OT: A Huge Tooth!

Rougiem · 02-04-2006, 08:39 PM

Found this in my science teacher magazine and could not resist the "need" to share!

Function of "Unicorn" Whale's 8-foot Tooth Discovered

SAN DIEGO-Dec. 13, 2005-Today, Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) researcher Martin Nweeia, DMD, DDS, answers a marine science question that has eluded the scientific community for hundreds of years: why does the narwhal, or "unicorn," whale have an 8-foot-long tooth emerging from its head, and what is its function? Nweeia, a clinical instructor in restorative dentistry and biomaterials sciences at HSDM, will be presenting his conclusions at the 16th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals in San Diego.

Nweeia has discovered that the narwhal's tooth has hydrodynamic sensor capabilities. Ten million tiny nerve connections tunnel their way from the central nerve of the narwhal tusk to its outer surface. Though seemingly rigid and hard, the tusk is like a membrane with an extremely sensitive surface, capable of detecting changes in water temperature, pressure, and particle gradients. Because these whales can detect particle gradients in water, they are capable of discerning the salinity of the water, which could help them survive in their Arctic ice environment. It also allows the whales to detect water particles characteristic of the fish that constitute their diet. There is no comparison in nature and certainly none more unique in tooth form, expression, and functional adaptation.

Rest of the article is here and the ocean has yet another possible benefit to us!

http://web.med.harvard.edu/sites/REL..._13nweeia.html

Cheers!

blue_eyes53813 · 02-04-2006, 08:54 PM

Very interesting. Thanks.

reefjitsu · 02-04-2006, 09:37 PM

Fascinating, thanks for sharing.Karma to you

02-04-2006, 08:39 PM	#1 (permalink)
Rougiem Ichthy Inquisitor Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Biggest Little City In The World Posts: 2,902 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	OT: A Huge Tooth! Found this in my science teacher magazine and could not resist the "need" to share! Function of "Unicorn" Whale's 8-foot Tooth Discovered SAN DIEGO-Dec. 13, 2005-Today, Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) researcher Martin Nweeia, DMD, DDS, answers a marine science question that has eluded the scientific community for hundreds of years: why does the narwhal, or "unicorn," whale have an 8-foot-long tooth emerging from its head, and what is its function? Nweeia, a clinical instructor in restorative dentistry and biomaterials sciences at HSDM, will be presenting his conclusions at the 16th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals in San Diego. Nweeia has discovered that the narwhal's tooth has hydrodynamic sensor capabilities. Ten million tiny nerve connections tunnel their way from the central nerve of the narwhal tusk to its outer surface. Though seemingly rigid and hard, the tusk is like a membrane with an extremely sensitive surface, capable of detecting changes in water temperature, pressure, and particle gradients. Because these whales can detect particle gradients in water, they are capable of discerning the salinity of the water, which could help them survive in their Arctic ice environment. It also allows the whales to detect water particles characteristic of the fish that constitute their diet. There is no comparison in nature and certainly none more unique in tooth form, expression, and functional adaptation. Rest of the article is here and the ocean has yet another possible benefit to us! http://web.med.harvard.edu/sites/REL..._13nweeia.html Cheers! __________________ "Apes don't read philosophy." "Yes they do Otto, they just don't understand it." Intial School Tank Set Up and Progress

02-04-2006, 08:54 PM	#2 (permalink)
blue_eyes53813 Hey!Its not my fault Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lancaster, Wisconsin Posts: 7,142 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: OT: A Huge Tooth! Very interesting. Thanks. __________________ 265 Gallon Reef built into basement wall. Lighting = 6x250 watts MH, 2x96 watt PC ,and 2x140 watt VHO for a total watt of 1,972 watts . New addition on 4-14-07 of 100 gallon sump and 100 gallon refugium. I think I have lost my mind. Gotta love this hobby Vicki Life is like a pathway of untrodden snow. Be careful how you step in it for every mark will show Definition of FRIENDSHIP: All lives touch other lives to create something new and alive My tank chronicles. http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...wall-reef.html

02-04-2006, 09:37 PM	#3 (permalink)
reefjitsu Plate Coral Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: The Magic City Posts: 750 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: OT: A Huge Tooth! Fascinating, thanks for sharing.Karma to you __________________ You can't give up hope just because it's hopeless. You got to keep on hoping and cover your ears and go "blah blah blah blah"- Futurama

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