TEETH

The shark always has teeth with which to chew.
When needed, it grows replacements new.
In some ways we're more advanced.
If our genetics were enhanced,
Maybe we could do that too.

Intended to help us in old age,
This project is in an early stage.
It's a trick we clearly need.
If it should somehow succeed,
It will be all the rage.


The Roanoke Times, 27 February 2009:

HEALTH

Finding the genes that make teeth grow

Scientists are working with a single gene they believe could be used to regenerate human teeth.

"Ever wonder why sharks get several rows of teeth and people only get one? Some geneticists did, and their discovery could spur work to help adults one day grow new teeth when their own wear out."

"A single gene appears to be in charge, preventing additional tooth formation in species destined for a limited set. When the scientists bred mice that lacked that gene, the rodents developed extra teeth next to their first molars -- backups like sharks and other nonmammals grow, University of Rochester scientists reported Thursday."

"Also intriguing: All the mice born without this gene, called Osr2, had cleft palates severe enough to kill. So better understanding of this gene mgiht play a role in efforts to prevent that birth defect, the Rochester team reported in the journal Science."