Finding tiny chemical flaws in tooth enamel

Materials scientists as Northwestern University had experience with atom probe tomography, while those at Cornell were versed in low temperature (e.g. -298 degrees F) electron microscopy.  Together they worked to examine the nanoscale structure of tooth enamel, which is sensitive to electron beams, but far less so as extremely low temperatures.  What they found were structural flaws that acids worked upon in causing tooth decay.  MORE

Image Credit:  pxfuel.com