The FoDOCS labs made a significant impact at the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology’s Annual Meeting held in Birmingham, UK, from November 11-15. Both the LeBlanc and Tucker labs presented groundbreaking research on teeth, jaws, and ears, showcasing their innovative contributions to the field.
The Society of Vertebrate Paleontology Annual Meeting is a prestigious event that gathers researchers worldwide to discuss the latest advancements in vertebrate evolution and paleobiology. This year, the event saw a strong presence from FoDOCS, with two of its labs making notable contributions through a series of well-received oral presentations.
COCTS: LeBlanc Lab’s International Debut
The LeBlanc Lab from COCTS marked its first international conference appearance with a series of compelling presentations. Dan Marke, a recent addition to the lab, shared his Master’s research from Bristol, which was recently published in the journal Nature. His work received considerable attention for its innovative approach.
Marco Bianchin presented findings from his initial PhD project, which focused on the evolution of lizard enamel, while Yihui Ke explored tooth replacement in modern alligators, drawing intriguing connections to dinosaur dental evolution. The session concluded with lab head Aaron Le Blanc’s presentation on historic microscope slides from the Royal College of Surgeons, prepared by pioneering dental researchers John and Charles Tomes. This diverse set of talks highlighted the lab’s commitment to bridging historic collections with modern evolutionary questions.
CCRB: Tucker Lab in Force
The Tucker Lab from CCRB also made a notable impact at the conference. Abbie Tucker presented her research on how developmental biology provides new insights into the evolution of the mammalian ear. Her work underscored the lab’s strength in integrating developmental biology with evolutionary research.
PhD student Maricci Basa offered fresh perspectives on reptilian cranial diversity with her study on the evolution of the snake mandible. Fellow PhD student Luke Barlow examined the development and evolution of a mammalian feature crucial for suckling, highlighting the intersection of developmental biology and evolutionary adaptation. Together, these presentations showcased the Tucker Lab’s innovative approach to evolutionary research.
A Strong FoDOCS Presence
The participation of both labs underscored FoDOCS’ growing role in international paleontological research. From dinosaur teeth to mammalian ears, their contributions reflected the breadth of vertebrate evolutionary studies and highlighted the next generation of researchers making their mark on the field.
The Birmingham meeting not only provided a platform for these students and faculty to share their work but also marked a milestone in FoDOCS’ expanding global presence in vertebrate paleontology. Their involvement in such a prestigious event is a testament to their commitment to advancing the field and fostering new scientific insights.
As FoDOCS continues to grow and make its mark on the international stage, the research presented at the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology’s Annual Meeting is likely to inspire further studies and collaborations, paving the way for new discoveries in vertebrate evolution.
