Groundbreaking research from Tufts University in the U.S. has brought us a step closer to the possibility of growing human teeth in laboratories. Scientists successfully grew human-like teeth in pigs through innovative techniques that involved combining cells from both human and pig teeth.
In this experiment, researchers harvested cells from the teeth of humans and pigs and merged them in the lab, allowing the cells to “expand” into tooth tissue. The resulting teeth, though not flawless in shape or size, closely resembled natural teeth. These lab-grown teeth were then implanted into the mouths of pigs, where they continued to grow.
Professor Pamela Yelick, who led the study, expressed optimism about the future of this research. Speaking at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) conference in Boston, she confidently stated, “I 100 percent think regenerating human teeth can happen.” Despite being in her mid-60s, she believes advancements in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and dentistry will make it possible to grow fully functional human teeth within her lifetime.
As technology continues to evolve, the fields of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering are making strides toward transforming dental care, potentially offering solutions for tooth regeneration in humans within the next two decades.
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