During an expedition in the Southern Ocean, scientists discovered 30 new species, including a carnivorous sponge known as 'death ball' and various new marine organisms such as scale worms, sea stars, crustaceans, and rare bivalves. The research team, part of the Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census, highlighted the region's profound undersampling, with only about 30% of collected samples analyzed so far. The spherical sponge, Chondrocladia sp nov, is particularly notable for its unique feeding mechanism, using tiny hooks to trap prey, contrasting with the typical filter-feeding behavior of sponges. The expedition also captured high-definition footage of previously unseen habitats, including the first confirmed sighting of a juvenile colossal squid, underscoring the need for continued exploration of this vital ecosystem.