Articles tagged with Mandible
Hadrosaurs' powerful jaws with multiple teeth were crucial for their success, but elaborate display crests evolved in multiple bursts driven by sexual selection. Researchers analyzed fossil data and computational methods to understand the evolution of these innovations.
Researchers found that echolocation was a major driver of skull shape evolution in bats from 58-34 million years ago. Diet played a more dominant role in shaping skulls starting around 26 million years ago, but not uniformly across all bat species. The study provides new insights into the evolutionary forces behind bat diversity.
The Xiahe mandible, discovered on the Tibetan Plateau, is at least 160,000 years old and shares anatomical features with Denisovans from Denisova Cave. The ancient proteins found in the mandible indicate a hominin population closely related to Denisovans.
A 15 million-year-old fossil discovery reveals the ancient Egernia gillespieae was remarkably similar to modern lizards, equipped with a robust crushing jaw. The study sheds light on the evolutionary history of Australia's bluetongue lizards and social skinks.
Researchers reveal how the modern human face evolved over four million years, influenced by dietary changes, tool use, and social interactions. The study's findings suggest that the face's shape and features reflect our species' adaptability to different environments and cultural contexts.
Researchers at USC and UCLA have developed a new method to prevent damage to the jaw, a side effect of cancer treatment. The approach uses a different BP compound that can be used locally in the mouth to push the drug from the jawbone while leaving the useful drug undisturbed.
Researchers at UCI are working on biological TMJ discs in the laboratory that will be suitable for implantation in humans. The new approach eschews synthetic materials and aims to reduce negative effects on quality of life. Successful trials have been conducted in large-animal models, showing complete functionality of the TMJ disc.
Researchers reconstructed jawbones in sheep using 3D printed bioreactors filled with autologous bone or synthetic graft. The bioreactors aided the growth and harvesting of bony tissue, successfully repairing five out of six sheep's jawbones.
A new, wallaby-sized herbivorous dinosaur named Galleonosaurus dorisae has been identified from five fossilized upper jaws found in 125 million-year-old rocks in southeastern Australia. The discovery confirms that the diversity of small-bodied dinosaurs was unusually high in the ancient rift valley.
A Bristol undergraduate student has digitally reconstructed the skulls of two species of ancient reptiles from fossil fragments, revealing significant differences in their appearance and feeding habits. The research provides new insights into the evolution of these prehistoric creatures.
A 500-million-year-old ancient worm, Amiskwia, has been linked to modern arrowworms through DNA analysis and anatomical features. The study found that Amiskwia possessed a jaw apparatus similar to gnathiferans, which are microscopic worms with a distinctive internal jaw apparatus.
Researchers explore how phenotypic complexity influences diversification among Lake Malawi cichlids, revealing instance of repeated evolution in converging feeding habits. The study identifies that very different morphologies can translate to similar ecological specializations.
Children with undiagnosed sleep disordered breathing face brain development impairment, cognitive and behavior problems. Removing tonsils and adenoids or using an orthodontic maxillary expander are common treatments for sleep apnea in children.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University have identified arrow worms as a new group of animals, challenging the classical view that complex organisms evolved from simple ancestors. The study reveals important evolutionary trends and sheds light on the phylogenetic position of these bizarre creatures.
The Dracula ant has the fastest animal movement on record, with its mandibles snapping shut at incredible speeds. This unique mechanism allows the ants to capture prey and defend their nests, making them a fascinating subject for study.
A Late Miocene ape maxilla was discovered in the Kutch basin, western India, significantly extending the southern range of ancient apes in the Indian Peninsula. The specimen, dated to around 11-10 million years ago, belongs to the Sivapithecus genus and provides new insights into human evolution.
A new drywood termite species has been discovered in Cameroon with snapping stick-like mandibles that deliver powerful strikes at enemies. The species, named Roisinitermes ebogoensis, challenges existing knowledge on the evolution of such defense mechanisms.
Researchers found that larvae without parental support evolved larger jaws to compensate for lack of help. This adaptation enables them to fend for themselves in case they receive no care.
A new study reveals that getting smaller was crucial for mammalian evolution, reducing jaw stresses while maintaining feeding power. The research used CT scans and computer simulations to analyze fossil skulls and lower jaws, providing a new explanation for the mammalian jaw's unique structure.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that the jaw joint bone structure of carnivorans is more closely related to their body size than their diet. Researchers used 3D printing and CT scans to analyze the mandibular condyle, a key joint in the jaw, and discovered no significant correlation between diet and jaw joint strength or complexity.
Researchers found that Australopithecus africanus had wider, splayed roots than Paranthropus robustus and Paranthropus boisei, indicating increased lateral chewing loads. The study suggests that the orientation of tooth roots provides valuable insights into the dietary ecology of ancient humans and their extinct relatives.
A new study reveals that the aye-aye's large eyes, big ears, and thin bony finger evolved to produce a high bite force, similar to squirrels. The research shows how lifestyle and ecology can influence species' physical traits, overriding ancestry.
UCI-led researchers developed a groundbreaking tissue implant to treat temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) defects, successfully testing it in a large animal model. The innovative approach involves isolating cartilage cells from rib tissue and using them to engineer new jaw disc cartilage.
Researchers analyzed three Late Pleistocene human mandibles found in Borneo's Niah Caves, dating back 28,000-10,000 years. The oldest mandible suggests a diet rich in dried meats and palm plants to adapt to the challenging tropical rainforest environment.
A Loyola Medicine study found that 15.4% of osteoporosis patients taking bisphosphonates experienced bone fractures during a six-year follow-up period. Patients at high risk of fracture should be closely followed, especially as the drug holiday lengthens.
Researchers studied the teeth of carnivorous dinosaurs and found that different species used varying biting strategies to capture and consume their prey. The study reveals that some dinosaurs, like Dromaeosaurus, were adapted for handling struggling prey or processing bone, while others, like Troodon, preferred softer fare.
University of Otago researchers identify and name a new genus of extinct baleen whale from New Zealand's Hakataramea Valley, dating back 27.5 million years. The Toipahautea waitaki was found with diagnostic earbones preserved, suggesting it fed like modern-day minke whales.
A team of international palaeontologists has discovered a giant ichthyosaur fossil in the UK, estimated to be around 25-26 meters long. The find solves a 150-year-old mystery and refutes previous identifications of dinosaur bones from the same location.
Researchers have identified a new species of ancient reptile, Colobops noviportensis, with unusually developed jaw muscles, revealing insights into prehistoric environments and animal adaptations. The discovery sheds light on the origins of modern vertebrates in a world already inhabited by diverse physical extremes.
Researchers identified two related genes, Nr2f2 and Nr2f5, that pattern the jaw by regulating stem cell generation of skeletal cells. This study offers clues for understanding craniofacial anomalies in humans, where equivalent gene mutations are present.
Research from Umea University shows that jawbone loss caused by periodontitis precedes and correlates with rheumatoid arthritis. Elevated levels of RANKL in the blood also indicate a causal link between the two conditions.
A new study analyzing the jaws of the extinct otter Siamogale melilutra found that its jaw bones were six times sturdier than expected, indicating a strong bite force. The discovery suggests that the massive otter may have been a top predator in its time, crushing shells and bones of birds and small mammals.
Researchers are developing surgical screws from donated human bone material, reducing the risk of complications and eliminating the need for second surgeries. The technology, developed by TU Graz's Institute of Biomechanics, is being used in 14 Austrian hospitals and aims to improve outcomes for foot and jaw surgery patients.
Researchers used 3-D scans of fossil canid mandibles to determine whether they belonged to dogs or wolves. The study found that the skull changed shape but the evolution of the mandible lagged behind, making it unreliable for identifying early dog fossils.
Researchers have discovered a unique spring-loaded mechanism in the jaws of Myrmoteras ants, allowing them to capture springtails at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. The mechanism involves a trigger muscle and a lobe on the ant's head that compresses before releasing the jaws.
Scientists at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History discovered that Myrmoteras ants' jaws work independently of other known ant species. The study revealed that the ants' predatory strike takes only half a millisecond and reaches speeds of approximately 50 miles per hour.
Researchers have identified three new species of porcupine fish, expanding our understanding of these unique creatures and their role in ancient ocean ecosystems. The discovery sheds light on the impact of the Isthmus of Panama's formation on tropical biodiversity.
A new species of fruit bat, previously nicknamed 'Yoda' due to its resemblance to the Star Wars Jedi Master, has been officially recognized and renamed the happy (Hamamas) tube-nosed fruit bat. The species was discovered in Papua New Guinea and distinguished from other similar species based on unique morphological characteristics.
A team of researchers used a low-cost Kinect scanner to create a high-resolution 3D scan of the T. rex skull, contradicting previous theories about the holes in its jawbone. The scan reveals that the angles at which the holes bore through the jaw are inconsistent with bite patterns, casting doubt on two popular hypotheses.
A new species of giant crocodile relative, named Razanandrongobe sakalavae, has been discovered in the Middle Jurassic of Madagascar. The fossilized remains of this prehistoric creature reveal massive jaw bones and serrated teeth similar to those of a T. rex, indicating that it was a formidable predator.
Researchers at WMG University of Warwick used CT scanning technology to reveal five previously unseen teeth in the Megalosaurus jawbone, challenging previous restoration work. The scans also showed the extent of repairs, suggesting at least two phases of repair using different types of plaster.
Researchers discovered conductive hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss in Alagille Syndrome patients, affecting nearly one-third of all ears. CT scans revealed structural defects in the middle ear that vary in effect on hearing.
Researchers at MIT developed a new material inspired by the gelatinous jaw of a sea worm, which can adapt to changing environments. The material exhibits great mechanical resistance and consistency, making it suitable for soft robotics and sensor applications.
The discovery of Tokummia katalepsis sheds light on the evolution of mandibulates, a group including flies, ants, and crabs. The fossilized arthropod features can opener-like pincers and specialized claws, providing insights into its feeding behavior.
Early mammals developed side-to-side jaw motion, enabling them to grind food and eat a more diversified diet. This adaptation contributed to their survival during mass extinctions.
A Nagoya University-led international research team has identified genes controlling the development of enlarged mandibles in stag beetles, a key factor in insect diversity. The study found that genes such as dac, aristaless, and homothorax play important roles in mandible development.
A new primate species from India has been discovered, revealing a previously unknown branch of the evolutionary tree. The ancient Ramadapis sahnii existed around 11-14 million years ago and is connected to lemurs and humans through its Sivaladapidae family ties.
Researchers have uncovered adult and juvenile remains of a giant rodent species (Isostylomys laurdillardi) in Uruguay, raising questions about its classification. The study suggests that previously found fossils were from the same species as the newly discovered adults.
Researchers identify a new species of ancient bristle worm, the largest fossil jaws ever recorded, suggesting the creature achieved a body length over a metre. The discovery sheds light on the phenomenon of gigantism in marine worms and its evolution in different species.
Researchers at Yale University have isolated the brain circuitry that coordinates predatory hunting in mice, revealing two distinct modules controlling pursuit and kill behaviors. The study found that activating specific neurons in the amygdala can drive aggressive behavior, including biting and killing, in response to prey.
A recent study on Bahama pupfish has identified 12 million single DNA mutations associated with jaw size differences and specialized diets. The researchers found novel candidate genes linked to large jaws and small jaws, highlighting the complexity of ecological specialization in this species.
Researchers found a benign tumor, called a compound odontoma, in a fossilized gorgonopsian jaw from 255 million years ago. The discovery suggests that this type of tumor may have existed before the first mammals evolved.
The discovery of Qilinyu, a fossilized placoderm with a three-part complex jaw, confirms the evolution of this trait within the placoderm system. The findings suggest that the emergence of jaws in vertebrates marked a significant turning point in early vertebrate evolution.
New fossil discovery in China reveals that the jaw bones of modern humans and bony fishes are linked to the ancient armoured fish placoderms. The findings provide a significant clue on how our jaws evolved, suggesting substantial parts of human anatomy can be traced back to these early creatures.
The discovery of Qilinyu rostrata expands our understanding of maxillate placoderms and reveals a complex relationship between marginal jaw bones and gnathal plates. The study finds that the maxilla, premaxilla, and dentary are homologous to the gnathal plates of placoderms, suggesting a shared dental arcade.
A team of researchers used synchrotron x-ray tomography to study a 424 million-year-old fossil fish's jawbone, providing new insights into the origin of tooth replacement. The findings suggest that the process evolved independently in two different groups of early vertebrates, using distinct mechanisms.
A study from Duke-NUS Medical School found that activity trackers alone or with rewards did not increase physical activity levels. However, those who received cash rewards showed significant increases in activity. The benefits of tracking were short-lived, and participants returned to their previous activity levels after the incentives...
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University have successfully stimulated local bone augmentation in mice jawbones using a protein/peptide combination carried by an injectable gel carrier. The study demonstrates the potential for non-surgical treatment of alveolar bone loss, which may lead to tooth loss.
Researchers at Hokkaido University analyzed footage of goblin sharks capturing prey using a high-speed jaw projection, called 'slingshot feeding', which propels the jaws at speeds of up to 3.1 meters per second. This adaptation allows the shark to compensate for its slow swimming speed in deep-sea environments where food is scarce.
A multi-disciplinary team analyzed the Piltdown specimens using DNA and 3D X-ray imaging, revealing that an orang-utan specimen was used to create the fakes. The forgeries were created using a consistent method, suggesting the perpetrator acted alone, with some researchers now accusing Charles Dawson of being the 'lone forger'.