A mysterious gold “ball” found on the ocean floor during a research expedition has a “biological origin,” but scientists have no idea what it is.

“Although we collected the ‘golden ball’ and brought it to the ship, we still cannot detect it, other than its biological origin.”— Sam CandioNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This is stated in the statement Coordinator of the Ocean Research expedition.

“While it’s a bit embarrassing to be appalled by this finding, it’s a reminder of how little we know about our own planet and how much there is still to learn and appreciate about our ocean.”.

A strange dome-shaped object has been found on a seamount in the Gulf of Alaska, about 2 miles (3,300 meters) below the ocean surface. It is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) wide. There appears to be a small hole at the base, and at first scientists thought it might be an egg or some kind of dead sponge. But after bringing the golden object to the surface, the researchers were confused.

The team is now trying to understand whether this sphere belongs to a known species, a new species, or represents a previously unknown life stage. “We probably won’t know more until we can bring this to a laboratory environment where we can continue to leverage the collective expertise of the scientific community with more complex devices than we can support on board.”– said Candio.

Expedition NOAA Seascape AlaskaThe team that found the sphere is on a mission to learn more about the relatively unknown deep waters off the coast of Alaska. The team plans to map the area and learn more about the known and unknown creatures living in these waters.

“New strains have the potential to unlock new sources of medical treatments and vaccines, food, energy and other sources of societal benefits and information.”– said Candio. “Collectively, the data and information collected during this expedition will help us close gaps in our understanding of this part of the planet so we can better manage and protect it.”. Source