Author: SashSegal

Photo: Josef Stefan

Discovered at a depth of 3,601m east of Montagu Island, the 'death ball sponge' uses Velcro-like hooks to catch tiny crustaceans, which are then slowly digested

Credit: The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census/Schmidt Ocean Institute, 2025

Photo: Daniel Kordan

In the Afar region of northern Ethiopia, lies a vastdesert plain called the Danakil Depression. Numerous sulfur springs, volcanoes, geysers, acidic pools, vast salt pans, and colorful mineral-laden lakes dot the area.

photo: Eric Lafforgue