Articles tagged with Teeth
A team of researchers has developed an injectable antimicrobial gel that could improve root canal treatment outcomes by providing sustained antimicrobial properties. The gel, which has been shown to have extended residual antibacterial properties, is biocompatible and has minimal toxic effects on stem cells.
Osteocytes are identified as the major source of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) during orthodontic tooth movement, regulating bone remodeling and osteoclastic differentiation.
A new study from Field Museum and University of Queensland explores the use of flying fox teeth as currency in Solomon Islands. The research reveals that while bats' teeth are culturally valuable, they are primarily hunted for meat, an important source of protein on the island.
Researchers found that every captive orca examined had damaged teeth, with over 65% displaying moderate to extreme tooth wear. The study suggests that daily flushing of chemicals can lead to chronic antibiotic therapy compromising the whale's immune system. The findings raise serious concerns for the health and welfare of captive orcas.
Scientists at the University of Sussex have developed a new algorithm that enables smartwatches to detect and record daily human activities in real-time. The algorithm outperforms existing approaches by tracking ongoing activity and paying attention to transitions, providing a more accurate picture of daily life.
Researchers studying a 400 million year old bony fish from Estonia believe they have found evidence for the origins of teeth using advanced synchrotron microtomography. This discovery may cast light on the possible origin of teeth from dermal odontodes, and evolutionary relationship between dentitions of all jawed animals.
UCSB researchers developed a new type of dental composite inspired by mussel mechanisms to adhere to surfaces. The material provides an extra layer of durability, potentially leading to longer-lasting fillings and crowns.
Researchers created a small molecule that inhibits the formation of biofilms on tooth surfaces, reducing dental caries in rats fed a caries-promoting diet. The inhibitor blocks a key virulence enzyme, making it unable to stick to tooth surfaces and produce lactic acid.
A team led by Dr. Rena D'Souza aims to identify the relationship between PAX9 and WNT pathways in permanent tooth formation. The goal is to develop new therapies that reestablish normal interaction between genes and pathways to restore tooth development.
Researchers develop a new material with nanohydroxyapatite and green tea polyphenol EGCG to combat tooth sensitivity. The material plugged dentin tubules, released EGCG for 96 hours, and prevented biofilm formation, showing low toxicity.
Researchers found that blocking yeast-bacteria interaction may prevent severe biofilms that cause early childhood caries. The team identified surface molecules on the fungus that interact with bacterial-derived protein, impairing biofilm formation.
Researchers at OHSU developed a process to engineer new blood vessels in teeth, creating better long-term outcomes for patients. This innovation eliminates the need for synthetic biomaterials and restores biological response, potentially leading to improved tooth survival rates.
A rare tooth discovery in Mississippi, USA, has revealed that horned dinosaurs, closely related to Triceratops, roamed freely across eastern North America during the Late Cretaceous period. The fossil, dated to around 68-66 million years ago, challenges previous assumptions about the separation of western and eastern continents.
Women who become caregivers after intimate partner violence experience increased depressive symptoms and stress. They also have worse physical health than other women, with nearly one in 20 middle-aged women in this position.
A new method in dentine analysis reveals permanent records of Vitamin D deficiency, shedding light on human adaptation and health conditions. The study offers a valuable resource for understanding rickets, affecting over 1 billion people worldwide.
Scientists have discovered the remains of a previously unknown mammal, Baidabatyr, in Western Siberia. The animal is believed to be a herbivore and lived during the Early Cretaceous period, with its species going extinct around 20 million years ago.
Researchers found T. rex could generate forces equal to three small cars while simultaneously applying world-record tooth pressures. The dinosaur's long conical teeth allowed it to drive open cracks in bone and produce catastrophic explosions.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a natural compound in grape seed extract that can strengthen dentin and increase the life of resin fillings. The study found that the extract can make composite-resin fillings stronger, allowing them to last longer.
A study published in Cell Metabolism found that a liver hormone called FGF21 may play a role in determining who has a sweet tooth. The researchers discovered two variants of the FGF21 gene associated with increased intake of sweets and candies.
The research team will test a combination of new technologies that release antibacterial agents in response to acid presence, promising longer service life and improved dental applications. The novel materials aim to inhibit oral biofilm formation and have excellent physical and mechanical properties.
Researchers discovered that signals from surrounding tissue trigger dental stem cells to proliferate and differentiate into mature tooth tissue. The findings have implications for understanding tissue renewal and could lead to improved therapies for cancer treatment.
A study by Vanderbilt University researchers reveals that man-eating lions' actions were not driven by desperation, but rather a solution to a problem. The analysis found that the lions' teeth showed wear patterns similar to those of zoo lions fed soft foods.
A new study analyzing the teeth of Tsavo's famous man-eaters reveals that dental disease played a significant role in their unusual behavior. The researchers found that the lions' teeth showed less wear and tear than expected, contradicting the hypothesis that they turned to human prey due to food shortages.
Gum disease and tooth loss are linked to a higher risk of death in postmenopausal women, according to new research. The study, which analyzed data from over 57,000 women, found that history of periodontal disease was associated with a 12% higher risk of death from any cause.
A new device called SafeRoot uses florescent dyes and fluorescence microscopy to detect minute amounts of residual live bacteria in root canals. This allows dentists to identify persistent or secondary infections and reduce the need for further treatments, potentially saving the NHS millions of pounds.
The researchers created a synthetic version of tooth enamel to improve resilience in rigid structures. They successfully mimicked its properties through layering and polymerization, demonstrating that this material can absorb vibrations effectively.
A study found that early preventive dental care among Medicaid-enrolled children in Alabama was associated with increased tooth decay-related treatment, visits, and dental expenditures. In contrast, preventive care delivered by primary care providers showed no significant association with these outcomes.
Researcher Brenda Heaton found that social networks play an overlooked role in oral health care, influencing behavior and disease prevention. She aims to use network maps to introduce health resources into communities, changing long-term behaviors and preventing tooth decay through prevention.
Mutations in specific proteins affect tooth enamel formation, leading to increased risk of caries. The study's findings open up new possibilities for preventing caries in patients with defective tooth enamel.
The AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prizes for Excellence in Science Books recognize recent publications that promote high-quality science writing and illustration, engaging readers of all ages. Winners include Sara Levine's 'Tooth by Tooth' and Pamela S. Turner's 'Crow Smarts', which explore fascinating topics like animal teeth and crow intelligence.
A team of researchers at King's College London has discovered a method to stimulate the renewal of living stem cells in tooth pulp using an Alzheimer's drug. This novel approach aims to promote natural tooth repair and potentially reduce the need for fillings or cements.
Researchers found that brain size evolved at different rates for different species, especially during Homo's evolution, while chewing teeth evolved at similar rates. This challenges the classic view that larger brains led to smaller teeth as a result of tool use.
Researchers at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine have successfully regenerated dental pulp-like tissues in animal model experiments using a collagen-based biomaterial to deliver stem cells. The approach shows promise in restoring normal tooth function and may offer an alternative to traditional endodontic treatments.
A UK soft drinks industry levy is estimated to have significant health benefits, especially among children. The study finds that reducing sugar content and increasing prices of high-sugar drinks will have the greatest impact on health.
A study of 1.2-million-year-old tartar reveals that ancient humans used a kind of toothpick to clean their teeth, while consuming a balanced diet of meat and starchy foods. The analysis also suggests they ate grass seeds and had access to forests.
Researchers discovered a 255-million-year-old tumor in a gorgonopsian mammalian ancestor, revealing an ancient condition that resembles compound odontoma. This finding challenges the current understanding of vertebrate evolution, suggesting that this condition may have evolved much earlier than previously thought.
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.
A Disney Research team has developed a model-based method to realistically reconstruct teeth for digital actors and medical applications, even with obscured teeth in photos or videos. The new method uses statistical modeling to create natural variations in tooth shape and spacing.
Researchers have found overwhelming evidence of malaria's existence in ancient Rome dating back to the Roman Empire. The study analyzed human remains from three Italian cemeteries and confirmed the presence of Plasmodium falciparum, a parasite responsible for nearly 450,000 deaths worldwide each year.
Using lead isotope analysis, UF archaeologist Ashley Sharpe has created a map to determine the birthplace of ancient people and animals in Central America. This method can help track the movement of prehistoric Maya and potentially solve mysteries surrounding their origins and demise.
Researchers found that tooth shape influenced diet and feeding biomechanics, with selection favoring maximum damage, not just force or energy. The study used 3D-printed replicas of ancient mammal teeth to test the impact of different diets on early mammals.
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 new study reveals the existence of a non-proliferative signaling center in tooth development, which drives epithelial invagination and instructs neighboring cells to proliferate. The initiation knot is identified as a critical regulator of tooth morphogenesis and size determination.
Researchers studied placodont teeth to understand how evolution shaped traits for survival. They found that despite predictions, later placodonts developed unique and complex teeth structures, possibly similar to early human molars.
A new imaging device uses long-wavelength infrared imaging to detect small thermal radiation emitted from dental caries, allowing for earlier diagnosis and potential reversal. The tool has the benefits of being noncontact, noninvasive, and low-cost, with great potential as a commercially viable diagnostic imaging device.
A new study using hippo enamel isotopes reveals a shift from C4 to C3 plants in Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park, associated with the loss of elephants. The results provide insight into ecological crises and vegetation changes in African grasslands.
A University of Washington study found that shark teeth shape influences biting performance, with some species' teeth cutting better and dulling faster than others. The research used a reciprocating saw and glue to test tooth performance under realistic conditions.
Researchers from the University of Sydney have created three-dimensional maps showing the positions of atoms critical in the decay process using atom probe tomography. The study reveals magnesium-rich regions between hydroxyapatite nanorods, which play a key role in governing tooth behavior.
A new study found that recording smartphone videos of tooth-brushing can improve oral health care techniques, increasing accuracy and skill mastery by 8%. The study suggests using video-based monitoring apps to provide feedback from dental professionals.
University of Pennsylvania researchers have created nanoparticles that use the acidity of tooth decay to kill bacteria in dental plaque and prevent cavities. The treatment, which combines hydrogen peroxide with acid-sensitive nanoparticles, was shown to be highly effective at disrupting biofilms and killing bacteria.
Scientists at McMaster University have discovered a clear way to measure past changes in vitamin D deficiency, which affects over 1 billion people worldwide. They analyzed the microscopic structure of ancient teeth to reveal anomalies formed in dentin layers during periods of low sun exposure.
University of California, Berkeley paleontologists discover inherited dental features in primates that shed light on a mysterious increase in monkey species during climate change 8 million years ago. The traits will help track genes controlling tooth development and aid scientists in regrowing teeth.
A study reveals that Botox toxin targets neurons through its affinity for glycans, and mutating a single amino acid can abolish toxicity. This mechanism also inspires the design of anti-toxin inhibitors.
Researchers found that dentin's mechanical coupling between collagen protein fibers and mineral nanoparticles allows it to withstand extreme forces. The nanostructure design enables dentin to last longer than synthetic filling materials.
Dental drill fragments made of bio-incompatible materials are found in teeth and under fillings, posing a potential risk to patients. Further studies are needed to determine the extent of this biohazard.
A study published in Climatic Change found that emphasizing the collective causes of climate change significantly increases willingness to donate, whereas personal responsibility framing has little effect. The researchers surveyed over 1,500 participants and found a consistent increase in donations when framing the issue collectively.
Scientists are exploring the potential of bioceramic silicon nitride to treat severe gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. The material's surface has been shown to degrade bacteria responsible for periodontitis, offering a promising therapeutic aid.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published by the International Association for Dental Research reveals an association between tooth loss and reduced cognitive function in adults. Individuals with less than 20 teeth were found to be at a 20% higher risk of developing cognitive decline and dementia compared to those with more teeth.
A study of 6,885 adults found that tooth loss and untreated caries are associated with limited food intake, affecting quality of life. Researchers used NHANES data to examine the relationship between dentate status and number of teeth with untreated decay on reported limited food intake.
A new Harvard University study suggests that early humans processed meat with stone tools to reduce chewing effort, allowing for a higher-quality diet and eventual emergence of hunting and gathering. By slicing meat and pounding vegetables, researchers found a significant reduction in the number of chews required per day.