Multiscale hierarchical imaging of the spiraled structure of narwhal tusk

Projektinformationen

HI-Twist

ID Finanzhilfevereinbarung: 101152202

DOI

10.3030/101152202

Das Projekt endete am 12 April 2026

EK-Unterschriftsdatum 4 April 2024

Startdatum 1 September 2024

Enddatum 31 August 2026

Finanziert unter

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Gesamtkosten

Keine Daten

EU-Beitrag

€ 214 934,40

Koordiniert durch

AARHUS UNIVERSITET
Denmark

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - HI-Twist (Multiscale hierarchical imaging of the spiraled structure of narwhal tusk)

Berichtszeitraum: 2024-09-01 bis 2026-08-31

Zusammenfassung vom Kontext und den Gesamtzielen des Projekts

The HI-Twist project investigates the hierarchical structure of the narwhal tusk, a long spiral tooth that has fascinated scientists and the public for centuries. Despite its iconic appearance, the internal structure of the tusk and the origin of its spiral shape have remained poorly understood. The tusk also shows unusual mechanical properties, combining flexibility and strength, which makes it an interesting subject for both biology and materials science.
The overall objective of the project is to understand how the tusk forms and how its structure is organized across different scales, from the visible spiral shape down to its smallest building blocks. By doing so, the project aims to explain how its hierarchical structure gives rise to its unique properties.

The project concludes that the spiral shape and mechanical behavior of the tusk are closely linked to its internal organization across multiple scales. The results support the idea that the orientation and arrangement of microscopic components play a key role in generating the overall spiral structure and its properties.

Arbeit, die ab Beginn des Projekts bis zum Ende des durch den Bericht erfassten Berichtszeitraums geleistet wurde, und die wichtigsten bis dahin erzielten Ergebnisse

The project carried out a detailed investigation of narwhal tusks and embedded teeth using advanced X-ray imaging methods such as diffraction, scattering and computed tomography. These techniques allowed us to study the tusk building blocks and their 3D arrangement at different length scales.

The work focused on three main aspects. First, the internal structure of the tusk was mapped at different scales to understand how the mineralized collagen is built macroscopically. Second, the mineral composition and properties of the tusk were analyzed and compared with those of teeth that remain inside the skull. Third, the hierarchical imaging approach was optimized in this project and applied to other biological systems.

The main achievements include the successful reconstruction of the internal organization of the tusk from the nano to the macroscopic regime, the identification of strong directional patterns in its structure, and the development of a new methodology for combining structural and compositional information across scales. These results provide a more complete understanding of the tusk than was previously possible.

The project also contributed to training and knowledge exchange in advanced imaging techniques. Results have been prepared for publication in scientific journals and presented at international conferences. Data and analysis tools are being shared openly to support further research. Outreach activities have been carried out to communicate the results to a wider audience, including the general public.

Fortschritte, die über den aktuellen Stand der Technik hinausgehen und voraussichtliche potenzielle Auswirkungen (einschließlich der bis dato erzielten sozioökonomischen Auswirkungen und weiter gefassten gesellschaftlichen Auswirkungen des Projekts)

The project goes beyond the state of the art by providing a full three dimensional and multiscale view of the narwhal tusk structure. Previous studies were limited to two dimensional observations of macroscopic sections, which could not explain how the spiral form emerges from its building blocks. By linking information from different scales and contrasts, the project establishes a new understanding of how complex biological structures are formed.

A key outcome is the development of a multiscale imaging methodology that was applied to other natural and engineered materials. This has potential impact in materials science, where understanding hierarchical structures can lead to the design of stronger, lighter, and more resilient materials.

The project also has broader societal implications. By increasing knowledge about narwhals and their biology, it contributes to raising awareness of Arctic ecosystems and the challenges they face due to climate change. The narwhal serves, as proven in some of the outreach activities performed, as a powerful symbol to engage the public in discussions about environmental protection.