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Elegant interplay of coloration strategies is discovered in squid's smart skin

Researchers from Northeastern University and the Marine Biological Laboratory discovered that squid chromatophores use both pigmentary and structural coloration to create dynamic effects. This breakthrough opens up new opportunities for biologists and chemists to better understand cephalopod biology and develop wearable devices or coat...

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2019

Hunting squid slowed by rising carbon levels

Scientists have found that high carbon dioxide levels cause squid to bungle attacks on their prey, leading to a 20% decrease in successful hunts. This effect is observed across two cephalopod orders, suggesting that many species may be impacted by rising CO2 levels in the oceans.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMar 21, 2018

The courting cephalopods of the East China Sea

Researchers at National Tsing Hua University studied oval squid behavior in the East China Sea, discovering five common patterns of tone signals and movements used for communication. These patterns, compiled into an ethogram, will aid future behavioral studies in cephalopods and other species.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateMay 2, 2017

Camouflage artists, in color

A study by Harvard University scientists suggests that cephalopods can perceive color through chromatic aberration, which allows them to detect different wavelengths of light. This mechanism enables the animals to create vivid camouflage abilities despite being limited to black and white vision.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 4, 2016

In changing oceans, cephalopods are booming

A new study reveals that cephalopod populations have consistently increased over the past six decades, with diverse groups exhibiting remarkable long-term trends. The research suggests that cephalopods' rapid growth and adaptability may be key factors behind their proliferation in changing ocean environments.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 23, 2016

Octopus genome sequenced

The California two-spot octopus genome was fully sequenced, revealing widespread genomic rearrangements and a dramatic expansion of genes involved in neuronal development. The findings provide an important foundation for evolutionary studies and deeper investigations into the genetic mechanisms underlying cephalopod-specific traits.

Unraveling iridescence

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have clarified the mechanism of iridescence in squid skin, revealing that specific sequences of reflectins correlate with color output. The study identifies three major types of reflectins and their roles in static and tunable iridocytes.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 1, 2015

Seeing without eyes

Researchers found that octopus skin can sense light changes without central nervous system input, using the same opsin proteins as its eyes. This allows for a response to brightness and color, enabling camouflage and communication. The discovery has implications for understanding cephalopod behavior and evolution.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 20, 2015

How is a Kindle like a cuttlefish

Researchers found that both biological organisms and electronic devices use similar approaches to change reflective colors, but biology outperforms electronics in efficiency, scalability, and sophistication. Human-made technology excels in speed and color range, but lags behind nature's complex adaptations.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateSep 26, 2012

Researchers complete mollusk evolutionary tree

Scientists have pieced together the most comprehensive phylogeny for mollusks, revealing surprising relationships between enigmatic groups. The study places Monoplacophora, thought extinct, as a sister clade to cephalopods, and establishes a single origin for shelled mollusks.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·DateOct 26, 2011

May 2011 Geology highlights

Researchers studied freshwater fish fossils to understand the Neogene water cycle in Central Africa. A study proposed that Nuna was Earth's first supercontinent. Ancient cave systems near the Allgau Mountains preserved the oldest radiometrically dated dripstones known in the European Alps.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateApr 13, 2011