Enamel nanocrystal misorientation increased with meat-eating and agriculture

Enamel nanocrystal misorientation increased with the adoption of meat-eating and agriculture, according to a study published in Nature on June 3, 2026. Researchers analyzed enamel nanocrystal misorientation in primate and human teeth, correlating it with three major dietary shifts throughout human evolution. The findings indicate a direct relationship between harder diets, such as those involving meat and cultivated grains, and higher levels of misorientation within enamel's crystalline structure. This increased misorientation is hypothesized to enhance enamel's resilience and resistance to fracture, a crucial adaptation for processing tougher food sources. The study utilized advanced microscopy techniques to quantify the degree of misalignment between individual nanocrystals, revealing a statistically significant trend across hominin lineages that adopted these dietary changes. The research provides new insights into the biomechanical adaptations of the human dentition and its evolutionary trajectory, linking dietary evolution to microstructural changes in tooth enamel.