Scientists suggest that with our modern diets and extended life spans, a limited amount of teeth is hampering us as a species and the current structure of human teeth cannot suffice.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have been exploring theories as to how evolution might resolve this problem. One way is for human beings to develop beaks.
Scientists have been examining the jaws of the pufferfish, which has evolved over millions of years to form a beak. Pufferfish use these to break open the shells of molluscs and crabs. Beaks are more “robust and practical”, according to lead researcher Dr Gareth Fraser.
Another theory states that, in the future, human beings will develop the ability to endlessly replace their teeth, not unlike sharks. Shark’s teeth are embedded in the gum but not affixed to the jaw bone, and operate on a conveyor belt-like system, maturing in the back of the mouth and slowly moving towards the front as other teeth are shed.
Researchers said the cells that allow new teeth to be developed and grown are called the putative stem cells, nicknamed “Tooth Fairy” cells. Future generations may generate these tooth fairy cells, enabling them to replace their own teeth.
But Dr Fraser estimates it will be around 50 years before we can grow extra teeth, and several million years before we get beaks!
Picture Credit : Google
