University of Wyoming pre-dental student Lucas Wall has made remarkable strides in oral health research while still an undergraduate — becoming lead author on a peer-reviewed paper in the journal Microbiology and co-founding a startup company. Wall's research in UW's molecular biology department explores how the cavity-causing bacterium Streptococcus mutans defends itself against bacteriophages (viruses that target bacteria), offering new insights into potential targeted cavity treatments. Separately, Wall teamed up with molecular biologist Mark Gomelsky, postdoctoral researcher Ahmed Elbakush, and business student Leo Gomelsky to launch MayPall — a maple compound-based mouthwash that disrupts bacterial biofilms without harsh chemicals. Safe enough for young children to swallow, MayPall is now available online and in select retail stores across Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah. ResearchMaya Gilmore, University of Wyoming Extension10/05/2025 12:10:00 PM_DO NOT USE TAGS - They will be deleted!