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Researchers exploring the Great Barrier Reef this week made two never-before-seen discoveries thanks to a remotely operated vehicle named SuBastian. |
Scientists captured on film a ram’s horn squid in its natural environment for the first time. The squid is the only living squid that has an internal coiled shell; it also has a single, searching eye and can emit lime-green light. The same explorers also discovered a coral reef taller than the Empire State Building, teeming with life. In other underwater news, scientists have known for years that octopuses can taste what their arms touch. Now we know why: The cells of their suckers are covered with tiny detector proteins that respond to chemical cues to help them determine whether an object is useless, dangerous or would make a good snack. |
NYT November 1, 2020
