Investigating the Presence of the Neonatal Line in Extant Mammal Teeth via Dental Histology
Jack Tseng, Professor
Integrative Biology
Applications for Spring 2024 are closed for this project.
During birth, neonatal placental mammals undergo a dramatic physiological change within a relatively short transition time. This environmental and physiological shift is recorded as a short, temporary change in enamel and dentin formation in certain teeth, resulting in a dental feature known as the neonatal line (NNL). Under light microscopy and in thin section, the NNL is visible as a result of this change in prism angle as well as the hypomineralized quality of the NNL region. The neonatal line therefore serves as a kind of birth certificate inside the mammalian mouth, marking the moments of birth. Its presence has not been recorded across a very broad sampling of mammalian taxa. This study uses dental histology to investigate the presence of the neonatal line in a selection of extant mammals, including placental and marsupial mammals, to explore how teeth can record birth in a wide range of mammal taxa in extant mammals and in the fossil record.
Role: *** *Note for Spring 2024* - We are especially seeking a student in Spring 2024 with an interest in both dentistry/zoology and digital illustration, or dentistry/zoology and R-coding (either set of interests). Spring 2024 incoming student(s) will work with an established team on some histology techniques, but the main focus for the spring will be co-crafting figures and illustrations related to dental data for an academic paper. Incoming Spring 2024 students will be invited to collaborate on any resulting publications, as well. Please address correspondence to PhD Candidate Tara Lepore. Thank you for applying!***
URAP students will be trained in the dental morphology of several mammal species, and will practice dental histology techniques. If time permits, URAP students may be involved in practicing whole tooth staining and CT scanning techniques. This position will involve working with human and non-human mammal teeth. URAP students will gain hands-on experience learning mammal dental anatomy, mammalian taxonomy, and hard tissue histology. URAP students will also informally discuss concepts of equity in science, including disabled identity and community.
Qualifications: *Spring 2024* - An interest in dentistry/zoology and digital illustration, and/or dentistry/zoology and R-coding. Not sure if you qualify? Try applying and best wishes!
Willingness to learn and develop skills in asking scientific questions is essential. An attention to detail with labeling and keeping track of small specimens will be very important. Patience and interest in working with a disabled person with low vision, and ability to assist with some vision-related tasks such as double-checking histology cuts with guidance. Any class level and major will be considered. An interest in dental, zoology, or paleontology careers or willingness to learn more about these fields is an asset. Histology experience is desirable, but not required.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Taormina (Tara) Lepore, 5th Year PhD Candidate, Department of Integrative Biology, Ph.D. candidate
Hours: 3-5 hrs
Biological & Health Sciences