The tooth fairy is a welcome guest for any child who has lost a tooth. Not only will the fairy leave a small gift under the child’s pillow, but they be assured of a replacement tooth in a few months. Unfortunately, the scenario is quite different for adults grappling with a loss of teeth. Luckily, there may be some hope thanks to a new study performed by scientists at Kyoto University and the University of Fukui.
A dental breakthrough
While the typical adult mouth houses 32 teeth, approximately 1% of the population exhibits variations of them, either possessing more or fewer teeth due to congenital conditions. Researchers have delved into the genetic factors behind cases of excessive teeth, seeking valuable insights into the potential regeneration of teeth in adults. This study is the first to show that monoclonal antibodies can help regrow teeth. It suggests a new way to treat a dental problem that currently requires implants and other artificial solutions.
A bit of science
The research team disclosed that an antibody targeting a specific gene, known as uterine sensitization-associated gene-1 (USAG-1), can induce tooth development in mice affected by tooth agenesis, a congenital condition. The findings were published in the journal, Science Advances.
As per Katsu Takahashi, a senior lecturer at the Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine and one of the principal contributors to the study, the essential molecules crucial for the development of teeth have already been pinpointed. “The morphogenesis of individual teeth depends on the interactions of several molecules including BMP, or bone morphogenetic protein, and Wnt signaling,” says Takahashi.
On April 13, 2021, the University of Kyoto posted its first pic of newly-grown teeth in mice.
BMP and Wnt are involved in more than just tooth development; they affect the growth of organs and tissues early in the body’s development. Because drugs affecting them directly might have broad side effects, scientists are cautious. To find a potentially safer method, researchers focused on the gene USAG-1, thinking that aiming at factors countering BMP and Wnt specifically in tooth development could be more precise.
“We knew that suppressing USAG-1 benefits tooth growth. What we did not know was whether it would be enough,” added Takahashi.
The first results
Scientists looked at how different monoclonal antibodies affect USAG-1. Monoclonal antibodies are often used to treat things like cancer and arthritis and for making vaccines. Tests with this antibody showed that BMP signaling is crucial for deciding the number of teeth in mice. Also, just one treatment was enough to grow a whole tooth. Further tests confirmed these positive results in ferrets too.
“Ferrets are diphyodont animals with similar dental patterns to humans. Our next plan is to test the antibodies on other animals, such as pigs and dogs,” explained Takahashi.
Fully regrown frontal teeth in ferrets
The next steps
Now, scientists are going to test the drug on healthy adults. If that goes well, the team plans to try it on kids aged 2 to 6 with a rare tooth problem called anodontia, a genetic disorder defined as the absence of all teeth. These kids will get one shot of the drug to see if it makes their teeth grow. If everything works out, the medicine might be approved by 2030.
Takahashi sees the new medicine as an additional choice for individuals who are missing some or all of their teeth.
“The idea of growing new teeth is every dentist’s dream,” Takahashi told the Japanese newspaper, The Mainichi in June this year. “I’ve been working on this since I was a graduate student. I was confident I’d be able to make it happen.”
So hopefully, by the year 2030, humans will get a chance to have their third generation of teeth grown and say goodbye to implants. Until then, make sure to keep your teeth strong and healthy — this article will help you with that.
Preview photo credit KyotoU_News / Twitter
From the ‘Bundy Bounce’ to Household Mayhem: Unraveling the Comedic Genius of a 90s TV Classic
In the annals of classic television sitcoms, few moments have become as iconic and enduring as the “Bundy Bounce.” First introduced in a 1990s episode of the beloved series “Married… with Children,” this outrageous dance move, invented by the show’s resident fashionista Kelly Bundy, has lived on in the memories of fans for decades.
At the heart of this memorable sequence is a classic tale of sibling rivalry, as Kelly’s attempt to impress at a car audition is complicated by the meddling of her brother, Bud. But beyond the central plotline, this episode also delves into the Bundy family’s signature brand of chaotic humor, as the family matriarch, Peg, refuses to do any household chores, much to the dismay of her long-suffering husband, Al.
The episode opens with Kelly, the quintessential Bundy daughter, determined to land the coveted role of spokesperson for the new Allanté car. Recognizing that she needs to stand out from the competition, Kelly hatches a plan to wow the executives with a unique dance move that she dubs “The Bundy Bounce.”
“The Bundy Bounce” is a dynamic, high-energy routine that showcases Kelly’s confidence, sass, and flair for the dramatic. With its exaggerated hip movements and playful, almost mocking tone, the dance perfectly encapsulates Kelly’s larger-than-life personality and her unwavering desire to be the center of attention.
As Kelly prepares to unveil her showstopping routine at the audition, her brother Bud, ever the opportunist, decides to exploit his sister’s ambition for his own gain. Revealing Kelly’s dance to a rival contestant, Bud sets the stage for a dramatic showdown, with the fate of the Allanté spokesperson gig hanging in the balance.
The rivalry between Kelly and Bud has long been a source of humor and drama within the Bundy household, and this episode is no exception. As the two siblings vie for the spotlight, their animosity towards one another comes to a head, with each determined to outmaneuver the other.
Bud’s decision to share Kelly’s dance move with her competition not only jeopardizes Kelly’s chances at landing the job but also showcases the lengths the Bundy children will go to in order to one-up each other. This sibling dynamic is a crucial element of the show’s enduring appeal, as it taps into the universal experiences of family life and the push-and-pull of brotherly and sisterly relationships.
While the “Bundy Bounce” storyline takes center stage, the episode also features a hilarious subplot involving the family matriarch, Peg Bundy. Fed up with the constant demands of maintaining the household, Peg decides to go on a household strike, refusing to do any chores or cooking.
This decision sends the Bundy household into a tailspin, as Al, the family patriarch, is forced to confront just how dependent he is on Peg’s domestic labor. The resulting chaos, with dirty dishes piling up and the family left to fend for themselves, is a prime example of the show’s signature brand of over-the-top, slapstick humor.
In the decades since its original airing, the “Bundy Bounce” episode has cemented its place as a beloved classic within the “Married… with Children” canon. The iconic dance move, with its catchy rhythm and Kelly’s unforgettable performance, has become a touchstone for fans of the show, a moment that perfectly encapsulates the series’ irreverent spirit and the Bundy family’s unique brand of chaos.
Beyond the “Bundy Bounce” itself, the episode’s exploration of the family’s complex dynamics and its blend of humor, drama, and memorable characters have all contributed to its enduring legacy. As new generations discover the show, this episode continues to captivate and entertain, solidifying “Married… with Children” as a true sitcom masterpiece.
In the annals of classic television comedy, the “Bundy Bounce” episode of “Married… with Children” stands out as a shining example of the show’s ability to blend memorable characters, iconic moments, and relatable family dynamics into a truly engaging and entertaining whole. From Kelly’s showstopping dance moves to the Bundy household’s descent into domestic disarray, this episode is a testament to the series’ enduring appeal and its status as a beloved, genre-defining sitcom.
As fans continue to revisit this classic episode, the “Bundy Bounce” and the stories it encompasses will undoubtedly continue to captivate and entertain, cementing its place as a cornerstone of television history and a testament to the enduring power of the Bundy family’s unique brand of chaos.
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