US government considers protecting octopuses used in research

Enlarge (credit: NOAA)

While cephalopods have captured the imagination of marine biologists, science fiction writers, and curious individuals, it’s only recently that the public has become significantly interested in learning more about these animals. Part of their appeal has come from recent studies revealing the intelligence behind some of their sophisticated behaviors.

Now, feeding into this growing recognition, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced feedback for proposed guidelines that would, if passed, give various protections to cephalopods studied within a laboratory setting.

This announcement results from years of studies on cephalopod pain sensation, intelligence, and adaptation, combined with letters to US Congress members about the humane treatment of cephalopods.