Chicago, United States - January 15, 2025 New research from the University of Chicago has uncovered how octopuses control their extraordinary arm movements with a segmented nervous system, providing them with unparalleled precision. The study, published on January 15, 2025, reveals how the nervous system in each of the octopus's eight arms is divided into segments, allowing for sophisticated control of the animal's suckers. The large nerve cord running down each arm forms a series of segments, enabling octopuses to manipulate their arms with extreme dexterity. This intricate system not only controls movement but also creates a spatial map of each sucker, facilitating complex sensory and motor functions. These suckers, equipped with sensory receptors, can taste and smell objects as octopuses explore their environment, much like combining the functions of a hand, tongue, and nose. The study also compares the structure in octopuses with that of squid, suggesting that this segmented nerve system is specifically evolved for controlling dexterous, sucker-equipped appendages in soft-bodied cephalopods. The researchers believe this segmentation evolved to support the worm-like movements necessary for these creatures to thrive in their environments. The findings highlight the remarkable adaptability and evolutionary solutions found in nature, providing new insights into how cephalopods navigate their complex underwater world. [Credit: Cassady Olson]