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Gene could allow lab-grown teeth
"A lot of work would still be needed to bring this to human applications, but it should work"
- lead researcher Dr Chrissa Kioussi
Scientists believe they have found a way to grow teeth in the laboratory, a discovery that could put an end to fillings and dentures.
The US team from Oregon have located the gene responsible for the growth of enamel, the hard outer layer of teeth which cannot grow back naturally.
Other scientists are already growing the inner parts of teeth in animals - but they have no hard enamel coatings.
The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences work may plug this gap.