Scientists answer the mysterious puzzle of rhino horn

Rhino horns have long been symbols of myths. Some cultures value them because they think they have miraculous properties and can cure diseases. Others use them to make dagger handles or lucky charms. But a recent Ohio University study took away a bit of mystical air by explaining how rhino horns have a distinctive curvature and very sharp horns.

Scientists have discovered new details about the structural composition of rhino horn and the role of these substances in developing the characteristic shape of horns.

Figure of rhino skull with rhino horn CT image in their place.The red part represents more dense parts.(Photo: Sciencedaily.com)

The horns of most animals have a bone core covered with a horny layer, which is similar to hair and nails. However, rhino horns are unique because they are completely composed of horns. Scientists have been puzzled by this difference, but the Ohio University study now reveals an interesting clue: black spots that run through the center of the horn.

The team examined the heads of rhinos that died of natural causes and were donated by the Wildlife Reserve in Cumberland, Ohio and the Phoenix Zoo. Researchers conducted CT scans of rhino horns at O'Bleness Memorial Hospital in Athens and discovered dense minerals made of calcium and melanin in the middle.

Scientists say the calcium layers make the horn core stronger and firmer, while the melanin helps protect the core from being damaged by the ultraviolet rays of the sun . The softer outer part of the horn becomes weak when exposed to the sun and has a characteristic shape due to the horn colliding and being rubbed with the ground and vegetation. The structure of rhino horn is similar to a solid lead core and a softer outer wood layer of a pencil that allows the horn to be sharpened into a sharp tip.

The study also put an end to speculation that the horn is simply a plume of metamorphosis.

Tobin Hieronymus, a researcher in biological sciences and lead author of the study, said: 'These horns are similar to horseshoes, turtle snouts and cockatoo mines. This may be related to the durability of these materials although more research is needed in this area. '

The study also found that melanoma and calcium appear in annual growths, but the effects of temperature, diet and stress on that development are unknown. . The results of the study of horn growth may attract the attention of conservation groups whose goal is to promote rhino numbers and reduce hunting for horns for sale to the black market.

Lawrence Witmer, professor of anatomy at Ohio Medical University's Osteopathic Society and director of the project, said: ' Finally, we think our findings will help dispel. Folk look on rhino horn. The more we know about this horn, the better we can understand and look after the rhinos in nature and are being arrested. '

The Journal of Morphology published the findings of the study in the October issue. Witmer and Ryan Ridgely are co-authors of the study, which was funded by the National Science Foundation and conducted with Help from O'Bleness Memorial Hospital in Athens, Ohio University, Ohio Wildlife Sanctuary and Animal Reserve.

Ngoc Kim Tuyen