Why Narwhal Tusks Spiral Left | Science News

Science News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 18, 2026 · 1m

Narwhal tusks spiral left for a reason—thanks to a clever twist in their collagen structure, the outer layer twists left while the inner layer twists right, keeping the tusk straight as it grows. Unlike elephant tusks that bend, narwhals’ spiraling horns may be more about showy displays or efficient feeding than hunting. Scientists used advanced X-ray imaging to crack this mystery, and now they’re diving deeper into the skull to uncover how the tusk forms. With narwhals living in remote Arctic waters, every discovery brings us closer to understanding these elusive ocean unicorns. Listen in…