Scientists Grow Teeth from Human Urine
Chinese scientists used human urine to grow rudimentary teeth in a laboratory, according to a new study published in the Cell Regeneration Journal.
While the teeth are rudimentary and the technique used to grow them is unappealing, researchers say it could one day be used as a way to replace teeth lost through aging or poor dental hygiene
But the research has its critics. Chris Mason, a stem cell scientist at University College London, told the BBC that urine was a poor choice for a stem cell source.
"It is probably one of the worst sources, there are very few cells in the first place and the efficiency of turning them into stem cells is very low," he told the BBC. "You just wouldn't do it in this way."
Mason also warned that the risk of bacterial contamination is higher with urine than it would be in other sources. He also added that the researchers face the challenge of integrating the tooth pulp with nerves and blood vessels in order to grow functional teeth.
While the teeth are rudimentary and the technique used to grow them is unappealing, researchers say it could one day be used as a way to replace teeth lost through aging or poor dental hygiene
But the research has its critics. Chris Mason, a stem cell scientist at University College London, told the BBC that urine was a poor choice for a stem cell source.
"It is probably one of the worst sources, there are very few cells in the first place and the efficiency of turning them into stem cells is very low," he told the BBC. "You just wouldn't do it in this way."
Mason also warned that the risk of bacterial contamination is higher with urine than it would be in other sources. He also added that the researchers face the challenge of integrating the tooth pulp with nerves and blood vessels in order to grow functional teeth.
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