Dentin formation, a crucial process during tooth development, results from the secretion of organic matrix from specialized cells called odontoblasts. However, the roles of the mechanosensitive channels Piezo1 and Piezo2 in odontoblast differentiation are unclear. Now, researchers from the University of Maryland addressed this knowledge gap using Piezo1/Piezo2 conditional knockout mice. Piezo1/Piezo2 double knockout impaired odontoblast differentiation and Wnt signaling. This study indicated that Piezo1 and Piezo2 contribute to odontoblast terminal differentiation, at least in part, by modulating Wnt signaling.

Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) approach using data from wearable devices that can forecast upcoming periods of prolonged sitting in women with chronic pelvic pain disorders. The findings, published in the September 30 online issue of npj Women’s Health [DOI: 10.1038/s44294-026-00156-5], could inform personalized digital health tools that prompt the individual to move, such as by taking a short walk, at the right time while minimizing unnecessary alerts.