A new study highlights the potential of using a natural compound from maple to combat the bacteria responsible for tooth decay: Streptococcus mutans. The compound, epicatechin gallate, is a powerful and safe alternative to traditional plaque-fighting agents. The new study emerged as an offshoot of research into natural compounds that inhibit biofilm formation in Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne pathogen. They isolated polyphenolic compounds from maple that inhibit Listeria attachment and biofilm formation. They also identified their target: sortase A, an enzyme that anchors adhesins to the bacterial cell wall. When sortase A is inhibited, these adhesins are not anchored in...