A new study on sharks may hold the key to better dental health for humans in the future.
Scientists at Sheffield University in England believe the findings could eventually help humans with tooth loss.
The researchers were able to identify the network of genes that help sharks regenerate teeth throughout their lifetime.
These cells, according to the university, help replace the rows of razor sharp teeth before they even start to decay with a "conveyer belt-like system." One of the researchers in the study points to the regeneration of teeth as part of the reason sharks are such fierce predators.
What’s neat: humans have the same set of cells which help the production of replacement teeth. But researchers note that we're limited to two sets: baby teeth and adult teeth.
Now that the genetic mechanisms are becoming better understood, the hope is that scientists will eventually be able to develop therapies to help humans grow new teeth.
