Mel Rosenberg

Mel Rosenberg (; born Melvyn Rosenberg, 12 November 1951 in Winnipeg, Manitoba) is a Canadian-born Israeli microbiologist, inventor, author and educator. He is known for his research on halitosis and microbial adhesion, and for co-developing a two-phase mouthwash technology later commercialized as Dentyl pH. Rosenberg has published extensively in scientific journals and holds several patents related to oral health. In addition to his scientific career, he co-founded Ourboox, a digital platform for creating and sharing picture books online. He is also a children's book author and podcast host.

Early life and education Mel Rosenberg was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, in 1951. He grew up in Ottawa and immigrated to Israel in 1969. He earned a B.Sc. in chemistry from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1973, and an M.Sc. in microbiology from Tel Aviv University in 1975. In 1982, he completed a Ph.D. in microbiology at Tel Aviv University. His doctoral research focused on the surface properties of bacteria and their role in microbial adhesion. His research focused on microbial adhesion, bacterial surface properties, and the diagnosis and treatment of halitosis. He authored or co-authored over 100 scientific publications and book chapters in these areas. He also co-developed the Halimeter, a device used for measuring oral malodor.

Together with Anton Amann, he co-founded the Journal of Breath Research and served as its first co-editor-in-chief. He has also contributed to public science education through lectures, media appearances, and online videos. His TED-Ed lessons on bad breath, body odor, and dental caries have reached wide audiences.

Writing and Publishing In addition to his scientific career, Rosenberg is a writer and children's book author. He has written numerous digital books, many of which are available on Ourboox, a platform he co-founded in 2014 to enable writers, illustrators, and educators to create and share picture books online. The platform now hosts over 300,000 books in multiple languages.

Rosenberg's debut picture book in the United States, Emily Saw a Door, is scheduled for publication by Penguin Random House in February 2026. It is the English-language version of the book (Hebrew: אמילי ראתה דלת), which was first published by Tal-May in Israel in 2023. He is also active in promoting children's literature through interviews and podcasts, including the "Children's Literature" channel on the New Books Network, where he interviews authors and illustrators from around the world.

Personal life Rosenberg lives near Tel Aviv with his wife, Shuli (Shulamit Sapir-Nevo), and has two children. He is an accomplished jazz musician – saxophone and vocals – and has put out a number of mainstream jazz albums. He appeared in a small role in the film JeruZalem in 2015.

Selected publications

presenting a circumferential overview of Halitosis. which shows the effect of mouth rinsing on the oral bacteria. This article shows how hydrophobicity of CPC affects oral bacteria, as the research basis for the invention of a two-phase mouthwash. which was the basis for the commercial use of sulphide monitors such as the Halimeter to measure halitosis. starting an academic debate on the role of periodontitis in halitosis. another article which shows the relation between a periodontal test to malodor parameters. laying an important grounds to research of the psychopathological aspects of halitosis.