Scientists on a midwater expedition off Salvador, Bahia, Brazil discovered 31 previously unknown marine species during a two-week survey. An international research team worked at near-record speeds by using new shipboard technology nicknamed the Squid that lets researchers view cellular structure live onboard. The Squid allowed scientists to observe cells interacting, exchanging material, and building skeletons in real time instead of waiting the usual weeks for staining and mounting. That live cellular imaging shortened the time between collection and analysis and directly enabled identifying dozens of new animals within the cruise's duration. Researchers said, "That opens up a whole new world of exploring."
