Octopuses Edit RNA to Adapt to Temperature Changes
Octopuses can recode proteins in their nerve cells through RNA editing to protect their brains from changes in temperature, according to a new study. RNA editing allows octopuses to produce different neural proteins in warm and cool environments, helping them to adapt to fluctuations in temperature. The study found that RNA editing occurs quickly and is widespread among octopus species and squid. The discovery could help explain other facets of octopus behavior, including their ability to camouflage and solve puzzles.
