Rory Arnold is the Editor of Earth.com and contributes a wide variety of content for the site. He graduated from New York University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Media, Culture, &amp; Communication. He loves dogs and giraffes.

Rory Arnold

Rodielon Putol

Kyla is based out of California and serves as the Earth.com weekend editor. Kyla has written for numerous news outlets and has been a key contributor to the growth and development of Earth.com.

Kyla Cathey

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Kay Vandette is a freelance writer and has written everything from film and food reviews to travel and lifestyle articles.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">She has been featured in national publications and blogs and runs a website dedicated to providing tips for beginner freelance writers.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Kay is passionate about living a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle and loves writing for Earth.com.</span></p>

Kay Vandette

Katherine has a background in environmental policy and believes in information sharing and education to address the challenge of climate change. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her cat and husband and enjoys nature, yoga and cooking.

Katherine Bucko

As a serial entrepreneur, Eric Ralls has long aspired to merge technology with a love for nature and our planet. Founder at Earth.com, EarthSnap, PlantSnap, redOrbit.  "My goal has always been to bring people back to nature, to help them realize that humanity is a part of nature, not 'apart' from nature," says <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="xn-person">Eric Ralls</span></a>, Founder and CEO of EarthSnap. "Homosapiens are only one species out of over 8 million species of life with whom we share this planet. Yet humanity treats the earth like it is ours alone to do with as we please, even though we've only been here for a few hundred thousand years out of the 3.5 billion years that this beautiful blue marble has been zipping through the universe."

Eric Ralls

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Connor Ertz lives in Boston and works as the Marketing Writer for Boston Children's Hospital's Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center. He holds degrees in Biology and Chemistry from Gettysburg College, and has been writing for science and news outlets for the last three years. </span></p>
&nbsp;

Connor Ertz

<span style="font-weight: 400;">In my role as Chief News Editor, I strive to publish studies that are not only fascinating, but also informative. I am grateful for the opportunity to share urgent climate news with Earth.com readers all over the world. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">In order to address the greatest environmental challenge of our lifetime, we must first understand what we are up against. </span>

Chrissy Sexton

<p style="text-align: left;">Andrei Ionescu is a Staff Writer at Earth.com, covering the latest scientific discoveries in fields including health &amp; medicine, climate science, biology &amp; evolution, paleontology, astrophysics, chemistry, and geology. He holds a PhD from the University of Padua, Italy, and conducted extensive interdisciplinary research at the intersection of the sciences and the humanities at universities in various countries, which resulted in publications at Bloomsbury, Johns Hopkins University Press, and Taylor &amp; Francis.</p>

Andrei Ionescu

<span style="font-weight: 400;">I am a biologist at heart, and interested in all aspects of the natural world. I studied a BSc in Zoology and Botany at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, and then received my PhD in Zoology at the same institution. I have subsequently spent much of my life teaching others about the fascinating natural world we have inherited. I am lucky enough to live in South Africa, where wildlife and wild places still abound. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Writing for Earth.com is a privilege as it enables me to keep in touch with the latest research trends while also being able to inform others about the amazing science currently being done in the various fields of biology.</span>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>

Alison Bosman

<p>It's okay to brag on yourself in the workplace, as long as you compliment your co-workers too, according to a new study published in the <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2023-96750-001"><em>Journal of Personality and Social Psychology</em></a><em>.&nbsp;</em></p>



<p>The researchers suggest that this type of "dual promotion" strikes the proper balance of competence and warmth, whereas self-promotion does not typically make the best impression.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giving-credit-to-others">Giving credit to others</h2>



<p>"To create favorable impressions and receive credit, individuals need to share information about their past accomplishments," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Broadcasting one’s past accomplishments or claiming credit to demonstrate competence, however, can harm perceptions of warmth and likability."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"In fact, prior work has conceptualized self-promotion as a hydraulic challenge: tactics that boost perceptions along one dimension (e.g., competence) harm perceptions along other dimensions (e.g., warmth)."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"In this work, we identify a novel approach to self-promotion: We show that by combining self-promotion with other-promotion (complimenting or giving credit to others), which we term “dual-promotion,” individuals can project both warmth and competence to make better impressions on observers than they do by only self-promoting."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers - from Vanderbilt, George Mason University, and the University of Pennsylvania - emphasize the distinction between dual-promotion and ingratiation, which is when an individual speaks highly of someone in their presence to get in their good graces.</p>



<p>Dual-promotion, on the other hand, is when an individual praises the achievements of another person whether or not he or she is present for the conversation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"With dual-promotion, the goal isn't directly about improving relationships with the person being complimented, but rather about demonstrating that you care about this other person to a third party to demonstrate your own warmth and competence," said study co-author Dr.&nbsp; Eric VanEpps, an associate professor of Marketing at Vanderbilt University.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-promotion-dilemma">Self-promotion dilemma</h2>



<p>The researchers suggest that dual promotion is a good strategy to use at a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/money-job-matches-personality/">job</a> interview, but most people don't.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They said that previous studies have identified "so many behaviors" people use to self-promote that academics have coined the term the "self-promotion dilemma."</p>



<p>The team initiated the research with surveys targeting hiring managers. These employers reported that the majority of job candidates they interviewed used only self-promotion (69.1 percent), while the vast minority (12.6 percent) used dual-promotion.</p>



<p>"It seems like people either don't think of talking positively about others in the moment, or they're worried that they would look worse by comparison," said Dr VanEpps.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"But we find over and over that it's good to compliment your colleagues, especially - this is the 'dual' part of dual-promotion - alongside claiming credit for your own abilities and achievements."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-favorable-impressions-nbsp">Favorable impressions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The team also completed seven experiments involving 1,488 participants.</p>



<p>"In seven preregistered studies, including analyses of annual reports from members of Congress and experiments using social network, workplace, and political contexts, we show that individuals who engage in dual-promotion create more favorable impressions of warmth and competence than those who only engage in self-promotion," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>"The beneficial effects of dual-promotion are robust to both competitive and noncompetitive contexts and extend to behavioral intentions."</p>



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Dual promotion: Bragging on your co-workers makes a good impression

It's okay to brag on yourself in the workplace, as...

<p>During a recent deep-sea dive off the coast of Hawaii, scientists encountered a rare and mesmerizing ocean creature known as the “Dumbo octopus."&nbsp;</p>



<p>This remarkable sighting occurred approximately a mile below the ocean's surface, on an unnamed seamount located within the <a href="https://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Papahānaumokuākea</a> Marine National Monument.</p>



<p>The expedition was funded by the <a href="https://nautiluslive.org/video/2023/09/27/cute-dumbo-octopus-eyes-rov-hercules">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association</a> (NOAA).&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dumbo-octopus">Dumbo octopus</h2>



<p>The Dumbo octopus, also known as Grimpoteuthis, belongs to the umbrella <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/octopus-and-squid-senses-linked-to-human-brain-evolution/">octopus</a> family. The nickname "Dumbo" comes from its resemblance to the character in Disney's 1941 film, due to the prominent ear-like fins situated on top of its head. The octopus utilizes these fins to gracefully propel itself through the water, as it searches for food.</p>



<p>The Dumbo <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secret-garden-thermal-springs-accelerate-octopus-egg-hatching-by-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">octopus</a> is usually found in the deep waters of the central Pacific at depths ranging from 1,300 to 13,000 feet. However, some of these intriguing animals have been found as deep as 23,000 feet.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Because they live in such deep, dark environments, their coloration can vary, often appearing in shades of red, pink, brown, or white.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-footage-nbsp">Fascinating footage&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The footage of the Dumbo octopus was captured by the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus, providing a unique opportunity to observe the creature as it effortlessly drifts in the ocean's depths.&nbsp;</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="9KGzHmAd5J-3029266-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>The crew aboard the E/V Nautilus was fortunate enough to witness not just one, but five of these creatures in a single night.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-beautiful-experience">A beautiful experience</h2>



<p>Jaina Galves, a video engineer intern who played a role in this discovery, shared her excitement about the experience.</p>



<p>“Each time, you’re kind of just roaming around with the ROV,” said Galves. “Somebody’s like, wait, what is that in the corner, and then everybody starts to gasp, everybody starts to freak out. And everybody’s like Dumbo octopus!"</p>



<p>"So we take the ROV over, we go, and we follow them. They move very slowly and very gracefully, so we get to follow them for quite a while.”</p>



<p>“It depends on what we’re doing and how long we can hang out. But for one of them, we just got to stay for quite a while. Just watched it kind of glide through the water, and it was beautiful.”</p>



<p>Galves told ABC News: “When I saw it on the screen, I couldn’t even say anything. My jaw was just on the floor.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-characteristics">Unique characteristics</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-size">Size</h3>



<p>Overall, scientists have discovered more than a dozen species of dumbo octopuses. The largest individual captured on film was nearly six feet long, according to the environmental group Oceana, but most are much smaller, with an average length of 8 to 12 inches.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-appearance">Appearance</h3>



<p>Dumbo octopuses are characterized by their unique umbrella-shaped appearance when their arms are spread. They possess a soft, gelatinous body, which is an adaptation to the deep-sea environment.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet">Diet</h3>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/are-octopuses-smart/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">octopuses</a> feed on crustaceans, benthic worms, and other small organisms found on the ocean floor. They often swallow their prey whole.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproduction-nbsp">Reproduction&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Unlike many other octopus species, Dumbo <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-octopuses-dream-a-recent-study-shows-octopuses-sleep-is-very-similar-to-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">octopuses</a> do not have a defined breeding season. They can lay eggs at any time, and the young are developed enough to survive on their own immediately after hatching. While their exact lifespan is unknown, it is believed to be about 3 to 5 years.</p>



<p>The species is known for its gentle and passive demeanor, and since it inhabits regions difficult for humans to access, it has not been extensively studied, and much about it remains a mystery.</p>



<p>The E/V Nautilus, owned by the nonprofit organization <a href="https://nautiluslive.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ocean Exploration Trust</a>, is currently exploring the expansive Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. This protected marine area spans over 500,000 square miles in the Pacific, making it larger than all U.S. national parks combined.</p>



<p>---</p>



<p>Video and image credit: NOAA Ocean Exploration via the Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute</p>



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<p>.</p>

Rare "Dumbo octopus" captured on film and video in Hawaii

During a recent deep-sea dive off the coast of Hawaii,...

Red,Aurora,(northern,Lights),Over,Mono,Lake,In,A,Rare

<p>This week, the world bore witness to a spectacular celestial display of red auroras, as a powerful solar storm collided with Earth’s magnetic field, painting the night sky with vibrant hues of red. </p>



<p>Skywatchers from Europe to North America were treated to this stunning light show, particularly those in regions with clear skies. Some observers described the display as the '<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/aurora-borealis_red_green_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holy Grail of Northern Lights</a>', given the rarity of witnessing red auroras, especially as far south as France and Kansas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collision-of-natural-forces">Collision of natural forces</h2>



<p>Solar storms result from the expulsion of charged particles from the Sun, known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-solar-wind-which-creates-beautiful-auroras-on-earth-is-now-less-mysterious/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar winds</a>. These winds interact with Earth's magnetosphere, and our planet’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/earths-magnetic-field-origin-structure-and-impact-on-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic field</a> captures and directs these particles toward high-latitude regions near the magnetic poles. </p>



<p>The collisions between these charged particles and atoms and molecules in Earth’s atmosphere, like oxygen and nitrogen, energize them. This results in beautiful light shows in various colors, creating the mesmerizing phenomenon known as <a href="https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/aurora/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">auroras</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-palette-of-the-skies">The palette of the skies</h2>



<p>Different gases and altitudes result in the emission of different colors. Oxygen at higher altitudes emits red light, while at lower altitudes it produces green light. Nitrogen, on the other hand, can produce purples, blues, and pinks. </p>



<p>Green is the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/catch-the-aurora-borealis-in-iceland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">most prevalent aurora color</a> due to the optimal conditions and altitudes for producing the green wavelength. This often creates a breathtaking spectacle as the lights ripple, dance, and shimmer across the night sky. However, during strong auroral displays, red, purple, and blue may also appear, adding to the splendor of the visual feast.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-red-auroras-a-scarlet-spectacle">Red auroras -- A scarlet spectacle</h2>



<p>Red auroras are particularly enchanting, resulting from high-energy electrons colliding with oxygen atoms at altitudes above 200 miles. The longer wavelength of red light allows it to travel farther distances and often appear at the lower edges of an aurora. </p>



<p>The red hue isn’t as common as green, occurring less frequently due to its reliance on collisions at higher altitudes. During active displays, the red dances above the green, creating an unparalleled natural light show.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-impact">Unexpected impact</h2>



<p>Although experts had predicted a solar storm for September 24, the strength of the impact surpassed expectations. The flare from the Sun triggered a potent geomagnetic storm above Europe, illuminating the skies of Scotland, Iceland, and the Netherlands with bright green and red auroras. It later traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to North America, extending as far south as Kansas and Nebraska.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-year-of-celestial-wonders">A year of celestial wonders</h2>



<p>For aurora chasers, this year has been notably thrilling, with several astonishing displays of northern lights reaching unusually far south. The last red aurora observed was in February, and the frequency of such events is attributed to a surprisingly active <a href="https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/solar-cycles/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar cycle</a>. </p>



<p>Some eruptions were so powerful that they triggered radio blackouts in the US in June. As we are heading toward the peak of an approximately 11-year cycle of solar activity, more spectacular displays might be on the horizon.</p>



<p>Experts at <a href="https://earthsky.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSky</a> noted on September 26, “Sun activity is back to low, but we saw filament eruptions all over the solar disk, particularly in the northeast and northwest. These filaments hurled ejecta into space, and we await the results of specialist analysis to determine if a component of those blasts is coming our way.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-red-auroras-expected">More red auroras expected</h2>



<p>Aurora enthusiasts are indeed in eager anticipation for more of these celestial ballets in the sky, a vivid reminder of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of our universe. This extraordinary display of red auroras, historically perceived by some as ominous harbingers of war or tragedy, today unites people in wonder, illuminating the skies with its rare and ethereal beauty.</p>



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Vibrant red northern lights ignited the skies this week

This week, the world bore witness to a spectacular celestial...

Woman,With,Her,Dog

<p>Researchers at <a href="https://www.gwu.edu/">George Washington University</a> have explored the unspoken language of loyal companionship shared between humans and their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-do-small-dogs-live-longer-than-large-breeds/">dogs</a>. The study reveals intriguing insights about how dogs' facial markings can be indicative of the depth of their bonds with their human owners.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-canine-communication-nbsp">Canine communication&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Over 65 million households in the United States currently enjoy the love and dedication of canine companions, as reported by Statista. These beloved pets are famous for their affectionate and loyal nature. Yet, the essence of the powerful connection formed between humans and dogs has remained a mystery.</p>



<p>The new study sheds light on this mystery by delving into the possible implications of dogs’ facial markings on human-canine relationships.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The report suggests that dogs with simpler facial markings, such as those with a single color or without any patterns and spots, tend to be more expressive when interacting with humans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-dogs-facial-markings">Studying dogs' facial markings</h2>



<p>Expressiveness in dogs refers to the various ways dogs communicate with both humans and other animals through physical gestures, facial expressions, vocalizations, and body language.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This ability plays a crucial role in establishing and maintaining strong bonds between dogs and their owners.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



<p>For the investigation, the researchers observed 100 dogs along with their respective owners across four different scenarios.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Each dog's behavior was scrutinized using the Dog Facial Action Coding System (DogFACS). This innovative system enables researchers to quantify and evaluate the dogs’ facial markings and expressions.</p>



<p>The results showed a remarkable degree of accuracy among owners of middle-aged dogs (aged two to seven years) in interpreting their pets' expressiveness, particularly if the dogs had simple facial markings.</p>



<p>Participants were also surveyed about various dog demographics and their aptitude at discerning their pet’s expressions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-welfare">Dog welfare</h2>



<p>“As dogs become more and more integrated into human society, it’s important that we understand how they communicate with us and how we can better communicate with them,” said study lead author Courtney Sexton.</p>



<p>“If we think about this in terms of welfare contexts, or dogs in shelters, or working dogs and service animals, or interactions with dogs in your neighborhood or people at a dog park, knowing what dogs are trying to tell us and what they might be thinking or feeling can really enhance both their experience and ours when we’re together.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers noted that senior dogs tend to be less expressive toward their human partners.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to Sexton, this may be attributed to the established rapport older dogs share with their owners, reducing the need for overt expressiveness to communicate effectively.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By contrast, working dogs and those with extensive training were observed to be more expressive, likely because clear communication is imperative in their roles.</p>



<p>Understanding canine expressiveness can immensely benefit both dogs and their human companions by promoting better communication and stronger bonds.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expressiveness-in-dogs">Expressiveness in dogs</h2>



<p>Understanding a dog’s expressiveness is important for responsible pet ownership as it helps in interpreting the animal’s needs, emotions, and well-being accurately.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By paying close attention to a dog’s various forms of expression, owners can build stronger, more empathetic relationships with their furry companions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facial-markings-of-dogs">Facial markings of dogs</h3>



<p>Dogs have an array of facial expressions that they use to convey different emotions and intentions. For instance, the raising of eyebrows, exposing teeth, and movements of the ears can all signal different states of mind, ranging from excitement and contentment to anxiety and aggression.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vocalizations">Vocalizations</h3>



<p>Dogs communicate vocally through barks, whines, growls, and howls. Each vocalization can carry different meanings depending on its pitch, duration, and frequency.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, a high-pitched bark might indicate excitement or attention-seeking, while a low growl could signal discomfort or warning.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-body-language">Body language</h2>



<p>Dogs utilize their entire body to communicate. The position of the tail, the stiffness or relaxation of the body, and the way a dog approaches or avoids something all provide crucial cues about what the dog is feeling or intending.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-humans">Learning from humans</h3>



<p>Research shows that dogs are adept at reading human emotions and facial expressions. Dogs can understand human smiles, frowns, and even the direction of a person’s gaze, adjusting their behavior in response to these cues.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-variations-in-expressiveness">Variations in expressiveness</h3>



<p>Different breeds and individual dogs can vary significantly in their levels of expressiveness. For example, some breeds are known for being more vocal, while others are renowned for their expressive eyes or energetic body language.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-training-and-socialization">Training and socialization</h3>



<p>A dog’s expressiveness can also be shaped by training and socialization. Dogs that have been well-socialized from a young age are typically more comfortable expressing themselves and are better at interpreting the expressions and cues of others.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-age-related-changes">Age-related changes</h3>



<p>As dogs age, there might be changes in their expressiveness. Senior dogs may not be as energetically expressive as their younger counterparts, but they often develop a deep understanding and communication rhythm with their owners, as noted in the study.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-implications">Health implications</h3>



<p>Changes in a dog’s normal expressive behavior can also be indicative of health issues. For instance, a usually expressive and energetic dog becoming suddenly withdrawn and quiet might be experiencing pain or discomfort.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <em>Animals</em>.</p>



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Dogs’ facial markings influence how they bond with humans

Researchers at George Washington University have explored the unspoken language...

<p>Although waters near the Antarctic contain high levels of dissolved salt and can remain just above, or even below, freezing points, certain organisms have evolved to thrive in these challenging conditions. This cold environment would be fatal to species accustomed to the warmer climes of the north. However, nature has a way of adapting to extremities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-research-nbsp">Focus of the research&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.mbl.edu/">Marine Biological Laboratory</a> (MBL) has investigated the cold adaptations of an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/octopuses-social-mdma/">octopus</a> species residing in the Southern Ocean, a region surrounding Antarctica.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts examined how extreme cold had influenced a pivotal enzyme in the octopus’s nervous system, offering new insights into the vast array of adaptations that enable life in extreme settings.</p>



<p>“We looked in real detail at a very important enzyme for the nervous system, the sodium-potassium pump, and we asked, ‘Where do we see most of these sites of adaptation?,’” said Joshua Rosenthal, a senior scientist at MBL.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enzyme-activity-nbsp">Enzyme activity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>For all living organisms, temperature plays a significant role since enzymes, which initiate myriad biochemical reactions, rely on thermal energy or heat. As temperatures drop, enzyme activity diminishes, coming to an eventual standstill.</p>



<p>Unlike some animals, such as humans, that can generate heat internally, octopuses lack this capability.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Yet, these marine creatures have managed to exist in Antarctic waters, where the cold reduced the rate of their enzymatic reactions up to 30-fold. This poses a challenge for their nervous systems, which depend on a series of well-synchronized reactions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“When you slow them all down to such a degree, it’s a big question: How do they adapt?” Rosenthal pondered.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cold-adaptation">Cold adaptation</h2>



<p>While scientists have previously explored cold adaptation in numerous proteins, they often overlooked those embedded in cellular membranes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These proteins are crucial for tasks like ion transport within cells. The focal protein of this study, the Na+/K+-ATPase, plays a role in maintaining electrical gradients essential for neuron communication.</p>



<p>In past studies, Rosenthal, alongside Miguel Holmgren from the <a href="https://www.ninds.nih.gov/">U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke</a> and a summer Whitman investigator at MBL, discovered that the sodium-potassium pumps of an Antarctic octopus (genus<em> Pareledone</em>) were less hindered by cold compared to those of the two-spot octopuses (<em>Octopus bimaculatus</em>) living in temperate regions, such as near California.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amino-acid-variations">Amino acid variations</h2>



<p>The researchers compared the amino acid composition of the two pumps to identify differences. They pinpointed specific amino acid variations, assessing their significance by exchanging them between pumps. This exchange revealed three pivotal variations enabling the pump to function efficiently in nearly freezing conditions.</p>



<p>One specific variation, termed L314V, emerged as particularly crucial. Modifying this amino acid could eliminate the pump’s cold-resilient nature.</p>



<p>Upon examining these variations within the pump’s structure, the scientists found them located at the protein’s edge, adjacent to the lipid-rich membrane. For instance, the L314V variation might optimize the pump’s movement against the membrane, thus enhancing its efficiency.</p>



<p>“It makes sense to us” that the interface between the protein and the membrane would be a site for such adaptations, Holmgren explained. “Once we have studied more membrane proteins, I think we will see more examples of this.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p><em>Image Credit: Tom Kleindinst/Marine Biological Laboratory</em></p>



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Experts identify cold adaptations in nervous system of Antarctic octopus

Although waters near the Antarctic contain high levels of dissolved...