Scientists Make Horns Radioactive to Help Save Rhinos
holy grail: something very important and hard to find or achieve that people have been trying to get for a long time
In South Africa, scientists are fighting poaching in a surprising new way. They are injecting rhino horns with small amounts of radioactive material. The material is safe for the animals, but it can be seen by radiation detectors at airports and borders.
The project is called the Rhisotope Project. In the past year, scientists tested the method on 20 rhinos. Now, the program is growing.
Ari Van Deventa, founder of the Rhino Orphanage, praised the project. He said, “It is radioactive. You can’t take it through any airport, any harbor, any customs office. Sirens go off. It is wonderful. I’m telling you, this could be the holy grail to save the species.”
South Africa is home to most of the world’s rhinos, but around 500 are killed every year for their horns. Experts hope this new project will protect the remaining rhino population.
Sample sentences
For many people, finding a job they love is the holy grail of work.
A drug like Ozempic that helps people lose weight without strict dieting feels like the holy grail for millions.
For scientists, creating clean energy from sunlight that works even on cloudy days is the holy grail.
Origin
This expression comes from old stories about knights looking for a magical cup called the Holy Grail. People believed it had special powers and would bring great happiness or success. Now, the expression is used to talk about something that is difficult to get but very valuable.
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Scientists in South Africa are making rhino horns radioactive to fight poaching