GreenMark Announces NIH Funding for AI-Enabled Early Caries Detection
GreenMark announces it received a Phase I SBIR grant, entitled 'Improving Caries Diagnosis with Targeted Nanoparticle-Enhanced AI-Assisted Intraoral Imaging'.
'Our LumiVision™ camera captures clinical white-light & fluorescent images of caries lesions. The AI-driven software will analyze severity and disease progression, revolutionizing caries management.' — Dr. Nathan A. Jones, MSc, PhD, Vice President Technology at GreenMark
ANN ARBOR, MI, UNITED STATES, April 3, 2025 / EINPresswire.com / -- GreenMark Biomedical Inc., a pioneer in leveraging biomimetic technology for dental health innovations, announces that it has received a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant in the amount of US $ 294,632 from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The grant will be supported with $25,000 additional funding from the State of Michigan via its Emerging Technologies Fund. This project, entitled 'Improving Caries Diagnosis with Targeted Nanoparticle-Enhanced AI-Assisted Intraoral Imaging', will support an ongoing collaboration between GreenMark and the University of Michigan (U-M).
This project responds to the need identified by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) division of NIH, to develop improved methods to detect, monitor, and predict progression of dental caries (tooth decay) to improve human health. Worldwide, caries is the most common chronic disease affecting almost everyone. Dental disease is a major cause of economic and social loss and leads to complications including pain, tooth loss, and even death.
Dr. Nathan A. Jones, MSc, PhD, Vice President Technology at GreenMark and Principle Investigator on the grant explains 'This project will further develop our LumiVision™ intraoral camera system that captures clinical white-light and fluorescent images of caries lesions illuminated with our LumiCare™ rinse. The AI-driven software will analyze lesion severity, track disease progression, and support medical remineralization treatments, revolutionizing caries detection and management.'
'With prior SBIR funding we successfully developed a clinically validated mouth rinse that uses targeted fluorescent biopolymer nanoparticles to illuminate early active caries lesions, formulated into an FDA-cleared product called LumiCare™ Caries Detection Rinse. While an effective tool for point-of-care caries detection and activity assessment, implementation remains limited because the clinical technique is qualitative and requires training to achieve competency,' adds Dr. Wendy Bloembergen, MD, MS, Vice President Clinical Affairs.
Dr. Livia Tenuta, DDS, MS, PhD, Associate Professor, Cariology, Restorative Sciences & Endodontics at U-M School of Dentistry notes 'Dentistry is now embracing Artificial Intelligence, primarily for radiograph analysis, in addition to clinical exams. This new research from GreenMark goes one step further by allowing precise monitoring of caries lesions without the use of X-rays, differentiating those that are actively progressing from those that are not. This is a breakthrough in the old paradigm of caries detection, by allowing the clinical practice of minimally invasive dentistry in a predictable way. This research will help develop a much-needed tool for caries lesion monitoring, allowing better patient education and empowerment over their oral health.'
Dr. Steven Bloembergen, Ph.D., Chairman and CEO of GreenMark, points to the clinical implications: 'We are grateful to receive this grant support to empower dental professionals and patients with a non-invasive, objective, and teledentistry friendly solution for improved oral health.'
About GreenMark Biomedical Inc.
GreenMark continues to innovate in minimally invasive dental care, offering groundbreaking solutions that address unmet needs in oral health. The Company is dedicated to transforming dental care through scientific innovation and technological excellence by developing a systems approach for treatment of dental sensitivity and management of caries (dental decay). GreenMark has developed methods to identify, better assess and monitor caries disease in its earliest stages, before being detected on X-ray radiographs. The company's LumiCare™ Caries Detection Rinse and half-dose LumiKids™ rinse for ages 6 to 11, contain fluorescently labeled particles that target the porous subsurface of caries lesions in enamel and illuminate them using a dental curing light, thereby aiding in their visualization. The identification at early stages before a cavity forms facilitates the use of preventive non-surgical management options, resulting in less discomfort and improved long-term oral health outcomes for patients with its patented products that involve sub-micron particles produced from food-grade starch. This is an ideal carrier since enzymes in saliva degrade starch. Dental sensitivity affects up to 74% of Americans, and current products have limitations. Caries is the most prevalent chronic disease in the world, affecting more than 95% of Americans over their lifetimes. GreenMark's team has demonstrated the ability to load calcium and phosphate, the essential mineral components of dentin and enamel, inside small starch particles, and has been developing treatment products designed to target and restore minerals to the teeth. While fluoride seals the upper surface without restoring the dominant lesion, GreenMark's tiny bioresorbable particles deliver bioactive calcium and phosphate ions directly to the subsurface of teeth where they undergo biomimetic crystallization to form hydroxyapatite. CrystLCare™ Biorestorative dental strips are fluoride-free and empower oral health for dentists and their patients, making checkups a more positive experience for dental clinics in the modern world. Low-dose fluoride efficient products will become available later this year. Visit www.greenmark.bio.
About the University of Michigan School of Dentistry
The U-M School of Dentistry is one of the nation's leading dental schools engaged in oral healthcare education, research, patient care and community service. General dental care clinics and specialty clinics providing advanced treatment enable the school to offer dental services and programs to patients throughout Michigan. Classroom and clinic instruction prepare future dentists, dental specialists and dental hygienists for practice in private offices, hospitals, academia and public agencies. Research seeks to discover and apply new knowledge that can help patients worldwide. More information about the School of Dentistry is available on its website at: www.dent.umich.edu.
NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) part of NIH is the Nation's leading funder of research on oral, dental, and craniofacial health. Visit: www.nidcr.nih.gov.
Steven Bloembergen, Ph.D.
GreenMark Biomedical Inc.
Legal Disclaimer:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Wire
an hour ago
- Business Wire
Simplify Healthcare's Benefits1™.Medicare Drives Over 30% of Nationwide PBP Submissions to CMS, Marking Over 7 Years as a Trusted Industry Leader
AURORA, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Simplify Healthcare, a recognized leader in enterprise software solutions for Payers, proudly announces that its flagship platform, Benefits1™.Medicare, played a key role once again in streamlining over 30% of Medicare Advantage (MA) Plan Benefit Package (PBP) submissions to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) this year. This milestone highlights the platform's transformative impact on benefit plan management and its integral role in supporting Payers across the nation. Benefits1™.Medicare continues to be the industry leader, enabling large-scale CMS bid submissions successfully for over 7 years, while also importing data seamlessly from the CMS-PBP software. Designed to handle the complexities of bid submission and accessible immediately (benefit updates can be started at any time independent of HPMS releases), the platform continues to set the standard for speed, accuracy, and compliance in PBP submissions with its seamless integration, robust reporting, global data updates, secure user roles, workflow automation and audit tracking capabilities. 'Our customers relied on Benefits1™.Medicare to streamline over 30% of nationwide PBP submissions—proof of the trust we've earned and the efficiency our platform delivers year after year.' — Ramesh Padri, VP of Product Delivery at Simplify Healthcare. 'Managing the full Medicare Advantage lifecycle—from bids to digital delivery—makes Benefits1™.Medicare truly stand out in helping Payers drive value and improve member experiences.' — Tasneem Chital, VP of Government Markets at Simplify Healthcare. Industry Leadership Through Customer Focus As healthcare organizations face increasing operational and regulatory challenges, Benefits1™.Medicare offers an effective solution that simplifies workflows while driving greater organizational efficiency. 'This milestone reflects our long-standing commitment of partnering with health plans to successfully manage bid submissions. We bring the full stack partnership experience — people, thought leaders, product, and technology — towards delivering a superior bid submission experience for our customers.' — Nirnay Patel, EVP & GM of Benefits1™ at Simplify Healthcare. About Simplify Healthcare Simplify Healthcare powers connected benefits and provider journeys for Payers through a scalable, enterprise-grade, secure, compliant, and configurable cloud-based software platform — Simplify Health Cloud™. We offer highly scalable, technology-centered document and translation management services to Payers through Simplify Docs™. We also empower industries with AI-native SaaS solutions designed to build and deploy digital solutions faster, better, and with embedded AI through SimplifyX™.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Simplify Healthcare's Benefits1™.Medicare Drives Over 30% of Nationwide PBP Submissions to CMS, Marking Over 7 Years as a Trusted Industry Leader
AURORA, Ill., June 06, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Simplify Healthcare, a recognized leader in enterprise software solutions for Payers, proudly announces that its flagship platform, Benefits1™.Medicare, played a key role once again in streamlining over 30% of Medicare Advantage (MA) Plan Benefit Package (PBP) submissions to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) this year. This milestone highlights the platform's transformative impact on benefit plan management and its integral role in supporting Payers across the nation. Benefits1™.Medicare continues to be the industry leader, enabling large-scale CMS bid submissions successfully for over 7 years, while also importing data seamlessly from the CMS-PBP software. Designed to handle the complexities of bid submission and accessible immediately (benefit updates can be started at any time independent of HPMS releases), the platform continues to set the standard for speed, accuracy, and compliance in PBP submissions with its seamless integration, robust reporting, global data updates, secure user roles, workflow automation and audit tracking capabilities. "Our customers relied on Benefits1™.Medicare to streamline over 30% of nationwide PBP submissions—proof of the trust we've earned and the efficiency our platform delivers year after year." — Ramesh Padri, VP of Product Delivery at Simplify Healthcare. "Managing the full Medicare Advantage lifecycle—from bids to digital delivery—makes Benefits1™.Medicare truly stand out in helping Payers drive value and improve member experiences." — Tasneem Chital, VP of Government Markets at Simplify Healthcare. Industry Leadership Through Customer Focus As healthcare organizations face increasing operational and regulatory challenges, Benefits1™.Medicare offers an effective solution that simplifies workflows while driving greater organizational efficiency. "This milestone reflects our long-standing commitment of partnering with health plans to successfully manage bid submissions. We bring the full stack partnership experience — people, thought leaders, product, and technology— towards delivering a superior bid submission experience for our customers." — Nirnay Patel, EVP & GM of Benefits1™ at Simplify Healthcare. About Simplify Healthcare Simplify Healthcare powers connected benefits and provider journeys for Payers through a scalable, enterprise-grade, secure, compliant, and configurable cloud-based software platform — Simplify Health Cloud™. We offer highly scalable, technology-centered document and translation management services to Payers through Simplify Docs™. We also empower industries with AI-native SaaS solutions designed to build and deploy digital solutions faster, better, and with embedded AI through SimplifyX™. View source version on Contacts Simplify HealthcarePhone: (844) 720-6678Email: info@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
Fusion Energy May Be The Key To World Hegemony
What would it take for the United States to lose its hegemony to a rising power like China? Right now, America appears to be ahead economically and militarily. However, there is a stark difference between America's national strategy (insofar as one exists) and China's. The US under President Trump calls for regression. It seeks to restore a manufacturing economy that peaked in the 1950s—like an elderly man trying to restore hair where it hasn't grown for decades. It is doubling down on domestic oil, gas and coal. Through tariffs, disparagement of NATO and aggression towards allies like Canada and Denmark, the administration has alienated partners that long supported a US-led world order. China, meanwhile, has a tremendous lead in developing the economy of the future. It has a near monopoly on rare earth minerals, which are needed for electronics, renewable energy systems, defense technologies and more. China leads in solar, wind and batteries, the energy systems growing at the fastest rate. It is ahead in electric vehicles, industrial robotics and drones as well. It probably has achieved parity in artificial intelligence and may surpass the US soon. If China were to take Taiwan, it would control the global market for advanced chip manufacturing. In the background, but probably most importantly, China may be on track to commercialize fusion energy before the US or its disgruntled allies. Unlike the US, China has no domestic energy industry with vocal lobbyists (and purchasable politicians) to slow progress. It is funding fusion as a national strategy while private fusion companies in the West are at the mercy of investors that, for the most part, chase low risk and quick returns. Fusion promises cheap, plentiful, baseload energy without carbon emissions. AI, data centers and industrial robotics powered by fusion would produce goods and services at much lower costs than value chains dependent on fossil-fired electricity. Militaries built on swarms of small, cheap, electronic drones and robots—powered by small, distributed fusion facilities deep underground, safe from attack—would have an edge over competitors using large, expensive, petroleum-powered vehicles with vulnerable supply chains. I cannot overstate the ramifications of China developing fusion first. As an analogy, imagine if Japan and Germany had uncovered vast reserves of oil at home in the 1920s. American and Soviet oil gave the Allies a strategic advantage over the Axis powers. Had the situation been reversed, World War II could have ended differently. While private fusion companies in the West have raised about $8 billion total, China is investing at least $1.5 annually into fusion projects—double what the US government spends. Japanese and German investments in fusion don't even come close. Canada, for the record, has no fusion funding strategy. Moreover, the government of British Columbia, home of industry leader General Fusion, seems not to understand the value of this crown asset.* On all fronts nuclear, China is leaping ahead. In April, its scientists added fresh fuel to an operational thorium molten salt reactor—a first. The thorium reserves found in Inner Mongolia, an autonomous region of China, could theoretically meet Chinese energy demand for thousands of years. The kicker: this reactor design originated in the US. As project lead Xu Hongjie put it, 'The US left its research publicly available, waiting for the right successor. We were that successor." Moreover, in January, China's Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) sustained a fusion reaction for 1,066 seconds, setting a new record. Its Burning Plasma Experimental Superconducting Tokamak (BEST) fusion reactor could come online by 2027 and is expected to produce five times the amount of energy it consumes. When BEST announces this milestone, Western fusion companies may be announcing that they've run out of funding. To China, fusion is not a startup project—it's a matter of national interest and security. Its scientists are patenting more fusion-related technologies than any other single country and graduating more doctorates in fusion-related fields. And because China is the top refiner and exporter of the critical minerals needed in fusion reactors (e.g., for magnets), no external force is going to slow their progress. In the meantime, China has a cheap gas station next door—Russia—supplying all the fossil fuels China could need in exchange for support in its war with Ukraine. That support includes critical minerals needed by Russian arms manufacturers. Is fusion energy, along with other Chinese-dominated technologies, enough to end US hegemony? In 1988, historian Paul Kennedy published The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers, a book that tried to explain the relative success (and failure) of powerful states. According to Kennedy, their rise and fall '…shows a very significant correlation over the longer term between productive and revenue-raising capacities on the one hand and military strength on the other.' Essentially, states must balance economic prosperity with strategy. Technological breakthroughs are vital to both. Innovation creates wealth, which enables the state to invest in defense and win wars. While underinvestment in defense leaves the state vulnerable to other powers, overextension and overspending on defense can run an economy into the ground, leaving it unable to sustain a strong military. Now, picture a great power—China—with a military to rival the US and fusion reactors that provide virtually unlimited energy. Imagine the clout China would have in establishing ports, military bases and consumer markets around the world if it could license that fusion technology. A China that exceeds the US in energy, industry, intelligence, mobility and defense is positioned to usurp it. Of course, China could bungle its advantage. Authoritarian regimes have a habit of mismanaging internal dissent, falsifying reality and making preventable mistakes. The rise of China is inevitable, but the self-inflicted decline of the US and its allies isn't. Rather, it's a choice reflecting how societies invest their resources and envision their future. *Disclosure: The author is an investor in General Fusion and sits on its board of directors.
