"Non-lethal Methods for Studying Deep Sea Creatures Advancing, Scientists Say"

Scientists have developed a new method of analyzing deep-sea creatures using 3-D imaging systems and an origami-inspired collecting device with built-in tissue sampling and preservation, allowing them to study marine life in its natural environment. This approach has the potential to accelerate the pace of new species discovery and description in the ocean, without the need to bring physical specimens to the surface. The method was successfully tested during two research cruises off the coasts of Hawaii and San Diego, where scientists interacted with various deep-sea organisms, including the gossamer worm. The goal is to further refine the technology to enable minimally invasive biopsies and DNA swabbing of deep-sea creatures, providing a gentle "checkup" for these delicate organisms.