lf you’re constantly using eggs in your home, you’re not alone. Eggshells, often seen as waste, actually offer numerous benefits. Here are 7 reasons to keep them:
1. Natural Pest Control: Scatter eggshells to deter slugs, worms, and snails from your garden.
2. Repel Deer: Sprinkle eggshells around plants to keep deer away.
3. Bird Feed: Birds love eggshells, so scatter them in your garden to attract feathered friends.
4. Soil Health: Eggshells are rich in calcium and nutrients, benefiting your soil and plants.
5. Protect Veggies: Prevent calcium deficiency in tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers by burying eggshells around them.
6. Balance Soil pH: Eggshells help neutralize acidic soil, creating a better environment for plants.
7. Easy Composting: Crushed eggshells make a great addition to compost, reducing waste and enriching soil.
Next time you crack an egg, consider the potential benefits of those shells for your garden and the environment.
“This is what drugs and alcohol can do!” Heather Locklear’s recent outing sparked reactions
American actress H. Locklear was recently photographed by photojournalists in Calabasas, California. Her appearance caused a stir – with a slightly disheveled appearance, a swollen face and pale skin. She was seen accompanied by her dog Mister and enjoying a walk in the lovely weather.
What many of her fans may not know is that Locklear has reportedly pleaded not guilty and received a 30-day sentence that she must serve in a rehab facility. Although no illegal substances or alcohol were found in her blood, she was charged with drunk driving.
In March 2008, a purported doctor called 911 concerned about Locklear’s well-being, leading to a police and emergency responder response to her home. A drug overdose was discovered there.
Locklear made her television debut in 1980 in an episode of ChiPs and later rose to prominence in the role of Sammy Jo Carrington on the series Dynasty. It was reported that she wasn’t wearing her engagement ring, fueling speculation of a split from Chris Heisser.
From 1994 to 2004, the iconic actress was married to Motley Crue musician Richie Sambora before entering into a relationship with Jack Wagner, which ended shortly after their wedding.
We’ve All Waited for It: Scientists Created a Drug That Can Help Regrow Lost Teeth
The tooth fairy is a welcome guest for any child who has lost a tooth. Not only will the fairy leave a small gift under the child’s pillow, but they be assured of a replacement tooth in a few months. Unfortunately, the scenario is quite different for adults grappling with a loss of teeth. Luckily, there may be some hope thanks to a new study performed by scientists at Kyoto University and the University of Fukui.
A dental breakthrough
While the typical adult mouth houses 32 teeth, approximately 1% of the population exhibits variations of them, either possessing more or fewer teeth due to congenital conditions. Researchers have delved into the genetic factors behind cases of excessive teeth, seeking valuable insights into the potential regeneration of teeth in adults. This study is the first to show that monoclonal antibodies can help regrow teeth. It suggests a new way to treat a dental problem that currently requires implants and other artificial solutions.
A bit of science
The research team disclosed that an antibody targeting a specific gene, known as uterine sensitization-associated gene-1 (USAG-1), can induce tooth development in mice affected by tooth agenesis, a congenital condition. The findings were published in the journal, Science Advances.
As per Katsu Takahashi, a senior lecturer at the Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine and one of the principal contributors to the study, the essential molecules crucial for the development of teeth have already been pinpointed. “The morphogenesis of individual teeth depends on the interactions of several molecules including BMP, or bone morphogenetic protein, and Wnt signaling,” says Takahashi.
On April 13, 2021, the University of Kyoto posted its first pic of newly-grown teeth in mice.
BMP and Wnt are involved in more than just tooth development; they affect the growth of organs and tissues early in the body’s development. Because drugs affecting them directly might have broad side effects, scientists are cautious. To find a potentially safer method, researchers focused on the gene USAG-1, thinking that aiming at factors countering BMP and Wnt specifically in tooth development could be more precise.
“We knew that suppressing USAG-1 benefits tooth growth. What we did not know was whether it would be enough,” added Takahashi.
The first results
Scientists looked at how different monoclonal antibodies affect USAG-1. Monoclonal antibodies are often used to treat things like cancer and arthritis and for making vaccines. Tests with this antibody showed that BMP signaling is crucial for deciding the number of teeth in mice. Also, just one treatment was enough to grow a whole tooth. Further tests confirmed these positive results in ferrets too.
“Ferrets are diphyodont animals with similar dental patterns to humans. Our next plan is to test the antibodies on other animals, such as pigs and dogs,” explained Takahashi.
Fully regrown frontal teeth in ferrets
The next steps
Now, scientists are going to test the drug on healthy adults. If that goes well, the team plans to try it on kids aged 2 to 6 with a rare tooth problem called anodontia, a genetic disorder defined as the absence of all teeth. These kids will get one shot of the drug to see if it makes their teeth grow. If everything works out, the medicine might be approved by 2030.
Takahashi sees the new medicine as an additional choice for individuals who are missing some or all of their teeth.
“The idea of growing new teeth is every dentist’s dream,” Takahashi told the Japanese newspaper, The Mainichi in June this year. “I’ve been working on this since I was a graduate student. I was confident I’d be able to make it happen.”
So hopefully, by the year 2030, humans will get a chance to have their third generation of teeth grown and say goodbye to implants. Until then, make sure to keep your teeth strong and healthy — this article will help you with that.
Preview photo credit KyotoU_News / Twitter
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