Breath of foul air in the lab

SYDNEY (AP) - Researchers studying dental plaque have built an artificial mouth, complete with bad breath and teeth-destroying bacteria.

The mouth is made of glass and is 20 inches long, Chris Sissons, a scientist with New Zealand's Dental Research Unit, said yesterday. Instead of teeth it has 'plaque growth stations' where bacteria are fed a diet resembling human saliva and sugar. Dr Sissons says the mouth produces a stench like rancid butter, making air fresheners essential in his laboratory.