Much of biology focuses on how genetic changes mediate new functions, but less attention is given to adaptations in other steps of the central dogma. Octopuses exhibit complex nervous systems and soph...

Certain shallow-water species carry a mutation that reduces translation errors and prevents toxic protein buildup

A break in these octopuses’ protein-making machinery boosts their accuracy. Plus, a Nobel-prizewinner has left the United States for China and the effects of microgravity on the brain.

A newly discovered change in ribosomal RNA makes protein production more precise, potentially safeguarding these cephalopods’ complex nervous systems

The octopus is a biological oddity. It can use tools, open jars, and its complex nervous system supports as many neurons as a small primate. Now Harvard biologists have discovered a mysterious distinc...

Mitra, Han, Scott, et al. discovered a unique structural adaptation in octopus ribosomes that increases the accuracy of protein synthesis and evolved alongside their elaborate nervous systems.

Sometimes, groundbreaking discoveries begin with what looks like a failed experiment. Researchers in the lab of MCB Professor Nicholas Bellono have discovered that octopuses possess a unique structura...

Certain shallow-water species carry a mutation that reduces translation errors and prevents toxic protein buildup

Much of biology focuses on how genetic changes mediate new functions, but less attention is given to adaptations in other steps of the central dogma. Octopuses exhibit complex nervous systems and soph...