Ain’t science grand? Earlier this week, news of liquid water on Mars had many gazing upward into space with renewed awe, imagining the possibility of other life forms. Now comes new discoveries that remind us about the wondrous Earth in which we live, including the many life forms in our deep-sea midst.

Twenty scientists have just returned from a 27-day expedition of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, exploring the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands’ marine conservation area at greater depths than ever before. Among the discoveries: a possible new species of sea horse and a sea star previously not seen in Hawaii, plus a deep-reefs area around Kure Atoll that houses an astonishing 100 percent endemic species — creatures that are unique to the Hawaiian archipelago.

More help for victims of stroke

For someone having a stroke, time is the enemy. Surviving a stroke without serious permanent damage requires swift treatment, correctly applied, for a condition that is not always obvious.

The state took a farsighted approach to the treatment of stroke patients with Act 211, which the governor signed in July. The new law will help build a knowledge base for better, faster treatment, including a database of stroke incidents and a coalition of stroke-fighting organizations to share information and improve care.

Strokes are a leading cause of chronic disabilities in Hawaii, and as our population ages, it makes sense to take aggressive preventive measures. It would also help for everyone to learn how to identify the early signs of a stroke. Visit stroke.org to learn more.