Scientists at the Universities of Manchester and Wisconsin have found out that “a naturally occurring mutant chicken,” called Talpid, can grow tiny bumps and protuberances along the edge of the beak that look like alligator teeth – not surprising as birds are the closest living relatives of the reptile.

The team have also managed to induce teeth growth in normal chickens – activating genes that have lain dormant for 80 million years.
Professor Mark Ferguson says the research has major implications in understanding the processes of evolution. It could also have applications in tissue regeneration, including the re-growing of teeth in people who have lost them through accident or disease.
But the study has implications for tissue regeneration more widely. “The principle of activating specific dormant pathways to stimulate regeneration instead of repair has made applications, to injury, surgery and human disease,” he added.
Via eurekalert and Scientific American.