Scientists Grow Pig Teeth in Rat Intestines

Reuters ^ | 9-26-02 | Anon

[Pharmboy]

BOSTON (Reuters) - US doctors have managed to grow pig teeth in rat intestines, a feat of bioengineering they said on Thursday could spark a dental revolution.

Researchers at the Forsyth Institute said their successful experiment suggests the existence of dental stem cells, which could one day allow a person to replace a lost or missing tooth with an identical tooth grown from his or her own cells.

The research may signal that the days of synthetic dental implants--dentures, bridges and crowns--are numbered.

"The ability to identify, isolate and propagate dental stem cells to use in biological replacement tooth therapy has the potential to revolutionize dentistry," said Dominick DePaola, president and CEO of the Boston-based research institute.

The experiment involved taking seeded cells from immature teeth of six-month-old pigs and then placing them within the intestines of rats.

Within 30 weeks, small recognizable tooth crowns--containing enamel and dentin, a bone-like material found under the enamel--had formed, the researchers said.

The researchers said they hope that within five years they will have developed techniques to grow teeth of a specific size and shape, and that within 10 years it will be possible to regenerate human teeth.

The research was due to be published in the Oct 1 issue of Journal of Dental Research.

[robertpaulsen]

That's right. Now moms across America will say, "Children, swallow your food before you chew real good".

[azhenfud]

Well there was that liberal who donated his brain to the medical college. They were elated they finally got a totally unused specimin.

[Liberty Tree Surgeon]

I would have looked at sharks,all those regrowing rows of teeth,guess that's why I'm not a scientist.

It's a lot easier to check the progress of tooth growth in rat intestines than in a live shark's mouth. Not a good job if you value your extremities.

LTS

[Gumlegs]

And it's another step toward permanent recto-cranial inversion.

[azhenfud]

I guess all things equal out.
A rat passing hog teeth,
A democrat passing anything....

[Kenton]

I hope that growing rat teeth in pig intestines is easier than sedating the rats and pulling their teet. That is just SUCH a hassle.

[RAT Patrol]

This explains the piggish rant by 'rat Daschle yesterday. His 'rat intestines are freshly equipped with pig teeth.

[aimhigh]

Pig Teeth in Rat Intestines

It would be nice to grow some some teeth in my intestines. Then I wouldn't have to chew my food BEFORE swallowing.

[Reeses]

This will help the Demon-rat pigs who wear out their teeth from lying through them.

[stanz]

Someday we may be able to eat through our navels instead.
Now junior...wipe your tummy.

[hispanarepublicana]

pulling their teet

I didn't know you could milk a rat....

[azhenfud]

"Then I wouldn't have to chew my food BEFORE swallowing."

Yeah, but your stomach would be gnawing all the time...

[TrappedInLiberalHell]

Scientists Grow Pig Teeth in Rat Intestines

Sounds like someone making good on a bet made with another scientist while drunk. Folks, we now live in a world where rats can crap pig teeth. I know I'll sleep better.

[TrappedInLiberalHell]

I didn't know you could milk a rat....

Greg Focker can (anybody who saw "Meet the Parents" will get the joke).

[Gumlegs]

Not that anyone gives a rat's intestine about pigs getting new teeth ...

[Kenton]

I didn't know you could milk a rat....

Ya got me. I just HAVE to start proof-reading my posts while sober...

[VadeRetro]

Want to really torture the rats? Give them taste buds in their intestines!

[anoldafvet]

WOW !!! Someone has finally come up with a use for a DemocRAT!!

[Genesis defender]

I'll be surprised when they can start growing human spines in rhinos (RINOs?).

[Gumlegs]

Yes, but shouldn't you have put an apostrophe before "rats"?