Researchers from Napoli University and Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology have conducted the first study on octopus brain waves. To achieve this, they implanted special electrodes in the octopuses' brains. The findings from such experiments may provide insights into how the brains of early primates developed.
Octopus brain activity has piqued the interest of researchers who believe it could help in understanding the evolution of human intelligence. These animals possess a unique form of intelligence, making them a fascinating subject for research. Experiments have shown that an octopus's mental abilities enable it to open a jar or navigate a maze. They also exhibit bold behaviors, such as memorizing the routines of guards to sneak into nearby aquariums and steal fish. Wild octopuses sometimes even attack other sea creatures without provocation.
In 2011, researchers discovered that each tentacle of an octopus has its own 'brain' with approximately 10,000 neurons designed to explore the environment. Other studies have shown that octopuses are the only invertebrates, aside from a few insects, that use tools. For example, they can use shells for camouflage and protection from predators.
Octopuses learn to interact with their environment in various ways. They use tools and objects, remember complex processes for future use, and learn through observation. Until recently, scientists did not fully understand how cephalopods' brains allowed them to achieve such cognitive feats.
Octopuses can mimic human movements, such as walking on two limbs while raising the other six like a skirt. This is one of the several similarities between these cephalopods and humans. Project leader Dr. Michael Cuba from Napoli University explains, 'The significant difference between us and octopuses stems from over 550 million years of independent evolution. Our closest common ancestor resembled a flatworm.'
Reading octopus brains is quite challenging. Due to their secretive and nocturnal nature, tracking them in the wild is nearly impossible. To address this issue, many researchers work with captive cephalopods, which can still be challenging.
Professor Dr. Anna Di Cosmo from Napoli University states, 'Octopuses have eight super-flexible tentacles that can reach any part of their soft bodies without a skull. The animals often grab recording equipment.' Researchers solved this problem by directly implanting a special device into the octopus's brain.
The electrodes were placed in a region of the octopus's brain believed to be crucial for learning and memory. During the operation, the cephalopods were under anesthesia. They spent the next 12 hours recovering while monitored in their tanks. Although researchers did not force the octopuses to perform any actions, they still found intellectual activity in the test subjects.
When the team first examined the octopus brain waves, the results were surprising. Di Cosmo explained, 'We observed previously uncharacterized long, slow oscillations.' These patterns had not been recorded in other animals.
Researchers will continue to monitor octopuses' intelligence to draw concrete conclusions. Neuroscientists want to understand how cephalopods make decisions and how specific areas of the brain influence their behavior. They hope to define the general principles necessary for thought and cognition in animals. By studying the behavior of octopuses in captivity, researchers believe they can better track them in their natural habitats. Dr. Michael Kuba stated, 'Proving octopus intelligence will help encourage people to treat them with interest, care, and respect.'