People Will Eventually Grow Beaks, Scientists Predict

For anyone who has regular trouble with their teeth, science has some
good news. Humans could one day grow beaks, a biologist has predicted.
Unlike teeth, a beak would not rot, chip or fall out. This would make
it 'more robust and practical', says Dr Gareth Fraser, a biologist at
Sheffield University.


The bad news for anyone dreading an imminent trip to the dentist, is
that the change - in which the teeth would fuse together to form a
tough, pointy beak - is several million years away.


Dr Fraser is interested in why humans make only two sets of teeth -
baby teeth and adult ones - while some creatures create an endless
supply. A shark, for instance, will grow new teeth around once a
fortnight. And pufferfish, or blowfish, constantly produce the
tooth-like material that their beak is made from, meaning any wear and
tear is rapidly patched up.
Dr Fraser has identified the cells behind this constant regeneration.
Nicknamed 'tooth fairy' cells, they could hold the key to allowing us
to grow set after set of teeth. This would allow us to grow extra
teeth as needed. It may also be possible for us to grow teeth that are
nicer than nature intended.


Dr Fraser said: 'I guess people will be looking at whether you can
make perfect teeth. But there will always be orthodontists employed
because even when you have new teeth, there is going to be a need for
positioning. Withour extended lives and modern diets, the limited
supply of human teeth is really no longer fit for purpose. Our
research is focused on looking for ways in which we can replicate the
way that fish create an endless supply of teeth and bring this
capability to humans.'


But don't stop taking care of your teeth yet - Dr Fraser estimates it
will be around 50 years before we can grow extra teeth as needed. In
the shorter-term, it may be possible to create gels and creams that
repair rotten and damaged teeth, removing the need for fillings.
Eventually, evolution may provide its own solution. Dr Fraser said:
'It could be possible for humans to evolve to grow beaks, like
pufferfish, which may be more robust and practical.'


The spiny, highly poisonous pufferfish, begins it life with teeth but
they quicklymorph into a beak that is used to open shells and crush
and cut fish. Despite the durability of a beak, Dr Fraser wouldprefer
to keep his teeth. He said: 'I am happy with the shape of the teeth I
have - although I would like more of them.'