DRINK
A careful analysis unraveled the mystery that had persisted since 2023 and revealed that the strange golden ball was a fragment of tissue from a deep-sea sea anemone.
A mysterious “golden sphere” discovered at the bottom of the Gulf of Alaska was finally identifiedputting an end to more than two years of scientific speculation.
The unusual object, during a deep-sea expedition, turned out to be a fragment of tissue from a sea anemone.
The discovery was made by NOAA Ocean Exploration researchers during the Seascape Alaska 5 expedition. Using a remotely operated vehicle, the team found the metallic-looking sphere at a depth of about 3250 meters. Its smooth, golden surface and unusual appearance intrigued scientists at the time.
Initially, crew members speculated about its nature, suggesting it could be a sponge or even an egg capsule. The object was carefully picked up with a robotic arm and transported to the surface for further study. The conclusion of this research is now available in a preprint that has not yet been peer-reviewed.
Back on dry land, the specimen was analyzed at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, where experts carried out a detailed investigation. The first examinations revealed that the material did not present clear anatomical characteristics, but contained fibrous layers and stinging cellspointing to a possible link to cnidarians, a group of marine animals that includes corals and sea anemones.
According to reports, initial DNA tests were not conclusive, probably due to contamination by other microscopic organisms. Researchers then turned to more advanced techniques, including complete genome sequencingto obtain a clearer image. This approach ultimately provided the crucial discovery.
Genetic analysis showed a strong correspondence with Relicanthus daphneaeone rare species of deep-sea sea anemone which is found in the Pacific Ocean. Scientists concluded that the “golden ball” was not a complete organism, but rather a detached mass of tissue that had detached itself from the base of one of these anemones.
The case demonstrates the importance of combining traditional observation with modern genetic tools. According to researchers, discoveries like this highlight how little is still known about the deep ocean. Even seemingly simple objects can require extensive analysis and collaboration between diverse scientific disciplines to understand.
