in one night of frantic bliss. So what better time for a reminder of the perils of periodontal disease!?

But seriously, in our September jaunt through science art we have been anemic in the realm of medical art, which is a thriving and vital intersection of the two disciplines. The Journal of the Medical Association has been a leader in the field, insisting on a consistent aesthetic for their articles. Two medical illustrators, Cassio Lynm and Alison Burke, create all the illustrations and figures for the journal. The result is crystal clear communication that is easy on the eyes - even the perils of periodontal disease are made somewhat palatable (nyuk, nyuk).


On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.


From JAMA's Patient Page: Periodontal Disease

Alison E. Burke's Portfolio

Subscribe to Support Independent Journalism

Great science journalism requires human expertise, time, effort and creativity. And it costs money. That’s why I and the journalists here at Scientific American hope you’ll join our community.

When you subscribe, you are supporting staff and freelance journalists who are passionate about telling science stories that are true, important and compelling. Our editors and reporters are often experts in their fields, which means they understand the nuances of big discoveries and can untangle the breakthroughs from the hype. With a subscription, you are also supporting rigorous fact-checking to ensure the words we publish are precise and accurate. And you’re supporting original illustrations, graphics and photos that bring you closer to an advanced laboratory, an ice sheet in Antarctica or a space mission in orbit. You’re helping us craft other types of high-quality journalism as well: Our newsletters are carefully written, edited and curated by staffers you have or will come to know and love. Our Science Quickly podcast is based on original reporting, collaboration with editors and scientists and exacting production.

Subscriptions keep this engine running so we can continue to deliver thoughtful, rigorous and independent science journalism to you. In an era of viral misinformation, this work is crucial. If you value what we do, I hope you’ll consider joining us as a subscriber

Thank you,

Jeanna Bryner, Editor in Chief, Scientific American

Subscribe