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Getting to the root of enamel evolution

A new study published in the Journal of Human Evolution identifies two genes that show evidence of positive selection in humans, contributing to the thickening of enamel. The research suggests that natural selection played a key role in shaping human teeth, with specific genetic changes linked to diet and environmental pressures.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateMay 5, 2014

Nature-inspired advance for treating sensitive teeth

Researchers have developed a new substance inspired by mussels' adhesive, which can rebuild both enamel and dentin on teeth. Laboratory tests show that the gooey material promotes simultaneous remineralization of enamel and dentin, offering a potential solution for millions suffering from tooth sensitivity.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 2, 2013

A thermometer for dinosaurs

Researchers from the University of Bonn analyzed fossil teeth from two giant herbivorous dinosaurs, Camarasaurus and Brachiosaurus, using a chemical thermometer to determine their body temperatures. The analysis revealed that both dinosaurs had a body temperature between 36 and 38 degrees Celsius.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience·DateJun 23, 2011

Leaded gasoline predominant source of lead exposure in latter 20th century

A new study by Case Western Reserve University researchers found that leaded gasoline was the predominant source of lead exposure for African-American children in Cleveland during the latter half of the 20th century. The study used dental records and other data to show that lead levels in teeth increased dramatically during this period...

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJun 15, 2010

Ancient remains put teeth into Barker hypothesis

The study found that tooth enamel defects in ancient humans were associated with shortened lifespans, suggesting a link between early life stress and adult diseases. The research supports the Barker hypothesis, which proposes that many adult diseases originate during fetal development and early childhood.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalEvolutionary Anthropology Issues News and Reviews·DateFeb 4, 2010

Look ma, no mercury in fillings!

Researchers at Southwest Research Institute have created a new proof-of-concept dental restorative material made with zirconia nanoplatelets, which are super hard due to the arrangement of atoms in the material. The new fillings aim to replace amalgam, containing mercury, and offer improved durability and ease of use.

Flying by the skin of our teeth

A study by Prof. Herzl Chai and colleagues reveals that teeth's wavy hierarchy and micro-cracking mechanism can inspire stronger composites for planes and aerospace engineering. Dental specialists can also use the research to create smarter crowns with improved durability.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 19, 2009

Open wide and say 'zap'

Researchers developed a non-destructive way to measure the elasticity of human teeth using lasers, enabling early detection of oral health issues. The new method can help predict emerging dental problems like tooth decay and cavities.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateAug 18, 2009

Piecing together an extinct lemur, large as a big baboon

Researchers have digitally reconstructed a nearly complete skull of the extinct lemur species Hadropithecus stenognathus, providing new insights into its diet and body size. The study reveals that the lemur was as large as a male baboon and had a brain size comparable to some large monkeys.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2008

Mobile Neanderthals

A 40,000-year-old tooth reveals direct evidence of Neanderthal movement over lifetimes. The analysis of strontium isotope ratios in the enamel indicates that the individual lived in a different location than where the tooth was found.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateFeb 15, 2008

A buffet for early human relatives

Researchers analyzed tooth enamel to determine early human relatives' diet, finding seasonal variations in leaves, fruit, seeds, roots, and possibly grazing animals. This study sheds light on the variability of human diets over time, suggesting that it has been a key factor in modern humans' ability to adapt to different environments.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateNov 9, 2006

Fluoridated beverage consumption and dental fluorosis: There's a connection

Research suggests that high fluoride intake from beverages during infancy and early childhood increases the risk of dental fluorosis in permanent incisors. Consuming more 100% juice and infant formulas with naturally high water fluoride concentrations also contribute to increased fluoride intakes.

Scientists uncover secret to sharp teeth

A new research study reveals that follistatin, a gene playing a critical role in organ patterning, regulates enamel formation on mouse incisors. The asymmetric expression of follistatin accounts for the distinct patterning of enamel formation and is required for the formation of enamel-free tooth regions.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateNov 8, 2004

Spun from bone

A team from PNNL and USC has identified the region of a protein that interacts with crystals to form enamel, a material with entirely different properties from bone. The discovery explains how proteins can control crystal structure, enabling nano-patterning and nano-building.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 24, 2004

Bone, enamel, dentine, milk & saliva share gene family

Researchers identified a shared gene family responsible for calcium binding in bones, enamel, dentine, milk, and saliva. The genes, including SPARC and SPARCL1, evolved from a common ancestral gene and reside on the same chromosome in most vertebrates.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2004