Fossilized Ink Sac

Researchers have identified the pigment called eumelanin, a type of melanin, present in 160-million-year-old fossil ink sacs from a cuttlefish-like animal, with chemical similarities to modern animals suggesting this defensive device has not changed much at all.

New Squid Species

As part of the Seamounts Project, a new species of large deep-sea squid (Chiroteuthid family) featuring long, slender bodies and bioluminescent displayes has been discovered in the underwater mountains of the Indian Ocean, one of 74 different squid species identified in this project.

Antarctic Octopus Venom

Researchers have collected and analyzed the venom from Antarctic octopuses (and discovered four new species) in hopes of advancing drug development, as most venom ceases to have an effect in sub-zero temperatures.

Coconut-Carrying Octopus

Scientists have discovered a veined octopus (Amphioctopus marginatus) in Indonesia that carries and prepares coconut shells for shelter, possibly the first evidence of the use of tools by an invertebrate species.