The ultimate tooth

A marvelous example of how passion, curiosity and dedication can combine to produce stellar science can be found in today's New York Times' story on the narwhal's tusk and a segment on NPR's Morning Edition.

You don't have to love whales to appreciate the story, just an idea of what it means to have sensitive teeth. The lead researcher is Martin T. Nweeia of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. His work is great example of how investigations of the natural world often produce the opposite of our expectations -- a humbling reminder of our ignorance.