Aug 20 : In the Middle Ages, narwhal tusks were sold as unicorn horns blessed with magical powers such as neutralizing poisons and curing diseases — prized possessions of monarchs and nobles worth more than their weight in gold. They provided no such powers, of course, but even today remain objects of mystery.

Aug 20 : In the Middle Ages, narwhal tusks were sold as unicorn horns blessed with magical powers such as neutralizing poisons and curing diseases — prized possessions of monarchs…

Scientists have uncovered opposing spirals inside narwhal tusks that may help the teeth remain straight and resist bending and twisting.