Specialized structures in plants and animals help attract and mediate communication with bacterial symbionts.

In two related studies, researchers describe huge chromosomal rearrangements and about 500 novel gene clusters in the octopus, squid, and cuttlefish genomes, which they say could help explain how they evolved their extraordinary brains.

Octopuses were around 82 million years earlier than scientists previously thought—and had two extra limbs at the time.

The cephalopods resisted temptation for up to 130 seconds to earn their favorite food, hinting at sophisticated cognitive abilities such as planning for the future.

Preserved DNA extracted from the rock-like digestive blobs may offer insights into whale ecology.

The unusual cephalopod was spotted on a recent underwater research expedition.

The cephalopods use several strategies to manipulate light and produce their colorful patterns.

Videos reveal how a female squid fertilizes her eggs—one at a time and without spilling much stored sperm.

Thanks to the bioluminescent bacteria inhabiting its light organ, the vividly colored southern bobtail squid (Euprymna tasmanica) can glow in the dark. 

The Hawaiian bobtail squid (Euprymna scolopes) is a nocturnal predator with a light organ full of bioluminescent bacteria attached to an ink sac, which the animal uses to control the amount of light it releases.

A round-up of recent discoveries in behavior research

Scientists develop tape coated with cephalopod proteins to reflect infrared light.

A round-up of recent discoveries in behavior research

Polymer changes color and texture in response to remote signals. 

A symbiotic relationship between squid and bacteria provides an alternative explanation for bacterial sheathed flagella.

To control their color displays, squid fine-tune the optical properties of light-reflecting cells by rapidly expelling and imbibing water across a tightly pleated membrane

Arciteuthis from disparate locations around the world are genetically similar.

A color-changing machine mimics the rubbery body and flexible movements of octopuses, squid, and cuttlefish.

A round-up of recent discoveries in behavior research