A Never-Before-Seen Mutation May Explain Octopus Intelligence
Octopus intelligence may be related to never-before-seen mutation
Researchers have discovered a unique mutation in the ribosomal RNA of shallow-water octopuses that may boost the accuracy of protein production. The mutation, found in species with complex nervous systems, was absent in deep-sea cirrates and squids. While not directly proven to cause intelligence, it suggests a link to the evolution of large brains. The finding could inspire new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
The major surprise is that the ribosome, which is highly conserved across life, can actually undergo evolutionary changes that impact function, and may even contribute to new innovations.
- BatFastard
I found the article very interesting. Not click bait at all.
I didn't realize that an octopuses brain was spread out all over its body.
- pash
What does it mean to “produce proteins with about twice their usual accuracy”? Smaller feature size, essentially?
- taf2
Reminds me of the children of time books - think it’s the second book with the octopus
- fmjrey
I would imagine their intelligence is directly proportional to the so many degrees of freedom the arms have for grasping, but don't ask which one came first, chicken or egg?
- piazz
Can we CRISPR it into humans? I volunteer. I’ve always wanted to improve my protein folding accuracy.
- FpUser
It is a pity they have such a short lifespan
- yieldcrv
lets splice in a gene fix for cephalopod senescence and get the invasion over with
- throw310822
Pure, shameless clickbait as usual from Smithsonian magazine.
> Although there is no direct evidence that the adaptation is linked to expanded octopus brainpower,
I.e. the entire connection between this mutation and octopus intelligence is made up. Not even a shred of justification.