Story perspectives

Golden Sphere Proven Anemone Base, Boosts Ocean Insight

4/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

A two-year, multi-agency investigation identified a golden sphere as the base of the anemone Relicanthus daphneae in the Gulf of Alaska.
Researchers retrieved the orb with the Deep Discoverer vehicle and examined it at the Smithsonian.
Whole-genome sequencing showed the orb’s DNA matched the known Relicanthus daphneae genome despite microscopic contamination.
NOAA officials said the find demonstrates how ocean exploration can advance economic growth, national security, and sustainability.

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Story summary

A two-year, multi-agency investigation identified a golden sphere as the base of the anemone Relicanthus daphneae in the Gulf of Alaska.
Researchers retrieved the orb with the Deep Discoverer vehicle and examined it at the Smithsonian.
Whole-genome sequencing showed the orb’s DNA matched the known Relicanthus daphneae genome despite microscopic contamination.
NOAA officials said the find demonstrates how ocean exploration can advance economic growth, national security, and sustainability.