Octopuses Edit RNA to Adapt to Temperature Changes
TL;DR
Octopuses can recode proteins in their nerve cells through RNA editing to protect their brains from changes in temperature, according to a new study. RNA editing allows octopuses to produce different neural proteins in warm and cool environments, helping them to adapt to fluctuations in temperature. The study found that RNA editing occurs quickly and is widespread among octopus species and squid. The discovery could help explain other facets of octopus behavior, including their ability to camouflage and solve puzzles.
Topics:healthscience#marine-biology#nervous-system#octopuses#rna-editing#science#temperature-adaptation
- RNA-Editing Octopuses Rewire Their Brains To Cope With Drops In Temperature IFLScience
- Octopuses Can Rewire Their 'Brains' by Editing Their Own RNA on The Fly ScienceAlert
- Octopuses Redesign Their Own Brains When They Get Chilly Scientific American
- Masters of acclimation: Octopuses adjust to cold by editing their RNA EurekAlert
- Whether water's warm or cold, octopuses tweak RNA in brain to keep head clear NPR
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on IFLScience