Researchers at UCLA have discovered how a stem cell decides whether to become a bone cell or fatty cell. It appears that there are a few chemical markers that will trigger the "fate decision" of the cell, while leaving the DNA intact.
This study has huge implications for dentistry as it can be used to regenerate bone in different parts of the body. The study specifically states that craniofacial bone regeneration can be acheived using the techniques discovered during their research. As the general population ages and problems with the teeth and bones in general become more prevelant, new techniques will have to be used to keep people healthy. This along with crayfish teeth could go a long way in helping everyone keep their hard tissue happy and healthy!
To read the press release, head over to our news section - it goes into a bit of detail on how they achieved the results.