Researchers from Queen Mary, University of London are using an x-ray diffraction technique to study the development of children's teeth and track migration patterns of our ancestors.
The team has been using the XMaS facility (x-ray magnetic scattering) at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble, France, to perform detailed analyses of tooth structure and composition, according to an article on wired.co.uk.
The work will make it possible to reinterpret archaeological records of ancient human migrations, and may also help scientists develop new methods for regrowing human teeth, the article noted.
The research is the first step toward an accurate four-dimensional model of enamel growth that will allow scientists to more accurately interpret the movements and feeding habits of ancient people, according to lead researcher Maisoon Al-Jawad, PhD.
The results of the study will be published in European Cells & Materials.
