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Sharks will never suffer from cavities
Study shows shark teeth contain fluoride

A study published in the Journal of Structural Biology has revealed shark teeth contain fluoride; the active ingredient in most toothpaste and dental mouthwash.

This new research helps to explain why sharks are so effective at tearing or cutting their prey. Their teeth are perfectly designed for such tasks and have the benefit of never suffering from cavities.

For the study, Matthias Epple and a number of colleagues used a multitude of high tech investigative techniques, including scanning electron micrographs, to look at the teeth of two different sharks; the shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) and the tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier). These sharks were chosen because of their different eating habits. Shortfin makos tear the flesh of prey, while tiger sharks cut flesh.

Epple, a professor of inorganic chemistry at the University of Duisburg-Essen, said: “In order to make teeth more acid resistant, toothpaste often contains fluoride. In the surface of human teeth after brushing, a small amount - much less than 1 percent - of hydroxide is exchanged by fluoride.”

He added: “In contrast, (the surface of) shark teeth contain 100 percent fluoride. In principle, sharks should not suffer from cavities. As they live in water and as they change their teeth regularly, dental protection should not be a problem for sharks.”

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.