Episode 51: The Teeth Remember

Introduction: The Enigmatic World of Teeth

In this captivating podcast episode, we are introduced to Dr. Tanya Smith, a brilliant paleoanthropologist and Leakey Foundation grantee. Dr. Smith's area of expertise lies in the study of teeth, which hold within them the untold stories of our ancient ancestors. Just like tree rings reveal the history of a tree's growth, teeth contain layers that chronicle an individual's entire life journey, from birth to death.

Unearthing Microscopic Timelines: A Glimpse into Prehistoric Lives

With meticulous precision, Dr. Smith delves into the microscopic timelines hidden within teeth, unraveling the mysteries of prehistoric individuals who walked this Earth millions of years ago. These remarkable dental records are exceptionally well-preserved in the fossil record, providing invaluable insights into the lives of ancient creatures.

The Marvels Within: Exploring Unique Structures

Dr. Smith's research takes us on a thrilling adventure as she uncovers the hidden wonders within teeth using cutting-edge scanning electron microscopes. With infectious enthusiasm, she recounts her exhilaration upon discovering enamel prisms in a 60-million-year-old fossil mammal's tooth. This moment exemplifies her unwavering dedication to her field and the sheer joy that comes with unearthing new discoveries.

Decoding Human Evolution: Comparing Early Hominins and Modern Humans

One of the primary objectives of Dr. Smith's research is to understand whether early hominins and their teeth developed differently from modern humans. By meticulously analyzing these dental timelines, she and her colleagues shed light on the speed of growth, maturation, and childhood development throughout human evolution.

Biological Rhythms Encoded in Teeth: Nature's Timekeepers

Teeth serve as nature's timekeepers, with various cells pulsating in rhythmic patterns during enamel production, leaving behind permanent tracks. Dr. Smith's groundbreaking work reveals that teeth consist of multiple types of tissues, each recording time on different scales. The outer layers of teeth, such as enamel and dentine, meticulously document time in hours and days, with the day of birth marked by a distinct dark stress line.

Unveiling Childhood Stories: A Journey Through Daily Timelines

As children grow and transition into adolescence, their teeth continue to lay down daily timelines, capturing the essence of their development. These microscopic records within teeth provide a glimpse