We studied the bacteria on kids’ sports mouthguards. The results were eye-opening

By Huseyin Sumer, Senior Lecturer in Biotechnology, Swinburne University of Technology
Bita Zaferanloo, Senior Lecturer in Microbial Biotechnology, Swinburne University of Technology
Vito Butardo Jr, Senior Lecturer in Biotechnology, Swinburne University of Technology

Many young Australians are beginning their winter sports season, gearing up for sports such as football, hockey and rugby. Apart from the training sessions, weekend games and oranges at half-time, these contact sports also involve mouthguards.

Mouthguards protect the teeth, gums and jaw from serious injury. But while most parents and coaches insist kids wear them, far fewer think about what happens after the game – and whether mouthguards get cleaned properly.

Our research suggests poor mouthguard…

Read complete article

~	A landmark US court ruling on birthright citizenship is coming. What does NZ law say?

~	Shipwrecked in a time-loop – Solvej Balle’s On the Calculation of Volume plays a long game

~	How much a new $1,000 tax offset would really be worth – and who’s better off avoiding it

~	The times seem to suit Anthony Albanese. So why isn’t he more popular?

~	A new nuclear arms race is accelerating. There’s only one way to stop it

~	Latest attack threatening President Trump reflects rising political violence in US

~	Coercion isn’t care, and new laws that enforce treatment and confinement are dangerous

~	Here’s how Canadian households can recession-proof finances as economic uncertainty climbs

~	How principles of self-compassion help fight loneliness in the age of AI

~	Hurdles to a hobby: How climate change and ‘runfluencer’ culture impact our daily jog