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Science snapshots from Berkeley Lab

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have made significant strides in developing a novel cancer drug that targets KRAS gene mutations, as well as chelating heavy metals with artificial proteins. Additionally, scientists have discovered a natural mechanism in human tooth enamel that prevents cracks from forming, allowing teeth to last a lifetime.

Oral health for older adults

Oral health risks for older adults include increased incidence of tooth decay, gum disease, and complete loss of teeth. Practicing good oral hygiene, using fluoride treatments, and getting regular dental care can help prevent these complications.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 8, 2019

Discriminating diets of meat-eating dinosaurs

A new study by University of Bristol scientists reveals that meat-eating theropod dinosaurs had broadened their food base. The researchers analyzed the jaws and teeth of 83 theropod dinosaurs, including giants and small ones, to describe every possible jaw shape and tooth shape in terms of about 80 measurements.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPalaeontology·DateNov 3, 2019

Ancient rhinos roamed the Yukon

A team of scientists has discovered ancient fossil teeth in the Yukon, which are believed to belong to a long-extinct cousin of modern rhinoceroses. The discovery provides a gap in the fossil record and sheds light on the migration patterns of animals during the Tertiary Period.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalAmerican Museum Novitates·DateOct 31, 2019

Piranha fish swap old teeth for new simultaneously

Researchers at the University of Washington have confirmed that piranhas and pacus lose and regrow all teeth on one side of their face multiple times throughout their lives. This unique system allows them to distribute stress over their teeth, enabling efficient chewing and potentially justifying the loss of a full set of teeth.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEvolutionary Ecology·DateOct 15, 2019

These pink sea urchins have teeth that sharpen themselves

Pink sea urchin teeth are specially equipped to sharpen themselves through a controlled chipping mechanism, maintaining their sharp edge. The unique structure of the teeth, consisting of ceramic composites and calcite fibers, allows for this self-sharpening process, which is also relevant for designing synthetic materials.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·DateSep 18, 2019

In the shadow of the dinosaurs

The newly discovered Clevosaurus hadroprodon is the oldest known fossil of its kind in Gondwana, dating back to around 237-228 million years ago. Its unique dentition features a mix of primitive and derived teeth, challenging current understanding of sphenodontian evolution.

SourceMidwestern University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 14, 2019

Screen time no child's play

A University of Queensland study found that some young children are spending an average of 50 minutes per day on screens, exceeding the national guideline of zero screen time in children under two. The guidelines aim to provide a healthy start for children and limit screen time to promote development and growth.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalThe Medical Journal of Australia·DateJul 24, 2019

Maternal secrets of our earliest ancestors unlocked

Australopithecus africanus mothers breastfed their infants continuously from birth to about one year of age. The research team analyzed over two-million-year-old teeth and found that nursing appears to continue in a cyclical pattern, with the mother supplementing gathered foods with breastmilk during seasonal changes and food shortages.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature·DateJul 15, 2019

New antibacterial fillings from Tel Aviv University may combat recurring tooth decay

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed novel dental restoratives that display potent antibacterial capabilities, potentially preventing recurrent cavities and tooth decay. The resin-based composites incorporate antibacterial nano-assemblies to hinder bacterial growth and viability on dental restorations.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJul 9, 2019

The ancestor of the great white shark

A team of researchers found a peculiar tooth composition in great white sharks and their relatives, which is similar to that of the fossil shark Palaeocarcharias stromeri. The shared tooth histology indicates that this small shark gave rise to one of the most iconic shark lineages.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 8, 2019

Some crocs of the past were plant eaters

Researchers found ancient crocodile relatives had complex teeth indicating herbivory, appearing three to six times in the dataset. The findings suggest a veggie diet arose at least three times and possibly six times in the distant cousins of modern crocodiles shortly after mass extinctions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 27, 2019

FEFU scientists likely found way to grow new teeth for patients

Researchers at Far Eastern Federal University have discovered chromophobe cells that contribute to human tooth development. The findings provide a basis for developing bioengineering therapies in dentistry and gastroenterology, potentially leading to more effective treatments with longer-lasting implants.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalInternational Journal of Applied and Fundamental Research (Международный журнал прикладных и фундаментальных исследований)·DateJun 27, 2019

An army of micro-robots can wipe out dental plaque

A team of engineers, dentists, and biologists from the University of Pennsylvania developed microscopic robotic cleaning crews that can precisely and non-invasively remove dental plaque. The robots use catalytic activity to kill bacteria and break down biofilms, offering a potential solution for biofilm-related infections.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience Robotics·DateApr 24, 2019

The history of humanity in your face

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.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 15, 2019

Does cognitive function affect oral health during aging?

Poorer cognitive function in older adults is associated with poorer oral health and a higher risk of tooth loss. A study of 4,416 UK adults found that those with lower cognitive function scores had a 39% higher odds of tooth loss compared to those with higher scores.

SourceWiley·JournalCommunity Dentistry And Oral Epidemiology·DateMar 6, 2019

Ancient extinct sloth tooth in Belize tells story of creature's last year

A team of researchers from the University of Illinois has discovered that a giant sloth found in Belize, which lived around 27,000 years ago, had a diverse diet that shifted between wet and dry seasons. The study reveals that the creature adapted to its environment by relying on plants more available during dry periods.

Activating tooth regeneration in mice

Researchers at King's College London found that Wnt signalling can be activated to revive a rudimentary dental lamina (RSDL) in mice, allowing for the formation of additional teeth. This breakthrough demonstrates potential for tooth replacement and provides insights into mammalian evolution and trait restoration.

SourceKing's College London·JournalDevelopment·DateFeb 20, 2019

The scientific tooth fairies of San Francisco

Research by Thomas Boyce, a CIFAR Fellow, shows that children from lower socio-economic backgrounds have higher levels of cortisol in their saliva and more cavity-causing bacteria around their gums. His study aims to understand why some children struggle and how all can thrive, as explored in his new book The Orchid and the Dandelion.

SourceCIFAR·DateFeb 15, 2019