Hawaiian Bobtail squid
Symbiotic Organs: Extreme Intimacy with the Microbial World
All multicellular creatures interact with bacteria, but some have taken the relationship to another level with highly specialized structures that house, feed, and exploit the tiny organisms.
Symbiotic Organs: Extreme Intimacy with the Microbial World
Symbiotic Organs: Extreme Intimacy with the Microbial World

All multicellular creatures interact with bacteria, but some have taken the relationship to another level with highly specialized structures that house, feed, and exploit the tiny organisms.

All multicellular creatures interact with bacteria, but some have taken the relationship to another level with highly specialized structures that house, feed, and exploit the tiny organisms.

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Illustration of a Hawaiian Bobtail squid
Infographic: Symbiotic Organs Bring Hosts and Microbes Closer
Catherine Offord | Oct 3, 2022
Specialized structures in plants and animals help attract and mediate communication with bacterial symbionts.
a Hawaiian bobtail squid (Euprymna scolopes) resting on a reflective surface
Reshuffled Genomes May Explain Cephalopods’ Smarts
Sophie Fessl | May 13, 2022
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.
Drawing of white squid-like animal in blue water
Ten-Limbed Octopus Ancestor Described, Named After Biden
Natalia Mesa | Mar 10, 2022
Octopuses were around 82 million years earlier than scientists previously thought—and had two extra limbs at the time.
Cuttlefish, cephalopod, mollusk, mollusca, animal behavior, marshmallow test, cognition, intelligence, evolution
Cuttlefish Delay Gratification, a Sign of Smarts
Asher Jones | Mar 5, 2021
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.
Sperm Whales Confirmed as the Origin of Jetsam Ambergris
Amy Schleunes | Feb 5, 2020
Preserved DNA extracted from the rock-like digestive blobs may offer insights into whale ecology.
Image of the Day: Vampire Squid
Emily Makowski | Sep 11, 2019
The unusual cephalopod was spotted on a recent underwater research expedition.
Image of the Day: Squid Skin
Carolyn Wilke | Mar 13, 2019
The cephalopods use several strategies to manipulate light and produce their colorful patterns.
Image of the Day: Self-Insemination
Carolyn Wilke | Feb 1, 2019
Videos reveal how a female squid fertilizes her eggs—one at a time and without spilling much stored sperm.
Image of the Day: Psychedelic Symbiosis
The Scientist Staff | Jul 12, 2017
Thanks to the bioluminescent bacteria inhabiting its light organ, the vividly colored southern bobtail squid (Euprymna tasmanica) can glow in the dark. 
Image of the Day: Lighting Up the Sea
The Scientist Staff | Mar 21, 2017
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.
Behavior Brief
Jenny Rood | May 21, 2015
A round-up of recent discoveries in behavior research
Squid-Inspired Stickers
Jenny Rood | Mar 24, 2015
Scientists develop tape coated with cephalopod proteins to reflect infrared light.
Behavior Brief
Jenny Rood | Feb 6, 2015
A round-up of recent discoveries in behavior research
Squid-Inspired Electric Elastomer
Jyoti Madhusoodanan | Sep 17, 2014
Polymer changes color and texture in response to remote signals. 
The Telltale Tail
Rina Shaikh-Lesko | May 1, 2014
A symbiotic relationship between squid and bacteria provides an alternative explanation for bacterial sheathed flagella.
Groovy Color
Dan Cossins | Jul 1, 2013
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
Giant Squid Are a Single Species
Kate Yandell | Mar 20, 2013
Arciteuthis from disparate locations around the world are genetically similar.
Cephalopod-Inspired Robot
Jef Akst | Aug 17, 2012
A color-changing machine mimics the rubbery body and flexible movements of octopuses, squid, and cuttlefish.
Behavior Brief
Hayley Dunning | Jul 24, 2012
A round-up of recent discoveries in behavior research