[Animals] Octopus brains are capable of storing complex memories and emotions, a study reveals

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For the first time in history, a study confirms that the activity of the octopus brain generates electrical waves similar to those of the human nervous system.
dreams. Deep and complex emotions. Vivid memories of past events. These are all processes that the brain of octopuses can digest. A recent study published in Cell recorded for the first time evidence of the workings of the mind in these marine animals.

Using electrode implants in a controlled laboratory environment, the researchers were able to record electrical waves in the octopus's brains that closely resemble human nerve activity. Everything was recorded in a series of recordings, which the researchers compared with the brain activity of other sensitive mammals. This was what they found.

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A sensitive and complex memory center

It is not news that octopuses—as well as other cephalopods, such as cuttlefish—are intelligent and sensitive animals. So much so, that in June 2021 the United Kingdom discussed a law that considers these animals as sentient beings. Never before, however, had it been certain that their nervous activity allowed them to dream and have complex feelings—until now.

According to a team of researchers from the University of Naples (Italy), the brain of octopuses has developed so much that it allows them to camouflage themselves, create weapons and build their own houses - even with the garbage that pollutes the beaches.

Although these abilities have been documented, the octopus brain is difficult to analyze. Especially since they're smart enough to remove their tracking devices if they're bothered.

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at 2Hz
Still, the study authors devised a non-invasive technique, which allowed them to record the brain activity of these cephalopods. It turned out, according to Tamar Gutnick, the study's lead author, that the brain activity of octopuses has patterns similar to those of mammals. Specifically, at the level of the hippocampus, the complex memory center:

"BUT WE ALSO SEE UNIQUE PATTERNS, 2-HZ ACTIVITY, WHICH HAVE NEVER BEEN REPORTED IN OTHER ANIMALS," THE SPECIALIST EXPLAINS TO LIVE SCIENCE.

Researchers still don't know exactly what these frequencies are for. However, they also found brain waves known to control sleep-wake cycles in other animals. "In vertebrates, this is the key to finding patterns in brain activity that help us understand how the brain coordinates behavior," concludes the specialist.

https://www.ngenespanol.com/animales/como-funciona-el-cerebro-de-los-pulpos/