To learn more, Sheik used chemicals to crack open the cells of the goo and expose their microscopic inner workings. In doing so, he discovered about 20 DNA sequences, or genomes, and ran them through a worldwide computer database.

Most of the sequences matched known genomes found elsewhere in the world, he said, but a few were less identifiable, including one that was completely novel. It’s now known, at least temporarily, as ShipGoo001.

#ShipGoo001 is believed to be a single cell organism, but its appearance is not yet evident. It could be thread-like, spherical or even twisty, Sheik said.