The perfection of a modified microtome allowed Marie U. Nylen to capture high-quality, ultrathin sections of dental tissues measuring only 1/50,000 of a millimeter in thickness. This technical innovation provided unprecedented insights into the cellular formation of enamel and dentin, establishing a new foundation for the study of calcified structures at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Early Education and Scientific Transition
Born in Copenhagen in 1924 to law professor Henry Ussing and Christiane Johanne Ussing, Nylen earned her D.D.S. from the Royal Dental College at the University of Copenhagen in 1947. Her path shifted in 1949 during a brief visit to Washington, D.C., where she reconnected with a former professor then working at the National Institute of Dental Research. Encouraged by his mentorship, she secured a postdoctoral fellowship to train in electron microscopy and diffraction techniques from 1950 to 1951. After a two-year tenure as an assistant professor at her alma mater in Denmark, she returned to Bethesda in 1955 to join the NIDR laboratory of histology and pathology.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Administrative Leadership at NIDR
Nylen advanced through the institutional ranks, becoming chief of the laboratory of biological structure in 1965. In July 1977, she broke institutional barriers by becoming the first woman to serve as the director of NIDR intramural research, succeeding Wallace D. Armstrong. By 1984, she transitioned to become associate director of the NIDR extramural program, where she oversaw research funding for projects ranging from periodontal diseases to craniofacial anomalies and pain control. Her administrative influence extended to various editorial boards and the NIH Oral Biology and Medicine Study Section.
Contributions to Dental Histology
Her research focused on the morphology of tooth enamel and the mechanisms of mineralization. By 1960, her work on the maturation of organic matrices in dentin and enamel culminated in a specialized atlas detailing embryological dental tissue studies. Beyond her microscopy work, she examined the physiological impact of tetracycline on animal dental enamel, findings that eventually informed clinical restrictions on the antibiotic's use in humans. Her career was further recognized with the 1970 IADR award for research in biological mineralization and a Doctor Odontologiae degree from her alma mater in 1973.
Athletic Achievements
Parallel to her medical career, Nylen maintained a high level of performance in competitive badminton. She was a four-time co-winner of the Danish women's doubles championship and secured the women's world singles title at the All England Open Badminton Championship in both 1947 and 1953. Her reach extended to the United States, where she earned the D.C. women's championship in 1950 and 1951, as well as the New England championship in 1951. Following her marriage to Aage Nylén, she eventually became a U.S. citizen in 1959.
Fast facts
- Born: 13 April 1924, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Citizenship: Denmark, United States (since 1959)
- Education: D.D.S., Royal Dental College, University of Copenhagen, 1947
- Notable Role: First woman director of NIDR intramural research
- Badminton Titles: 1947 and 1953 All England Open Women's Singles Champion
- Scientific Recognition: 1970 IADR award for biological mineralization research
- Career Employers: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
- Professional Honors: Fellow of the American College of Dentists
Questions readers ask
What significant impact did Nylen's microscopy work have on medicine?
Her refinement of microtome technology allowed for the study of dental tissues at a scale of 1/50,000 of a millimeter, enabling scientists to observe previously unseen enamel and dentin structures.
Was Marie Nylen a professional athlete?
She was a high-level competitive badminton player, winning the women's singles event at the All England Open Badminton Championship in 1947 and 1953.
Achievements
- Held posts at National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research