This footage was filmed and produced 18 January 2024.

[NOTE: no sound]

In a groundbreaking leap for marine science, a team led by URI Professor Brennan Phillips has shattered barriers in deep-sea research. Their pioneering use of RAD-2, an origami-inspired robotic marvel, has unveiled the secrets of fragile deep-sea organisms within minutes of encounter. The dramatic revelation comes as a beacon of hope, drastically reducing the time it takes to identify new species.

Published in Science Advances, the research represents a five-year collaboration between experts from URI, Harvard University, MBARI, and more. The team's ingenuity in underwater imaging, robotics, and genomic sequencing has ushered in a new era of marine exploration. The once cumbersome process of species discovery, taking up to 21 years, is now condensed into moments.

Professor Phillips declares, "We're rewriting the rules of deep-sea exploration." The technology allows for the capture of detailed measurements, motion, entire genomes, and gene expressions, creating a digital 'cybertype' in minutes. This leap in efficiency not only accelerates scientific discovery but also responds to the urgent need for compassionate collection methods, minimizing harm to delicate creatures.

The impact of this technological marvel extends beyond scientific curiosity. As climate change and deep-sea mining threats loom large, the ability to swiftly catalog marine life becomes a powerful tool for environmental monitoring.