There's a Surprising Similarity Between The Brains of Humans And Octopuses

A new discovery suggests that an analogy with the human brain is one of the reasons why octopuses are smart.

A high number of 'jumping genes' or transposons, which are able to duplicate themselves or move around the genome, are found in both the human and the octopus genomes. Transposons are seen as raw materials for evolution.

There are transposons in the part of the brain that handles cognitive abilities that are similar to those in the human brain.

Recent research shows that LINE transposons are regulated in the human brain and that they're most active in the hippocampus, where learning processes are controlled.

The researchers think they may have found a key reason behind the high intelligence exhibited by these marine creatures.

The study suggests that there is more to transposons than they are known to do.

The discovery of an element of the LINE family, active in the brain of the two octopuses species, is very significant because it adds support to the idea that these elements have a specific function that goes beyond copy-and-paste.

The researchers think that we could be looking at an example of convergent evolution, when similar traits develop independently in completely unrelated species, and give the same adaptation, which is superior cognitive abilities.

Scientists continue to find evolutionary tricks and neurological responses that make octopuses more like mammals in terms of structure and activity of the brain.

The brain of the octopus is similar to that of mammals according to a Biologist.

The LINE element is an interesting candidate to be studied to improve our knowledge on intelligence.

The research has appeared in a journal.