Kāne'ohe Bay, where HIMB is located and the research was conducted, is abundant with small, isolated "patch reefs," which are teeming with undescribed sponge species as well as non-native species ...

We use them to clean the dishes we eat off, but your kitchen sponge is a damp, crumb-filled environment that is perfect for bacteria to thrive in. Should you opt for a washing up brush instead?