Noting that synthetic materials and other approaches have proved ineffective, researchers at the University of California Irvine (UCI) are developing biological temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discs that will be suitable for implantation in human beings. “The TMJ is central to chewing, talking, and so many other daily activities. So when this crucial joint is impaired, there are significant negative effects on quality of life,” said Kyriacos A. Athanasiou, PhD, PhM, MS, distinguished professor of biomedical engineering.