The açaí (Euterpe oleracea), an Amazonian fruit popular for its flavor and energy boost, is also the source of a dye that identifies bacterial plaque in teeth, which can help prevent cavities and other dental problems. The product, developed by the government's agricultural research agency, EMBRAPA, and the Federal University of Pará, offers “a superior contrast” to similar synthetic dyes, Arnoldo Medeiros, coordinator for innovation at EMBRAPA, told Tierramérica.

In addition, it poses no risk of chemical intoxication, making it ideal for children to use, he said.

The new product, already patented in the United States, was presented at the 24th International Dental Conference, held Jan. 25-29 in Sao Paulo, drawing a lot of interest from dental product manufacturers, he added.