Aaron R.h. LeBlanc

Jul 24, 2024 | newatlas.com | Ben Coxworth |Aaron R.h. LeBlanc

As if Komodo dragons didn't seem ferocious enough already, scientists have now discovered that the reptiles tear through flesh using a coating of iron on their teeth. It is now believed that dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus rex may have been similarly endowed. Measuring as much as 3 meters (9.8 ft) in length and tipping the scales at up to 150 kg (330 lb), the Komodo dragon is the largest member of the monitor lizard family, and the world's largest lizard overall.

Jul 24, 2024 | kcl.ac.uk | Aaron R.h. LeBlanc

Scientists have discovered that the serrated edges of Komodo dragons’ teeth are tipped with iron. Led by researchers from King's, the study gives new insight into how Komodo dragons keep their teeth razor-sharp and may provide clues to how dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus rex killed and ate their prey. Native to Indonesia, Komodo dragons are the largest living species of monitor lizard, averaging around 80kg. Deadly predators, Komodos have sharp, curved teeth similar to many carnivorous dinosaurs.

Apr 19, 2024 | kcl.ac.uk | Aaron R.h. LeBlanc |Karen Liu |Mads S. Bergholt

The Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences held their first ever Staff Awards on Thursday 18 April. Faculty members and special guests from King's College London came together to celebrate the remarkable, diverse and hugely impactful contributions that individuals and teams have made over the last year. One of the key themes that emerged from the Staff Survey last year was that People and Culture is really important to us at King’s.

Dec 5, 2023 | kcl.ac.uk | Aaron R.h. LeBlanc

The odontode system, which encompasses teeth and other dentine-based structures, is ancient. Odontodes are present in the oldest vertebrate fossils, dating back 500 million years, and still play an important role in the anatomy and function of living jawed vertebrates. Fossils preserve odontode tissues with remarkable nanoscale fidelity, allowing the evolution and diversification of the odontode system to be studied in deep time as well as across the diversity of living vertebrates.

Sep 15, 2023 | kcl.ac.uk | Aaron R.h. LeBlanc

Held in London on 6-8 September, members of the faculty were presented with a number of rewards, recognising their excellence in oral and dental research. Aaron LeBlanc, Lecturer in Dental Biosciences in the Centre for Oral, Clinical & Translational Sciences was presented with the Crispian Sully Award, a prize to support a research project. Dr LeBlanc’s award will further his work on the iron-coated teeth in Komodo dragons, and to explore its evolution.