Male Octopus (Amphioctopus fangsiao) with Curled Hectocotylus (Upper Left)
Photo by Keijiro Haruki
For male octopuses, protecting a specific arm is crucial. This pivotal appendage, known as the hectocotylus, has a distinct role in reproduction, which makes its preservation vital.
Recent research led by marine biologist Keijiro Haruki from Nagasaki University sheds light on the lengths male octopuses go to safeguard this indispensable limb from damage or predation.
Haruki initiated the study by gently prodding a male octopus’s arms. He observed significant resistance from the octopus whenever he touched its hectocotylus: “This reaction indicated how much this arm matters to male octopuses, akin to how human males react when threatened.”
The hectocotylus (designated R3) of male octopuses is anatomically unique compared to the other seven arms, specifically designed for sperm transfer during mating.
Male octopuses possess a single testicle situated within the mantle (the bulbous part at the rear of the head), where sperm are produced and stored in structures called spermatophores.
During mating, the male octopus inserts the tip of his hectocotylus into the female. Before ejaculation, the hectocotylus is rolled into a tubular shape, allowing the male to force water through it and push the spermatophore into the female.
To understand how octopuses safeguard their essential third arm, Haruki’s team studied 32 male and 41 female pygmy octopuses (Octopus Parvas).
Among the sample, 13 females were missing their R3 arm, but only one male lacked this vital appendage. Various experiments compared the usage of R3 between genders.
Male Octopus Parvus Exploring During Experiment (Lower Right)
Photo by Keijiro Haruki
The first experiment involved placing a lead weight in the center of an aquarium to observe how the octopuses used their limbs to investigate. It was found that significantly more females than males employed their R3 arm to explore the novel object.
In a subsequent test, frozen shrimp were presented in a box within the tank. Males exhibited a tendency to explore with their other seven arms far longer before risking the use of their hectocotylus.
Haruki concludes that this elaborate arm usage system likely evolved because safeguarding one specialized arm is less costly than enlarging the male’s penis.
When a male loses R3, his mating activity halts until a new one regenerates, which can take several months. Nevertheless, Haruki notes that such losses are rare, indicating that males effectively protect this crucial arm from harm.
Sure! Here’s an SEO-optimized rewrite of the content while retaining the HTML tags:
Killer Whales Face Cannibalism Risks
François Gouy/VWPics/Alamy
Recent observations by biologists indicate the occurrence of orca-on-orca predation in the North Pacific, suggesting that such cannibalistic behavior may be a reason why certain killer whales travel in extensive family groups.
There are two primary subspecies of killer whales (Orcinus orca) in the North Pacific Ocean. Transient killer whales, commonly known as Biggs killer whales, are nomadic, forming dynamic hunting pods to pursue seals, dolphins, and other whales. In contrast, resident killer whales maintain large family-oriented groups and stay close to their maternal ties throughout their lives. These residents disperse to hunt fish individually but reunite for resting or traveling.
Though it is believed that the two subspecies rarely interact, Sergey Fomin from the Russian Institute of Pacific Geography has recorded instances of aggressive encounters. While walking along the eastern shores of Bering Island, he noted bite marks on the dorsal fins of beaked and minke whales, remnants of predation by hungry killer whales. However, during the summer of 2022, he discovered a bloodied orca fin on the beach—its origin would be revealed two years later.
Through genetic analysis, it was found that the fin belonged to a southern killer whale, leading Fomin and colleagues to hypothesize that it was likely consumed by a Biggs killer whale.
Most toothed whales, including killer whales, exhibit fluid social structures with their pods changing frequently. The mystery of why southern killer whales form large family units has sparked scientific intrigue. “I’ve been curious about their social structure for a while, as it’s quite unique among species,” notes Olga Filatova from the University of Southern Denmark.
Upon hearing about the findings of the two dorsal fins and the potential for cannibalism, Filatova was intrigued. It’s possible that resident killer whales band together in large numbers for protection. She, along with Fomin and Ivan Fedutin, has published a study discussing this hypothesis.
Killer whales, being apex predators, rarely experience harassment. However, they have been observed being chased off by smaller pods of pilot whales. They are also known to display aggression towards one another. In 2016, Jared Towers of Bay Cetology reported witnessing a pod of Biggs killer whales attacking and killing a newborn. Towers speculated that because the calf was not consumed, this aggression was likely aimed at inducing sexual receptivity in the mother.
While it’s uncertain if the whales at Bering Island were cannibalized, Towers believes that the unique social structure of the residents likely serves as a defensive mechanism. Experts cannot dismiss the possibility that the fins were damaged during sparring or that the whales were consumed post-mortem. However, because deceased orcas typically sink, this scenario is less plausible.
Researchers can only theorize the reasons behind cannibalism in killer whales, with Filatova suggesting it may arise from necessity. With fur seals and sea lions being common prey on Bering Island, a shortage of food may prompt whales to consider alternative sources. “When food is scarce and a young killer whale presents itself, what choice do they have?” she remarks.
Topics of Discussion:
This version improves keyword optimization while maintaining the integrity of the HTML structure.
Cornflowers and Poppies: Once Regarded as ‘Nuisance Weeds’
Credit: Heather Drake/Alamy
One prevalent myth in traditional gardening is that weeds thrive only in poor soil. The belief is that enhancing soil fertility will banish weeds, offering a simple solution for gardeners—just enrich the soil with nutrients. This notion is appealing; however, let’s examine the facts.
Firstly, what is the actual definition of “weed”? The term “weed” encompasses any plant species growing in undesirable areas, rather than a specific group of related plants. This classification can seem arbitrary and culturally influenced.
Many infamous weeds serve dual purposes, being both valued plants in certain contexts and unwanted ones in others. Take dandelions, for example. They are the most recognized species on herbicide labels in the UK, yet in Singapore, where they are deemed invasive, seeds can fetch nearly $100 in online auctions.
In fact, many of the world’s most invasive plant species were initially introduced as ornamental garden plants. This overlap complicates the clear distinction between “weeds” and decorative plants, suggesting that the term may be losing its relevance.
Commonly recognized weeds often share a vigorous growth pattern. Their rapid establishment, easy reproduction, and adaptability to diverse conditions enable them to flourish in unwanted places. These traits often make them the first colonizers in disturbed or neglected soils, where other species struggle to establish themselves. However, thriving in poor environments doesn’t mean they prefer it.
So, where does the idea that weeds signify poor fertility originate? Like many gardening myths, there’s a kernel of truth here. Enhancing soil fertility can allow for a broader variety of plants to thrive, diminishing the competitiveness of resilient pioneer species. This was notably observed in European farmlands during the 20th century, when synthetic fertilizers boosted grass growth, driving out troublesome weeds like cornflowers and poppies, leading some of these species to the brink of extinction, as seen in England. Ironically, these same plants are now cherished as attractive wildflowers.
So where does this perspective leave us? Given our ever-evolving views on plants, it’s clear that weeds are not reliable indicators of soil quality but rather reflect human preferences and societal trends.
James Wong is a botanist and science writer with a focus on food crops, conservation, and environmental issues. With training from the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, London, he has over 500 houseplants in his compact apartment. Follow him on X and on Instagram @botanygeek.
This rewrite maintains the original HTML structure while optimizing for SEO by enhancing keywords, improving readability, and making the content more engaging.
The latest research aims to thoroughly investigate how wild octopuses utilize their arms within their natural environments. This pioneering study correlates arm movements to the entire animal in intricate, real-world contexts by examining arm dynamics across various settings. The results indicate that all arms are capable of executing all types of actions, yet a distinct pattern of arm specialization was evident. The front arms primarily engage in movements that aid in exploration, whereas the rear arms focus on facilitating locomotion. Additionally, the octopus displayed remarkable adaptability, with a single arm executing multiple actions simultaneously, showcasing coordination among different arms—signifying advanced motor control.
Illustrations of 12 arm actions from various wild octopus behaviors. These cephalopods frequently employ multiple arm actions at once, either on one arm or across several. Image credits: Venice et al., doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-10674-y.
The structure of an octopus arm is intricate, comprising four distinct muscle groups oriented horizontally, vertically, diagonally, and circularly around a central nerve.
This arrangement allows the octopus’s arms to adapt in numerous ways, enabling a variety of actions essential for tasks such as hunting, locomotion, and self-defense.
Despite this complexity, there is still a limited understanding of how wild octopuses utilize and modify their arms.
In this new study, Chelsea Venice and her colleagues at Florida Atlantic University analyzed 25-minute video recordings of wild octopuses filmed in the Atlantic and Caribbean between 2007 and 2015.
The observed octopuses belonged to the species Octopus vulgaris or closely related species such as Octopus insularis and Octopus americanus.
The researchers documented which arms were used each time an octopus exhibited one of 15 distinct behaviors (like crawling).
They also noted the combinations of 12 different arm actions (e.g., curling) and four distinct deformations (e.g., extension) executed by each arm during these activities.
Researchers found that every octopus is capable of transforming all eight arms in four diverse ways, enabling every arm to perform all actions.
The study revealed that both sides of the body utilize arms equally, although the front four arms are more actively engaged than the rear four (64% versus 36%).
The front arms are primarily employed for exploring, while the rear arms primarily assist in movement.
Consequently, two actions are notably more frequent with the rear arms: rolling, where the arm glides along the seabed akin to a conveyor belt, and lifting, where the arm extends vertically downwards.
“Our findings are among the first to demonstrate that octopuses utilize specific limbs for designated tasks—a behavior previously only documented in primates, rodents, and fish,” stated the researchers.
“These discoveries could inform advancements in robotic arms designed to replicate the functionality of the octopus.”
This study was published this week in the journal Scientific Reports.
____
Co Bennice et al. 2025. The flexibility of the octopus arm enhances complex behavior across various natural environments. Sci Rep 15, 31875; doi:10.1038/s41598-025-10674-y
In 2023, UK viewers aged 55 and above consumed almost double the YouTube content compared to the previous year, with 42% tuning in via television, as revealed by a survey from the Communications Regulator Ofcom.
Here, we explore why six individuals over 50 prefer YouTube over traditional broadcast television that they grew up with.
“YouTube feels very personal and engaging.”
YouTube is filled with hidden gems, featuring numerous videos created by everyday people. It offers a plethora of content that surpasses many other streaming services and broadcast channels. Currently, I enjoy reaction videos immensely. One of my favorites is Regeneration Nation TV, where an American duo reacts to music and classic shows like Fawlty Towers. They’re entertaining, and you really feel part of it. This may also be beneficial for those experiencing loneliness; it feels like the people in these videos are right there with you. As a former Samaritan volunteer, I understand loneliness, and YouTube meets a need that others don’t. It’s incredibly personal, allowing you to discover anything and often serving as the best source for what you seek. Lloyd, 62, disabled and unemployed, Kent
“Terrestrial TV feels outdated.”
YouTube provides a vast array of content tailored to my interests and hobbies like music, photography, science, and film critiques. Everything is on demand, with many videos lasting just 15-20 minutes. While we use streaming platforms for dramas and films, I truly appreciate the wealth of live music performances on YouTube, which can’t be matched by traditional television. The niche subjects available, like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop tutorials, are simply not found on broadcast TV. Occasionally, I miss live events (like women’s soccer or Ozzy Osbourne’s funeral), but I don’t feel deprived. Steve, 50s, Customer Service Manager, Gloucestershire
“I appreciate the brevity of YouTube content.”
I enjoy how short the videos on YouTube are, making it easy to catch something while cooking in the kitchen. I prefer it over other streaming platforms. My favorite content features people creating something from nothing, whether it’s an amazing pottery project or restoring an old car. I used to have a TV license, but I canceled it recently, as I found the BBC’s offerings dull and unengaging. At 67, on a state pension, the fee was hard to justify. Andrea, 67, retired care worker, Bedfordshire
“You can explore topics from deep space to quantum theory.”
Traditional TV feels absurd; the idea of watching something at a set time is outdated. I stopped watching it 20 years ago when Tivo came out, and with better broadband and streaming options available now, I can easily avoid the hassle. YouTube outshines others with the ability to explore everything from deep space to quantum theory. I especially enjoy detailed science videos, no matter how technical they are. One of my go-to channels is PBS EONS, which discusses the history of life on Earth. TV tends to drag on, and the episode lengths are often forgettable for me. I keep my TV license just as a precaution; I’ve heard the consequences of not having one can be severe. Stu Smith, 54, IT consultant, Ipswich
“I’ve simply grown tired of terrestrial TV.”
I exclusively watch YouTube now because terrestrial television lacks interesting content. I enjoy travel shows where I can virtually experience adventures like climbing the Himalayas or visiting fabulous restaurants around the globe. Although I used to watch sports, I gave up my TV license two years ago after getting fed up with intrusive ‘celebrities’ dominating shows. I’m not criticizing the presenters, but at my age, I prefer a more serene viewing experience. Gillian, 73, retired secretary, Stratford-upon-Avon
“YouTube is far more tailored for learning or relaxation than TV.”
Having played in several bands and recorded at home, I began using YouTube for help videos on recording with Logic Pro X in 2018. Eventually, I discovered numerous guitar tutors while studying for my Grade 5 classics and shifted to utilizing the platform for science and history documentaries. The access to a wealth of information has been remarkable. I also prefer watching it on TV for increased comfort compared to using a desk or laptop. You can easily scroll through a variety of topics to find something that resonates with you better than what traditional TV offers. YouTube enables a deep, immersive experience, whether you’re learning or relaxing, in a more precise way than conventional television or other streaming platforms. Jerry McCart, 60, Financial Services, Edinburgh.
Many young climate advocates believe Kamala Harris is stronger on environmental issues than Joe Biden.
The Biden administration’s Inflation Control Act was the largest climate change investment in U.S. history, but young environmentalists want even more.
They cited Harris’ record of prosecuting oil companies and her co-sponsorship of the Green New Deal as reasons to support her.
President Joe Biden may have passed the most significant climate change bill in U.S. history, but many young environmental activists say they believe Kamala Harris has a stronger case on the issue.
The heads of 11 groups dedicated to raising young voters’ concern about climate change said Harris’ track record going after big oil companies as a prosecutor and her co-sponsoring of the Green New Deal as a senator made her a more appealing candidate than Biden, despite her victories on environmental issues.
“She has a track record of holding big oil accountable in a way that we haven’t been able to do for the last four years,” said Al-Shainee Ajay, 26, executive director of the Sunrise Movement, which advocates for government intervention to combat climate change.
The Green New Deal Network is a coalition of 19 progressive environmental and social justice organizations, including the Sunrise Movement. I endorsed Harris this week. However, he has never previously voiced his support for Biden.
The Biden administration’s record on climate is relatively good. The biggest investment in climate change For the first time in U.S. history, we have allocated nearly $370 billion to environmental protection efforts; and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act These include investments in clean energy, electric vehicle infrastructure, public transport and strengthening climate resilience.
But several young environmental activists, ages 16 to 29, said those successes have been clouded by the expansion of the fossil fuel industry during Biden’s term.
“Frankly, I’m frustrated that this administration claims to be showing leadership on climate change yet approves so many fossil fuel projects,” said Keanu Arpels Josiah, 19, an organizer with Fridays for Future, an international youth-led climate change group started by Greta Thunberg.
The White House did not respond to a request for comment.
Vice President Harris visited Lake Mead in 2021 and delivered a speech there. Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images file
Dana Fisher, director of the Center for Environment, Community and Equity at American University, said it’s not that young voters are ignoring Biden’s climate change efforts, they just want to see more of them.
“Young people are aware of how serious the climate crisis is, and they know that this is not enough,” Fisher said.
She also said several young environmental activists told her in the spring that they were encouraging their members to refrain from voting in the presidential election altogether.
“I was like, ‘Are you kidding me? Don’t you remember what happened in 2000?'” Fischer said, referring to the slim margin that decided that year’s presidential election. “Of course they didn’t know, because if they were alive, they were in diapers. It’s very hard to take the long view when you’re young.”
Fischer said the young environmental activists she has spoken to seem more likely to vote since Biden dropped out of the race.
Harris’ younger supporters highlight the settlements she won as California’s attorney general. Chevron, BP and ConocoPhillips Regarding handling of hazardous materials.
“Biden is much more moderate in terms of his policy approach, but Kamala is not afraid to really get to the bottom of environmental and climate policy, especially against polluters,” said Iris Zhang, 20, a youth advisory board member at the Global Youth Storytelling and Research Lab, which engages young leaders in climate and environmental justice research.
Harris referenced that early work at several points during her campaign’s early days.
“As District Attorney, I created one of the first Environmental Justice Units in the nation to go after polluters,” she says. July 22 in WilmingtonThe Delaware native spoke about her time as district attorney in San Francisco, when “Donald Trump stood at Mar-a-Lago and told lobbyists for Big Oil that he would do what they said for $1 billion in campaign contributions.”
On September 15, 2020, then-Senator Kamala Harris met with Governor Gavin Newsom and Cal Fire officials to assess the damage caused by the Pine Ridge Creek Fire in California. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images file
Harris’s California background also appears to be resonating with young environmentalists.
Zanagie Artis, 24, co-founder of the climate justice group Zero Hour, said that because California regularly experiences the effects of the climate crisis, including droughts, heat waves and wildfires, “there is a lot of value in empathizing with young people who are fighting so hard for climate justice.”
Young activists pointed to Harris’ climate change policies. 2020 Presidential ElectionAt the time, she pledged to invest $10 trillion over 10 years in climate change efforts, and set a goal of transitioning to a 100% clean energy economy by 2045.
“We want her to be able to set the standard and not just follow the Biden administration’s lead,” said Natalie Bookout, who turned 18 in October and leads the Sunrise Movement chapter in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Sunrise Movement protesters gathered near VP Harris’ Brentwood home on April 14, demanding that she urge President Biden to declare a climate emergency. Robert Gautier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images file
Heather Hargreaves, executive director of campaigns at Climate Power, a communications organization focused on electing climate change leaders, said that among young people, “there may just be a knowledge gap about what President Biden has done over the last three years.”
A Harris campaign spokesman said she plans to strengthen climate change efforts in the Inflation Control Act, but declined to answer a question about whether she has more support than Biden among younger environmentalists.
The spokesperson also said Harris Said in 2019 If elected president, she would ban fracking.I no longer support such bans.
“She doesn’t want to alienate people from fossil fuel states,” Fischer said. “She’s not going to be as progressive as she was in California. But will she be more progressive than Biden? I expect she will.”
Vice President Kamala Harris looks out at the Hyperwall during a discussion on climate change at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, on November 5, 2021. Olivier D’Uglier/AFP via Getty Images file
Harris represents dozens of environmental groups and more than 350 www.nbcnews.com
Will robots eat us? Or will they eat robots? Tech lovers and tech haters alike want to know which will happen first. The answer has now arrived. report The work comes from a team from the University of Electro-Communications in Tokyo and Osaka University in Japan.
Reader Bruce Gitelman alerted us to the synopsis passage: “We developed a pneumatically driven edible robot using gelatin and sugar. We investigated the robot's appearance and impressions when eating it.”
The researchers investigated the psychological reactions of the participants. “We evaluated two conditions: one in which the robot was moving and one in which it was stationary. Our results show that participants perceived a mobile robot differently from a stationary robot. We showed that the robot can be recognized in different ways and elicit different cognitions upon consumption.We also observed differences in the perceived texture when biting and biting the robot under the two conditions.”
This is yet another example of Stephen Sondheim's foresight when he wrote the musical (in previous feedback, I mentioned a case involving a duck and a monkey) Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Sondheim has Sweeney say this: “The history of the world is about who gets eaten and who gets eaten!”
Ketchup inside
Many types of slicable sauces are not yet popular. For now, technical hopes and resources are being poured into ketchup. Not only ketchup eaters, but also food technologists can satisfy their thirst for knowledge to some extent by reading this study. ”Texture and rheological properties of slicable ketchupPublished in the magazine gel.
“There is a lack of knowledge about sliceable ketchup,” explain the authors, who are based at three Iranian institutions: Islamic Azad University, Allameh Tabatabai University, and Institute of Food Science and Technology.
For readers who are not familiar with the field of sliced sauces, they explain: “Ketchup to be used in conjunction with sausages must be viscous as a final product, elastic in terms of textural properties, solid, and, if cool, can be cut and sliced like sausages. If this research is successful, ketchup could become more than just an outer sticky coating. The interior beckons.
The research objective was to “investigate the influence of gelling hydrocolloids on the physical, textural and rheological properties of ketchup and develop new formulations of slicable ketchup and their combined use as fillers in meat products such as sausages.” “to do.”
So, I acquired a rare item called state-of-the-art ketchupree.
Ketchup on glass
The 7th European Conference on Precision Optical Component Manufacturing was held in Teisnach, Germany in 2020, according to feedback on ketchup news that broke just as the coronavirus pandemic was grabbing everyone's attention. It turns out that at the seminar, the manufacturer explained the benefits of applying ketchup to the glass. .
Max Schneckenburger and colleagues at the Center for Optical Technology in Aalen, Germany, introduced their colleagues to what was, to some, a new concept.High-precision glass polishing with ketchup”.
Their presentation explained the benefits of polishing with a “non-conventional” non-Newtonian fluid that “flows slowly under its own weight and acts like a solid under short-term stress as its viscosity increases.”
Therefore, ketchup behaves non-Newtonian in some situations. They admire the behavior. “Tomato ketchup changes its viscosity over time. The longer the ketchup is subjected to shear stress, the lower the viscosity will be. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss polishing glass surfaces with ketchup containing micro-sized Ce. We propose a new process.2O. Besides traditional ketchup, we also tested curry ketchup and organic products. ”
Schneckenburger's team used an industrial robot to guide the polishing head. To Feedback's knowledge, this was the first reported instance of a robot intentionally being placed on top of ketchup on a glass.
Financial jokes
It's fair to wonder if there's a smirk inside the financial industry, hidden deep behind the sombre and serious exterior of the buildings, business suits and hairstyles. Many top financial analysts investigate these laughs in their daily work.
In Feedback's shaky understanding of that concept, this kind of fake smile is a raw, lopsided laugh that you see in plots when you have access to certain types of financial data.
But outside of the industry, few people see these fake smiles.
That obscurity resonates with observations made by economist John Kenneth Galbraith half a century ago about the selected attitudes of financial executives. “No one wants a funny banker,” Galbraith said.
Mark Abrahams hosted the Ig Nobel Prize ceremony and co-founded the magazine Annals of Improbable Research. Previously, he was working on unusual uses of computers.his website is impossible.com
Have a story for feedback?
You can email your article to Feedback at feedback@newscientist.com. Please enter your home address. This week's and past feedback can be found on our website.
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
