Saliva test can detect early labour risk
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3D printed ovaries could help not only women who have undergone cancer treatment, but those who have experienced problems such as early menopause or genetic diseases. Picture: Freeimages 3D printed ovaries could help not only women who have undergone cancer treatment, but those who have experienced problems such as early menopause or genetic diseases. Picture: Freeimages
London - Saliva is not something we think about — until things go wrong, says Dr Michael Escudier, lecturer in oral medicine at King’s College London Dental Institute. But it plays a vital role in dissolving food and cleaning teeth, and can also be a barometer of health.
PREMATURE BIRTH: Women who go into labour before 34 weeks gestation have abnormally low levels of progesterone in their saliva, scientists at King’s College London and University College London found. At risk mothers could be given steroids to help the development of the baby’s lungs.
STRESS: Feeling thirsty can be a sign you’re under pressure. It’s an evolutionary throw-back, says Dr Escudier. “The last thing you want to do when running from a lion is swallow every 30 seconds. Your body is focusing on doing what it has to do to get out of that situation, so it shuts down saliva production.”
CANCER: Researchers are looking at using saliva tests to detect oral, breast and pancreatic tumours. - Daily Mail