Latest news with #SuBastian
The Star
4 days ago
- Science
- The Star
Patrick Star and 'Sweet Potato' sea cucumber: underwater robot live stream captivates Argentines
MAR DEL PLATA, Argentina: A robot explores the dark, cold, deep sea floor of the South Atlantic, transmitting images of vibrant coral and fish never seen before as scientists give live commentary via YouTube. And Argentines can't get enough of it. The Argentine-American scientific mission is for the first time exploring the Mar del Plata canyon, a submarine gorge which plunges nearly 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) deep, off the coast of the seaside resort of the same name. The awed conversations between scientists leading the expedition and the explanations they give to viewers allow the public a rare insight into the hidden wonders of marine biology. In one instance, the camera on the SuBastian underwater robot shows a weird-looking, little white animal. One of the scientists on the team can be heard asking her colleagues, "Do we want it?" "Yes, yes, we want it!" reply dozens of messages in the live stream chat before the image shows the suction device being activated to suck up the specimen for study. "Oh, I love these little creatures," says one user. "I'm obsessed!" comments another. "Don't take the little one away!" pleads a third. When the live stream began it exceeded one million views per day, before it also began to be broadcast on television. "There are cold-water corals with the same colors as those in the Caribbean. How can that be? At a depth of 3,000 meters!" Pablo Penchaszadeh, a marine biologist and painter who is on board the expedition as an artist, told AFP. Patrick Star The 20-day expedition "Underwater Oases of the Mar del Plata Canyon" involves 25 scientists – most of them from the Argentine research agency CONICET. Part of the GEMPA deep sea study group, with support from the US Schmidt Ocean Institute, it was due to end on August 10. Aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute's "Falkor (too)" ship, scientists remotely operate the robot, which can descend to a depth of 4,500 meters (14,700 feet). They collect biological samples with its robotic arms and other instruments, and send back high-definition images. "The fact that anyone can connect from home and see what we are seeing live is a unique opportunity," explains expedition leader Daniel Lauretta in a statement. "Science is no longer something distant or inaccessible, but becomes part of everyday life." Social media users were delighted when an orange starfish with two symmetrical bumps resembling buttocks appeared on the live stream. It quickly prompted comparisons with Patrick Star, from the popular animated series SpongeBob SquarePants . Memes circulated joking that "Patrick is Argentine", marine biology became a trending topic on social media, and the broadcast reached the screens of hundreds of thousands of captivated viewers. "I came to see the big-bottomed star, is it here?" asked one user upon entering the YouTube chat. Spectators also gave other sea creatures nicknames: a king crab was dubbed "Drag Queen", and a sea cucumber was fondly called "Sweet Potato". 'Beacon of light' This is the first time that human eyes – albeit remotely – have seen this underwater oasis in real time, where the cold, nutrient-rich Falkland Current and warm, salty Brazil Current converge. The confluence is "one of the most energetic regions in our global Ocean," according to the website of the Schmidt Institute, with the temperature difference creating an area teeming with marine wildlife and flora. "We are already seeing incredible things: animals that have never been recorded in this area, underwater landscapes that look like something from another planet, and behaviors that surprise even the most experienced scientists," said Lauretta. But funding for such expeditions is under threat in Argentina. CONICET, the government's scientific research arm, has been severely underfunded by libertarian President Javier Milei, who has implemented draconian cuts to public spending with his infamous "chainsaw." Its budget fell by 21% last year, salaries have plummeted by 35% since Milei took office in December 2023, and the cuts have led to an exodus of scientists. As a result, in between "oohs" and "aahs" of wonder, messages of support are flooding the live stream's chat: "Long live Conicet!". "Seeing people being passionate about their job is attractive," said Tomas Atilio Luppi, a biologist at the CONICET-affiliated marine and coastal research institute in Mar del Plata, who is not directly involved in the campaign. "This is happening at a very difficult time," he told AFP of the popular broadcast. "Science is in a very complicated position, both financially and in terms of support and human resources." "The fact that this craze is happening is like a beacon of light." – AFP
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
'Big-butt starfish,' 'little sweet potato' and dozens of never-before-seen species recorded during deep-sea expedition off Argentina
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. A deep-sea expedition off the coast of Argentina has captured stunning footage of more than 40 never-before-seen species. One unexpected star of the show is a plump sea creature that has been dubbed the "big-butt starfish" for its uncanny resemblance to Patrick Star from "SpongeBob SquarePants." During the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) SuBastian's dives in Argentina's Mar del Plata submarine canyon, which have been running since July 23, scientists aboard its accompanying research vessel provide a high-definition livestream, with real-time commentary on rarely seen deep-sea life. The dives have revealed carnivorous sponges, translucent fish, vividly colored rays and corals that have never been documented in the South Atlantic, a biodiversity hotspot that remains largely unexplored. The sea star, which has become a viral hit on social media, belongs to the genus Hippasteria, which is known for its thick central disc and short, stubby arms. During the livestream, viewers interacting via chat affectionately nicknamed it "estrella culona" — Spanish for "big-butt star." Argentine scientists involved with the expedition have offered a few hypotheses for the creature's attention-grabbing anatomy. The starfish may simply be well fed; they are voracious carnivores. Or, its rounded appearance could be the result of gravity, as it was filmed on a vertical surface with its central disc hanging downward, creating the illusion of glutes. Starfish don't have rear ends like humans or other bilaterally symmetrical animals do. Instead, they exhibit radial symmetry, with a mouth located on the underside of the central disc. That lower, or "oral," surface lies pressed against the seafloor, where feeding occurs. The anus is located in the center of the upper, or "aboral," surface, which is what a diver would see first when approaching the animal. Related: 'A disembodied head walking about the sea floor on its lips': Scientists finally work out what a starfish is Image 1 of 5 A purple sea cucumber dubbed the "Little Sweet Potato" was found off the coast of Argentina. Image 2 of 5 A number of crustaceans were spotted by an ROV in the Mar del Plata submarine canyon off Argentina. Image 3 of 5 The ROV SuBastian took footage and samples during the mission. Image 4 of 5 Researchers collected a variety of sea life that they now plan to study in the lab. Image 5 of 5 Viewers can watch the livestream on the Schmidt Ocean Institute's official YouTube channel. "Although starfish do have a complete digestive system and an anus, it's not in the location people are pointing to on social media," Mariela Romanelli, a biologist and curator of the invertebrate collection at Argentina's National Museum of Natural Sciences, told local news site Infobae in Spanish. "Still, the resemblance to Patrick Star's butt is pretty hilarious." RELATED STORIES —Hungry baby sea stars eat each other in unexpected case of underwater cannibalism —This 480 million-year-old creature is the ancestor of all starfish —Swarm of rainbow-colored starfish devour sea lion corpse on seafloor The big-butt starfish isn't the only creature from the expedition, led by scientists from the National Scientific and Technical Research Council and the Schmidt Ocean Institute, that has charmed the public. Another deep-sea creature captured on camera was a violet sea cucumber, belonging to the genus Benthodytes, whose plump body and purple hue earned it its name "Batatita"" ("Little Sweet Potato"). The specimen was collected by the ROV and is alive and well at the surface, expedition scientists said. So far, the expedition has documented at least 25 species of fish, both bony and cartilaginous; carnivorous sponges that have never been recorded in the South Atlantic; and crustaceans and other invertebrates that are specially adapted to the pitch-black depths. The livestream, broadcast for the first time from nearly 13,100 feet (4,000 meters) below sea level, continues through Aug. 10 and can be viewed on the Schmidt Ocean Institute's official YouTube channel. Solve the daily Crossword
UPI
6 days ago
- Science
- UPI
Argentine scientists lead oceanographic expedition in the S. Atlantic
Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Argentine scientists have identified about 40 marine species -- many previously unknown to science -- while leading one of the most significant oceanographic expeditions in the South Atlantic. Aboard the research vessel Falkor (too) and using advanced technology, the team is exploring the Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon, uncovering untouched habitats, unusual organisms and clear signs of human impact. The mission, Underwater Oases of Mar del Plata Canyon, is led by Argentina's National Scientific and Technical Research Council in partnership with the California-based nonprofit Schmidt Ocean Institute. At the center of the mission is the ROV SuBastian, a remotely operated submersible used for the first time in Argentine waters. The robot records ultra-high-definition video and collects biological and geochemical samples without disturbing the environment. Thanks to this technology, the expedition is being live-streamed on the Schmidt Ocean Institute's YouTube channel, allowing anyone to tune in and observe the discoveries in real time. The study area lies along the continental slope off Buenos Aires Province, where the warm Brazil Current meets the cold Falklands Current. This convergence creates a unique ecological zone considered a key biogeographic boundary in the South Atlantic. There, the research team is collecting samples at multiple stations to study species distribution, physicochemical conditions of the water, sediment dynamics and the presence of microplastics. More than 30 Argentine specialists are participating in the initiative, representing CONICET research institutes and national universities. The interdisciplinary team includes biologists, geologists, geneticists, ecologists and field technicians who are also developing educational materials and 3D digital models for scientific dissemination. "We've found animals never before recorded in this area, underwater landscapes that look like something from another planet and behaviors that surprise even experienced scientists," said Daniel Lauretta, chief scientist of the expedition, in a CONICET statement. "SuBastian is like having a submarine with ultra-sensitive eyes that dives for us and shows everything in stunning detail," he added. In addition to its scientific value, the project aims to foster public engagement and promote the conservation of vulnerable ecosystems. The data collected will be released through open-access repositories such as CONICET Digital, OBIS, and GenBank. This mission is part of a research initiative launched by CONICET more than a decade ago, which included the Continental Slope I, II and III campaigns. Unlike those efforts, which relied on trawl nets, the current approach allows scientists to observe marine life in its natural habitat and document previously unknown interactions.
Express Tribune
04-08-2025
- Science
- Express Tribune
Argentina's real-life Patrick Star
A robot explores the dark, cold, deep sea floor of the South Atlantic, transmitting images of vibrant coral and fish never seen before as scientists give live commentary via YouTube, reports AFP. And Argentines can't get enough of it. The Argentine-American scientific mission is for the first time exploring the Mar del Plata canyon, a submarine gorge which plunges nearly 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) deep, off the coast of the seaside resort of the same name. The awed conversations between scientists leading the expedition and the explanations they give to viewers allow the public a rare insight into the hidden wonders of marine biology. In one instance, the camera on the SuBastian underwater robot shows a weird-looking, little white animal. One of the scientists on the team can be heard asking her colleagues, "Do we want it?" "Yes, yes, we want it!" reply dozens of messages in the live stream chat before the image shows the suction device being activated to suck up the specimen for study. "Oh, I love these little creatures," says one user. "I'm obsessed!" comments another. "Don't take the little one away!" pleads a third. The live stream began a week ago and has exceeded one million views per day since Thursday, when it also began to be broadcast on television. "There are cold-water corals with the same colours as those in the Caribbean. How can that be? At a depth of 3,000 metres!" Pablo Penchaszadeh, a marine biologist and painter who is on board the expedition as an artist, told AFP. Patrick Star The 20-day expedition "Underwater Oases of the Mar del Plata Canyon" involves 25 scientists - most of them from the Argentine research agency CONICET. Part of the GEMPA deep sea study group, with support from the US Schmidt Ocean Institute, it will end on August 10. Aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute's "Falkor (too)" ship, scientists remotely operate the robot, which can descend to a depth of 4,500 meters (14,700 feet). They collect biological samples with its robotic arms and other instruments, and send back high-definition images. "The fact that anyone can connect from home and see what we are seeing live is a unique opportunity," explains expedition leader Daniel Lauretta in a statement. "Science is no longer something distant or inaccessible, but becomes part of everyday life." This week, social media users were delighted when an orange starfish with two symmetrical bumps resembling buttocks appeared on the live stream. It quickly prompted comparisons with Patrick Star, from the popular animated series SpongeBob SquarePants. Memes circulated joking that "Patrick is Argentine," marine biology became a trending topic on social media, and the broadcast reached the screens of hundreds of thousands of captivated viewers. "I came to see the big-bottomed star, is it here?" asked one user upon entering the YouTube chat. Spectators also gave other sea creatures nicknames: a king crab was dubbed "Drag Queen," and sea cucumber was fondly called "Sweet Potato." 'Beacon of light' This is the first time that human eyes - albeit remotely - have seen this underwater oasis in real time, where the cold, nutrient-rich Malvinas current and warm, salty Brazil current converge. The confluence is "one of the most energetic regions in our global Ocean," according to the website of the Schmidt Institute, with the temperature difference creating an area teeming with marine wildlife and flora. "We are already seeing incredible things: animals that have never been recorded in this area, underwater landscapes that look like something from another planet, and behaviours that surprise even the most experienced scientists," said Lauretta. But funding for such expeditions is under threat in Argentina. CONICET, the government's scientific research arm, has been severely underfunded by libertarian President Javier Milei, who has implemented draconian cuts to public spending with his infamous "chainsaw." Its budget fell by 21 per cent last year, salaries have plummeted by 35 percent since Milei took office in December 2023, and the cuts have led to an exodus of scientists. As a result, in between "oohs" and "aahs" of wonder, messages of support are flooding the live stream's chat: "Long live Conicet!". "Seeing people being passionate about their job is attractive," said Tomas Atilio Luppi, a biologist at the CONICET-affiliated marine and coastal research institute in Mar del Plata, who is not directly involved in the campaign. "This is happening at a very difficult time," he told AFP of the popular broadcast. "Science is in a very complicated position, both financially and in terms of support and human resources." "The fact that this craze is happening is like a beacon of light."
The Australian
04-08-2025
- Science
- The Australian
Patrick Star and 'Drag Queen' crab: underwater robot live stream captivates Argentines
A robot explores the dark, cold, deep sea floor of the South Atlantic, transmitting images of vibrant coral and fish never seen before as scientists give live commentary via YouTube. And Argentines can't get enough of it. The Argentine-American scientific mission is for the first time exploring the Mar del Plata canyon, a submarine gorge which plunges nearly 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) deep, off the coast of the seaside resort of the same name. The awed conversations between scientists leading the expedition and the explanations they give to viewers allow the public a rare insight into the hidden wonders of marine biology. In one instance, the camera on the SuBastian underwater robot shows a weird-looking, little white animal. One of the scientists on the team can be heard asking her colleagues, "Do we want it?" "Yes, yes, we want it!" reply dozens of messages in the live stream chat before the image shows the suction device being activated to suck up the specimen for study. "Oh, I love these little creatures," says one user. "I'm obsessed!" comments another. "Don't take the little one away!" pleads a third. The live stream began a week ago and exceeded one million views per day since Thursday, when it also began to be broadcast on television. "There are cold-water corals with the same colors as those in the Caribbean. How can that be? At a depth of 3,000 meters!" Pablo Penchaszadeh, a marine biologist and painter who is on board the expedition as an artist, told AFP. - Patrick Star - The 20-day expedition "Underwater Oases of the Mar del Plata Canyon" involves 25 scientists -- most of them from the Argentine research agency CONICET. Part of the GEMPA deep sea study group, with support from the US Schmidt Ocean Institute, it will end on August 10. Aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute's "Falkor (too)" ship, scientists remotely operate the robot, which can descend to a depth of 4,500 meters (14,700 feet). They collect biological samples with its robotic arms and other instruments, and send back high-definition images. "The fact that anyone can connect from home and see what we are seeing live is a unique opportunity," explains expedition leader Daniel Lauretta in a statement. "Science is no longer something distant or inaccessible, but becomes part of everyday life." This week, social media users were delighted when an orange starfish with two symmetrical bumps resembling buttocks appeared on the live stream. It quickly prompted comparisons with Patrick Star, from the popular animated series SpongeBob SquarePants. Memes circulated joking that "Patrick is Argentine," marine biology became a trending topic on social media, and the broadcast reached the screens of hundreds of thousands of captivated viewers. "I came to see the big-bottomed star, is it here?" asked one user upon entering the YouTube chat. Spectators also gave other sea creatures nicknames: a king crab was dubbed "Drag Queen," and sea cucumber was fondly called "Sweet Potato." - 'Beacon of light' - This is the first time that human eyes -- albeit remotely -- have seen this underwater oasis in real time, where the cold, nutrient-rich Malvinas current and warm, salty Brazil current converge. The confluence is "one of the most energetic regions in our global Ocean," according to the website of the Schmidt Institute, with the temperature difference creating an area teeming with marine wildlife and flora. "We are already seeing incredible things: animals that have never been recorded in this area, underwater landscapes that look like something from another planet, and behaviors that surprise even the most experienced scientists," said Lauretta. But funding for such expeditions is under threat in Argentina. CONICET, the government's scientific research arm, has been severely underfunded by libertarian President Javier Milei, who has implemented draconian cuts to public spending with his infamous "chainsaw." Its budget fell by 21 percent last year, salaries have plummeted by 35 percent since the Milei took office in December 2023, and the cuts have led to an exodus of scientists. As a result, in between "oohs" and "aahs" of wonder, messages of support are flooding the live stream's chat: "Long live Conicet!". "Seeing people being passionate about their job is attractive," said Tomas Atilio Luppi, a biologist at the CONICET-affiliated marine and coastal research institute in Mar del Plata, who is not directly involved in the campaign. "This is happening at a very difficult time," he told AFP of the popular broadcast. "Science is in a very complicated position, both financially and in terms of support and human resources." "The fact that this craze is happening is like a beacon of light." bur-lm/dg/db/aks/st
