The release, "Forsyth Scientists Find Blue Light Combats Gum Disease Culprits," described the discovery by Nikos Soukos, DDS, PhD and J. Max Goodson, DDS, PhD, that light in the blue region of the visible spectrum can be used to selectively eradicate bacteria associated with destructive gum disease. The scientists are currently developing a handheld, light-based consumer device to allay or combat periodontal infections that lead to loss of teeth and bone in millions of individuals, worldwide.

The release, disseminated on March 31, 2005, garnered coverage in more than 350 news outlets and led to dozens of collaboration and commercialization inquiries and opportunities for Forsyth, an Boston biomedical organization

"Ms. Harris’ work helped us accelerate the time in which our research can realize its full value," said Soukos, director of the Applied Molecular Photomedicine Laboratory at Forsyth.

According to Philip Stashenko, DMD, PhD, Senior Vice President for Research and Development at Forsyth, "The release enhanced Forsyth’s reputation as an international biomedical institute and our standing in the growing field of translational medicine."

This is the fourth Communicator Award for Harris, who has also won three prestigious Publicity Club of New England Awards for work on behalf of clients.

The International Communicator Awards recognize "outstanding" companies and individuals "whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry," according to the competition’s organizers, who are based in Texas.