Within a deep canyon that humans had not laid eyes on before‚ scientists discovered at least 100 new marine species‚ each more weird and wonderful than the last. The ocean critters were recently found within the Bounty Trough off the east coast of New Zealand's South Island during a three-week voyage on the research vessel Tangaroa‚ operated by New Zealand's National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA).A crew of 21 scientists onboard the Ocean Census expedition recently ventured to this far-flung patch of the Southern Hemisphere to document new marine species – and their efforts did not disappoint. Along the 800-kilometer (497-mile) Bounty Trough‚ at depths of up to 4‚800 meters (15‚748 feet)‚ the team collected around 1‚800 samples. They’re still sifting through all the specimens‚ but they expect to identify over 100 new species‚ including dozens of mollusks‚ three fishes‚ a shrimp‚ a cephalopod‚ and a new genus of coral. “It looks like we have a great haul of new‚ undiscovered species. By the time all our specimens are examined‚ we will be north of 100 new species. But what’s really surprised me here is the fact this extends to animals like fish – we think we’ve got three new species of fish‚” Professor Alex Rogers‚ co-leader of the expedition and science director at Ocean Census‚ said in a statement.New species of fish discovered by the recent expedition.Image credit: Ocean Census/NIWA“We’ve gone to lots of different habitats and discovered a whole range of new species‚ from fish to snails‚ to corals and sea cucumbers – really interesting species that are going to be new to science‚” added Sadie Mills‚ voyage co-leader and marine biologist at the NIWA.However‚ not all of the species can be easily slotted into the taxonomic tree of life. One specimen is proving to be particularly confusing; members of the team have speculated whether it might be a seastar‚ a sea anemone‚ or a zoanthid-like creature‚ but the creature does not fit into any of these categories. “We’ve got a lot of experts here having a look who are very excited‚” explained Dr Michela Mitchell‚ a taxonomist at the Queensland Museum Network.“We now think it could be a new species of octocoral‚ but also a new genus [wider grouping of species]. Even more excitingly‚ it could be a whole new group outside of the octocoral. If it is‚ that is a significant find for the deep sea and gives us a much clearer picture of the planet’s unique biodiversity‚” she added. A new species of comma shrimp‚ also known as the hooded shrimp.Image credit: Ocean Census/NIWAIt’s estimated that 91 percent of ocean species are currently unknown to science‚ while more than 80 percent of the ocean is unmapped and unexplored. Fortunately‚ swarms of scientists are working hard to change that. Founded by the Nippon Foundation of Japan and the UK-based group Nekton‚ Ocean Census has set a target to document 100‚000 new species in a decade before they are potentially lost to the many problems facing the world’s oceans‚ such as pollution‚ overfishing‚ and climate change.The researchers believe this specimen is a new genus of black coral.Image credit: Ocean Census/NIWAOn the other side of the Pacific Ocean along the coast of the Americas‚ the Schmidt Ocean Institute is currently carrying out expeditions as part of a greater effort to map the entire sea floor by the end of this decade. Just last month‚ the Schmidt team announced they had also discovered 100 new marine species. Don't worry‚ it's not a competition. Both the Schmidt Ocean Institute and the NIWA are partners of Ocean Census‚ so all of their efforts will go towards the ultimate goal of 100‚000 new species by the end of this decade.

Thanks to our orbits‚ Earth and Mars make relatively close passes every 26 months. Every now and then‚ there's a really close approach. In 2003‚ for instance‚ we passed at a distance of 55.7 million kilometers (34.6 million miles)‚ the closest the two planets have been to each other in 60‚000 years.In 1924‚ the two planets made an approach almost as close. During this time‚ astronomers and the US Government took advantage of the situation and attempted to look for life on Mars.This wasn't in the form of turning our visual telescopes towards the planet to get a better look‚ but a search for potential radio signals being broadcast by alien civilizations living on the Red Planet.The idea may seem strange from a modern perspective. We know now‚ thanks to better telescopes‚ visiting space probes‚ analysis of Mars's environment‚ and rovers we have sent to roam the planet‚ that the planet has no such civilizations. In the decades preceding the close approach‚ however‚ scientists weren't all too clear. For a time‚ astronomers suggested that there may be oceans on the planet. Then came the suggestion‚ bolstered by maps made by astronomer Giovanni Schiaparelli‚ that Mars had a series of canals running across the planet. In 1894‚ the public became excited by the idea too‚ after astronomer Percival Lowell suggested that Schiaparelli's observations showed canals that had been made by an alien civilization.              Lowell ended up using a significant amount of his own money to take photographs of these "canals" in 1907‚ for him proving that the features were made by an alien species. “After the melting of the south polar cap had got well under way‚ canals began to make their appearance about it‚” Lowell said at the time‚ as reported by the New York Times.“It is a direct sequitur from this that the planet is at present the abode of intelligent constructive life‚” he added. “I may say in this connection that the theory of such life upon Mars was in no way an a priori hypothesis on my part‚ but deduced from the outcome of observation‚ and that my observations since have fully confirmed it. No other supposition is consonant with all the facts here.”However‚ others were less convinced‚ and the photographs he took ended up contributing to the idea being discredited.After this‚ most astronomers were convinced the canals were an optical illusion‚ which was confirmed in 1964 when NASA probe Mariner IV showed there were no such features on the planet. Nonetheless‚ there were still those who believed that life could be on the planet and that they could potentially communicate with it by radio.Though the idea was not widespread‚ and evidence was beginning to point to the planet not being habitable‚ as the two planets came close to each other in 1924‚ humanity began its first real search for extraterrestrial radio signals.A telegram sent to all Navy stations in the US.Image credit: US National ArchivesThe US Government asked the public to keep radio silence during the first five minutes of every hour for "National Radio Silence day" as Mars and Earth made their close approach. During this time‚ astronomers kept an ear (and eyes) on the planet‚ while the US Government requested that all Navy outposts quieten their own radios to listen out for any potential communication from Martians.It was optimistic‚ sure‚ and the result was predictable. No radio signals from Mars were picked up‚ as there was nobody there to send them. It now seems likely that analog radio signals would be an unlikely way for aliens to communicate‚ with other signals more likely. However‚ it was an interesting and exciting early attempt to find advanced alien species‚ attempts which have continued to the present day‚ and may one day find advanced alien life. That is‚ if they are out there to be found at all. 

A 45-year-old man from New Rochelle has been charged after pretending to be a professional masseur and sexually assaulting a woman. The incident reportedly took place in the man's illegal home massage and therapy office‚ according to the New York Post.Ascencion Rojas-Quinterio has been charged with a third-degree criminal sex act and unauthorized practice of a profession‚ both of which are felonies. The authorities showed up at his home Friday night and arrested Rojas-Quinterio. However‚ the authorities are investigating whether other clients have fallen victim to the man's scheme.New Rochelle police said Rojas-Quinterio has been "accused of performing a criminal sex act on an unsuspecting victim during a session."“Rojas-Quinterio is believed to have developed a client base for his unlicensed business and was preying on female clients out of his Church Street home that he utilized for his business‚” the authorities said.Rojas-Quinterio is reportedly being held at the Westchester County Jail on $1‚000 bail. He is due back in court on March 22.In 2021‚ a former North Nashville massage therapist was arrested after pretending to be a licensed professional‚ according to the Tennessean. Tarek Mentouri had his massage license taken away in August 2020 by the Tennessee Massage Licensing Board after he was accused of multiple instances of sexual misconduct. He was ultimately released from jail soon after the arrest.However‚ in 2022‚ Mentouri was sentenced to six years in prison after 25 women went to the police about being sexually assaulted by him. He admitted to the sex crimes in November 2021. While Mentouri attempted to weasel his way out of a prison sentence‚ he ultimately agreed to spend six years behind bars after 12 charges were dropped in the case. Peyton Parker — one of the victims in the case — said she did not accept Mentouri's attempt at an apology because it did not seem genuine. Throughout the trial‚ Mentouri seemed to joke about what he had done‚ eventually saying‚ "I don't speak English‚" when he was asked to apologize to the women he assaulted. Mentouri also suggested that he had started taking yoga classes while behind bars and was trying to find "inner peace." He went on to note that he had found a Christian halfway house to move into if he was released early.“I’ve been trying to better myself in many ways since I’ve been in jail‚ finding God again‚” Mentouri said.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Former President Donald Trump once again triggered leftist late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel — this time while Kimmel hosted the Academy Awards ceremony Sunday night.What are the details?Kimmel's hatred for Trump is well known‚ and Trump has shown over the years that he's primed and ready to give it right back to Kimmel and other high-profile foes.Interestingly‚ just last week Kimmel told the Hollywood Reporter that Trump's prominence in the news gives life to his late-night content: “You know what‚ I kind of love it because I know it bothers him‚ and that really tickles me. And then occasionally we get confirmation of that‚ and it inspires me. He is my muse.”Well‚ the biggest tenant living rent-free in Kimmel's head was back at it Sunday night‚ and Kimmel took Trump's bait bigly‚ actually using Oscars stage time to try to own back the former president."Doing this show is not about me‚" Kimmel told the crowd ironically before adding that he was informed that he had "an extra minute‚ and I’m really proud of something‚ and I was wondering if I could share it with you. I just got a review."Kimmel then pulled out his cell phone and began reading a Truth Social post from Trump to the left-wing audience. The post reads as follows‚ according to the Hollywood Reporter in a separate story:Has there EVER been a WORSE HOST than Jimmy Kimmel at The Oscars. His opening was that of a less than average person trying too hard to be something which he is not‚ and never can be. Get rid of Kimmel and perhaps replace him with another washed up‚ but cheap‚ ABC 'talent‚' George Slopanopoulos. He would make everybody on stage look bigger‚ stronger‚ and more glamorous. Also a really bad politically correct show tonight‚ and for years — Disjointed‚ boring‚ and very unfair. Why don’t they just give the Oscars to those that deserve them. Maybe that way their audience and TV ratings will come back from the depths. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!Kimmel then asked the audience‚ “See if you can guess which former president just posted that on Truth Social? Anyone? No? Well‚ thank you‚ President Trump. Thank you for watching. I’m surprised you’re still — isn’t it past your jail time?”Cue Pavlovian laughter. — (@) Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) refuses to be shamed for endorsing Donald Trump.On Sunday‚ ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos used Mace's own traumatic experience as a rape victim to question her support for Trump.Stephanopoulos‚ a former top adviser to Bill Clinton‚ framed his question by citing E. Jean Carroll's accusations against the former president. Carroll claims Trump raped her in the mid-1990s‚ an accusation she didn't come forward with until 2019. Still‚ a civil jury last year found Trump liable of sexual abuse. Trump has never been convicted in criminal court — let alone charged criminally in the case — and he maintains his innocence.But Mace had zero patience for Stephanopoulos' political games."I was raped at the age of 16. And any rape victim will tell you — I've lived for 30 years with an incredible amount of shame over being raped. I didn't come forward because of that judgment and shame that I felt. And it's a shame that you will never feel‚ George. And I'm not going to sit here on your show and be asked a question meant to shame me about another potential rape victim‚" she responded."It's actually not about shaming you‚" Stephanopoulos protested."No‚ you are shaming me!" Mace shot back.Stephanopoulos‚ however‚ defended his question‚ claiming it is justified because Mace has endorsed Trump for president‚ and he has been found civilly liable of sexual abuse."It's not a criminal court case‚ number one‚" Mace answered. "Number two‚ I live with shame‚ and you're asking me a question about my political choices‚ trying to shame me as a rape victim‚ and I find it disgusting."Over the next several minutes‚ Stephanopoulos continued to defend his question while Mace accused him of using her rape to shame her for her political decisions."You're questioning my political choices because I've been raped‚" Mace said. "And I think it's disgusting."Mace is right. The suggestion implicit in Stephanopoulos' question is that her political support for Trump contradicts her experience as a rape victim.But as Mace correctly pointed out‚ Stephanopoulos repeatedly got the facts wrong.Trump was not found "guilty" of anything‚ nor did a New York civil jury find Trump liable of rape. In fact‚ the jury specifically found Trump not liable for rape. Instead‚ the jury found him liable of sexual abuse. These are important distinctions. Moreover‚ the burden of proof in the Carroll civil case on the question of rape or sexual abuse was "a preponderance of the evidence‚" a much lower evidentiary standard than "beyond a reasonable doubt" or "by clear and convincing evidence." This means Carroll had to convince a jury there was a greater than 50% chance that her claim was true. There are important reasons why this burden of proof is not used in criminal court.After Mace highlighted the civil versus criminal distinction‚ Stephanopoulos shockingly told Mace that she is "very comfortable with what Donald Trump has done."Hours after the interview‚ Mace blasted Stephanopoulos on social media‚ pointing out the incongruities of being lectured by a man who worked for Bill Clinton of all people."I don't need rape explained to me by a man and liberal Clinton fan who wants to make this election about rape. It's disgusting‚" Mace said."I'm not going to be shamed for being raped by a guy who worked for a President who wagged his finger and lied to the American people about having oral sex with an intern in the Oval Office" she said in another post.Stephanopoulos‚ Mace added‚ is "a complete and total POS."Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

The OBSBOT Tiny 2 is‚ as its name suggests‚ the second generation of the company's appropriately compact webcam design. However‚ while its small size is the named feature here‚ it's actually everything else about this webcam that is so remarkable. It will track you as you move around‚ it has slick gesture control‚ it includes a remote control for manually adjusting the view‚ and it has great image quality too. All these features add up to this webcam instantly earning a place on our best webcam guide‚ supplanting its predecessor the Tiny 4K as the go-to option for those seeking a premium webcam‚ or those who need the easy follow-me functions it provides. Continue reading OBSBOT Tiny 2 webcam review – it’s watching you‚ perfectly MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best graphics card‚ Best gaming PC‚ Best SSD for gaming

The Final Fantasy 16 PC port still isn't here yet‚ but the good news is we can expect the RPG game's demo to come to the platform ahead of launch. After getting hooked on the game thanks to the PS5 demo myself‚ I can safely say that anyone on the fence or waiting for the PC version should get ready‚ because the FF16 demo opens up one of the best stories of recent years. Continue reading The Final Fantasy 16 PC release could be on its way soon MORE FROM PCGAMESN: The best action-adventure games on PC 2022‚ Final Fantasy 16 release date‚ Best Final Fantasy games on PC

If you're holding off on buying an OLED gaming monitor due to the high prices‚ your prayers may soon be answered as LG prepares to scale up its production of OLED displays by as much as 20%. OLED panels are steadily creeping into our list of the best gaming monitors‚ and despite their high prices‚ the improved image clarity over traditional LCD panels is making them popular with gamers who can afford them. LG is now potentially opening them up to a wider audience‚ though‚ as it's making a huge investment into OLED panel production‚ which could result in OLED TVs and monitors soon being available for a lot less money. Continue reading OLED gaming monitor prices could drop as LG invests $1 billion MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best graphics card‚ Best gaming PC‚ Best SSD for gaming

WHOA! LOL! Guys‚ Obama Would NOT APPROVE of Biden and the Democrat's Open Border ... No‚ Really (Watch)

Businessman/Econ Adviser Absolutely Destroys WH's BS About 'Bidenomics' and Inflation