Project description
Teeth tell us a lot about the genus Homo
Despite decades of research, scientists still struggle to distinguish the fossils of our genus, Homo, from primate relatives. Also, relations between different members of our genus Homo remain unclear. Since teeth remain well preserved in fossils, the tooth’s enamel thickness emerges as a promising indication for taxonomic classification. But so far, there is little knowledge about cell processes generating differences in enamel thickness. In this context, the EU-funded DENTALkeys project will identify the links between enamel growth and density through interdisciplinary study. It will combine 3D and 2D microtomography, histology and theoretical biology to uncover new traits in our fossil ancestors while enabling classification and better knowledge of human evolution.
Objective
Understanding the ways in which we relate to our fossil ancestors is fundamental to elucidating how modern humans evolved. Yet, after a century of investigations, there is still no consensus about relationships among some members of the genus Homo. Studies of enamel thickness have been at the centre of these debates. Teeth preserve well in the fossil record and enamel thickness is a trait that can contribute to taxonomic classification. Yet, we know very little about the cell mechanisms that generate variation in enamel thickness. Several of our fossil ancestors have enamel that is of similar thickness, though it formed with very different underlying developmental processes. The goal in this interdisciplinary project is to combine 3D and 2D microtomography, histology, and theoretical biology to identify links between enamel growth and thickness to reveal novel traits in our fossil ancestors that will contribute new classification knowledge to our understanding of human evolution. I will examine modern day samples and fossil samples spanning the past 2 million years from the genus Homo. I will use the knowledge I gain to re-examine existing debates about which fossils are, or are not, human-like to provide novel insights into their classification. Results will be of interest to anthropologists, human biologists, archaeologists, as well as the general public. My project will provide novel information about human growth and development that will also be of interest to clinicians.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been validated by the project's team.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been validated by the project's team.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme -
H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2020
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
CT2 7NZ Canterbury, Kent
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.