The findings of Jan Potempa, PhD, DSc, professor and academic scholar, Oral Health and Systemic Disease group, University of Louisville School of Dentistry, have helped change scientific thinking about the origin of periodontal tissue inflammation. The results of his research may lead to the development of more effective medication to combat periodontal disease, and therefore reduce the risk of heart disease and arthritis.

Potempa conducts his research both at the University of Louisville and at Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland. His discoveries have earned him the prestigious Foundation for Polish Science Prize in the field of life sciences, which is given annually to one Polish researcher for outstanding achievements or discoveries.

Read more about Potempa's discoveries dealing with the role of the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis in the formation and development of periodontal disease PHYSorg Science News.