Octopuses given mood drug 'ecstasy' reveal genetic link to evolution of social behaviors in humans
3 institutional releases
Published in Current Biology · View the paper (DOI)
Scientists studied octopus genome and behavior in response to MDMA, finding similarities with human serotonin binding transporter. Octopuses exhibited pro-social behaviors when exposed to the drug, hugging cages and displaying affectionate tendencies similar to humans.
Coverage from 3 institutions
- Octopuses given mood drug 'ecstasy' reveal genetic link to evolution of social behaviors in humans Johns Hopkins Medicine · Sep 20, 2018 · first to report
- MDMA (a.k.a. ecstasy) makes octopuses more social too Cell Press · Sep 20, 2018
- Study finds a conserved role for serotonin in regulating behavior in octopus, humans Marine Biological Laboratory · Sep 20, 2018