[Behavior & Cognition] New study on female octopus senescence

[Iochroma]

I saw this over at phys.org:
The grim, final days of a mother octopus

original work:
Multiple optic gland signaling pathways implicated in octopus maternal behaviors and death

 

[octobot]

From :

A new study uses modern genetic sequencing tools to describe several distinct molecular signals produced by the optic gland after a female octopus reproduces. The research also details four separate phases of maternal behavior and links them to these signals, suggesting how the optic gland controls a mother octopus' demise.

Continue reading...

 

[octobot]

From :

Octopuses are the undisputed darlings of the science internet, and for good reason. They're incredibly intelligent problem-solvers and devious escape artists with large, complex nervous systems. They have near-magical abilities to change colors, skin textures and shapes instantaneously, and they can regenerate missing arms at will.

Continue reading...

 

[Maggie]

"In 1977, Brandeis University psychologist Jerome Wodinsky... removed the optic gland from female Caribbean two-spot octopuses... Without them, the female octopuses abandoned their eggs, resumed feeding, and some even mated again." Read more at: The grim, final days of a mother octopus

Does this mean he effectively can extend their lives??? By how long??? The mind boggles!!!

 

[DWhatley]

Does this mean he effectively can extend their lives??? By how long??? The mind boggles!!!

@Maggie, yes removing the optic gland (when successful, ie it is a delicate operation) has extended the lifespan by inhibiting maturation. Unfortunately, the full article is now behind a paywall but here is an excerpt from the Hormonal Inhibition of Feeding and Death in Octopus: Control by Optic Gland Secretion 1977 study (you will need to magnify your viewing screen to read it).