All articles tagged with #cephalopods
Scientists have bioengineered bacteria to produce large quantities of the rare pigment xanthommatin, which is responsible for the camouflage abilities of octopuses and squids, using a novel growth-coupled biosynthesis method that significantly increases yield and could advance both biological understanding and industrial applications.
Scientists at UC San Diego have developed a groundbreaking method to produce large quantities of xanthommatin, a pigment responsible for octopus camouflage, using engineered bacteria, which could revolutionize material production and have applications in cosmetics, coatings, and sensors.
A 2021 study demonstrated that cuttlefish can pass a version of the marshmallow test, showing they can delay gratification and adapt their behavior, which suggests advanced cognitive abilities possibly evolved for their complex foraging strategies. The research highlights the intelligence of cephalopods and their ability to learn and anticipate rewards, challenging assumptions about animal cognition.
A study demonstrates that cuttlefish can exhibit patience and self-control comparable to some vertebrates, challenging assumptions about invertebrate intelligence and suggesting that complex cognition may have evolved independently in different animal lineages.
New research reveals that octopuses expend significant energy when changing color, comparable to a human's calorie burn during a 30-minute jog. This study, using ruby octopuses, measured oxygen consumption during color changes, highlighting the energetic cost of their sophisticated camouflage system. The findings provide insights into the biological trade-offs octopuses make for survival, as their color-changing ability is more energy-intensive than similar adaptations in other animals like chameleons.
Bioengineers have developed a new drug delivery device inspired by cephalopods, such as cuttlefish, that can be swallowed to deliver drugs typically requiring injections. The device uses jets to inject drugs into the digestive tract lining, improving bioavailability compared to traditional oral methods. This innovation aims to combine the convenience of oral delivery with the efficiency of injections, potentially transforming how medications like insulin are administered. While promising, further testing and human trials are needed to assess long-term efficacy and safety.
Researchers have discovered that octopuses may have the oldest sex chromosomes in the animal kingdom, with evidence of a ZW sex-determination system found in their genome. This unique chromosome pair, present in the California two-spot octopus, suggests an ancient origin dating back between 455 and 248 million years ago. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about sex determination in animals and highlights the need for further research into the evolution of sex chromosomes.
The oldest known sex chromosome in animals has been discovered in octopus and squid, dating back between 248 million and 455 million years ago. This suggests that these creatures may have been among the first animals to determine their sex via genetic blueprint rather than environmental cues. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of sex determination and challenges previous assumptions about how sex chromosomes emerged.
Researchers have discovered the oldest known animal sex chromosome, the octopus Z chromosome, which evolved around 380 million years ago in an ancient ancestor of octopuses. This finding sheds light on how sexual development is directed in cephalopods, including octopuses and squid, and suggests that genes are involved in sex determination in these creatures. The Z chromosome has been found in various octopus and squid species, indicating its evolutionary conservation, and it is considered one of the oldest sex chromosomes in both animals and plants.
Researchers from the Schmidt Ocean Institute captured rare footage of the elusive squid species, Grimalditeuthis bonplandi, off the coast of the Galapagos Islands. This ghostly cephalopod, known for its weak, sucker-less tentacles, was filmed alive for only the second time ever. The squid, which can grow up to 10 inches in length, is a slow swimmer and inhabits depths of 660 to 5,000 feet. Its feeding tentacles lack suckers and it is believed to use graceful movements to lure small shrimp and crustaceans. Limited video observations and infrequent encounters make it difficult to fully understand the behavior and feeding habits of this mysterious creature.
Researchers at the Marine Biological Laboratory have successfully genetically engineered a transparent squid using CRISPR technology. By deactivating genes responsible for pigment production, the squid becomes nearly invisible, allowing for unprecedented observation of its internal processes. This breakthrough provides a new model organism for studying cephalopods, which have advanced cognitive abilities and complex nervous systems. The transparent squid will enable researchers to study biological function at a higher resolution and gain insights into the unique biology of cephalopods.
Researchers from The University of Hong Kong have developed a new photochromic colloidal swarm inspired by the color-changing ability of cephalopods. The team created a wavelength-selective intelligent colloid system using microbeads that can adapt to different light settings, resulting in programmable color changes. Unlike existing materials, this new system rearranges existing pigments rather than generating new ones, making it more reliable and versatile. The findings have potential applications in electronic ink, displays, and active optical camouflage, representing a major breakthrough in the field of active matter.
Cuttlefish camouflage patterns are more complex and flexible than previously thought, according to a study published in Nature. Researchers used high-resolution video and machine learning to investigate the camouflage and blanching responses of cuttlefish. The study revealed that cuttlefish have a wider range of pattern components and a more intricate camouflaging process than previously believed. Cuttlefish are known for their fascinating abilities, including delayed gratification, episodic memory, and intelligence. The skin of cuttlefish contains chromatophores, iridophores, and leucophores, which work together to generate their unique optical properties.
Scientists have genetically engineered an albino transparent squid, Euprymna berryi, in the lab using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing. This is the first time scientists have been able to breed a genetically modified cephalopod over multiple generations. The transparent squid will enable researchers to study these intriguing marine animals in ways we’ve never been able to before, particularly in the field of neurobiology. The creation of this genetically engineered transparent squid is a significant leap forward in our understanding of cephalopods and will stimulate further study and provoke thought-provoking questions.
Scientists have discovered a never-before-seen brain wave in octopuses, along with others similar to those found in humans, according to a groundbreaking study that captured the first-ever brain recordings of freely moving octopuses. The researchers implanted electrodes in the animals’ brains and connected them to data loggers under their skin to record the brain waves. The recordings have given scientists the first inklings into the workings of cephalopod minds. The researchers found brain waves that were very similar to those found in the human hippocampus, hinting at convergent neurological evolution.