If Your Hands Could Smell, You’d Be an Octopus | Deep Look

Those hundreds of powerful suckers on octopus arms do more than just stick. They actually smell and taste. This contributes to a massive amount of information for the octopus’s brain to process, so octopuses depend on their eight arms for help. (And no, it's not 'octopi.')
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Everyone knows that an octopus has eight arms. And similar to our arms it uses them to grab things and move around. But that’s where the similarities end. Hundreds of suckers on each octopus arm give them abilities people can only dream about.
“The suckers are hands that also smell and taste,” said Rich Ross, senior biologist and octopus aquarist at the California Academy of Sciences.
Suckers are “very similar to our taste buds, from what little we know about them,” said University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, cephalopod biologist William Kier.
If these tasting, smelling suckers make you think of a human hand with a tongue and a nose stuck to it, that’s a good start. It all stems from the unique challenges an octopus faces as a result of having a flexible, soft body.
“This animal has no protection and is a wonderful meal because it’s all muscle,” said Kier.
So the octopus has adapted over time. It has about 500 million neurons (dogs have around 600 million), the cells that allow it to process and communicate information. And these neurons are distributed to make the most of its eight arms. An octopus’ central brain - located between its eyes - doesn’t control its every move. Instead, two thirds of the animal’s neurons are in its arms.
“It’s more efficient to put the nervous cells in the arm,” said neurobiologist Binyamin Hochner, of Hebrew University, in Jerusalem. “The arm is a brain of its own.”
This enables octopus arms to operate somewhat independently from the animal’s central brain. The central brain tells the arms in what direction and how fast to move, but the instructions on how to reach are embedded in each arm.
Octopuses have also evolved mechanisms that allow their muscles to move without the use of a skeleton. This same muscle arrangement enables elephant trunks and mammals’ tongues to unfurl.
“The arrangement of the muscle in your tongue is similar to the arrangement in the octopus arm,” said Kier.
In an octopus arm, muscles are arranged in different directions. When one octopus muscle contracts, it’s able to stretch out again because other muscles oriented in a different direction offer resistance - just as the bones in vertebrate bodies do. This skeleton of muscle, called a muscular hydrostat, is how an octopus gets its suckers to attach to different surfaces.
--- How many suction cups does an octopus have on each arm?
It depends on the species. Giant Pacific octopuses have up to 240 suckers on each arm.
--- Do octopuses have arms or tentacles?
Octopuses have arms, not tentacles. “The term ‘tentacle’ is used for lots of fleshy protuberances in invertebrates,” said Kier. “It just happens that the eight in octopuses are called arms.”
--- Can octopuses regrow a severed arm?
Yes!
---+ Read the entire article on KQED Science:
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---+ For more information:
The octopus research group at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem: • Archerfish Says..."I S...
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Watch These Frustrated Squirrels Go Nuts!
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#deeplook

[@ForeheadSweat]

The popping sounds are so cute lol

[@КатяОсипова-ш6э]

Fry Well Done ми

[@awesomeeliam7882]

Fry Well Done yup pop cute

[@yixizhang7088]

Fry Well Done on

[@harushisan5422]

Hahahalol

[@MilkyiiMisa]

It sounds so satisfying

[@meiguess607]

Lauren's first episode! Good luck girl, You rock!

[@bluetannery1527]

Rayane Allaoua her delivery style is super similar to Amy's in my opinion. it's nice to stay familiar :p

[@jacobosmith6115]

Those sound effects are eddited in! Sorry to ruin your fun

[@pbsvoices]

Welcome, Lauren! We're so happy to have you on the team :D.

[@MM-tn9cf]

*D:*

[@mrbanjofrog]

PBi

[@gumball1216]

Peanut Butter Strugles Digital Studios right?

[@kinkileung6150]

M M ，。 一，

[@roboticeggs]

M M XD

[@willrun4fun]

Dang, that's alot of hickeys.

[@GoldenRockefeller]

Well, it's valentines day.

[@earthdragon7129]

Andy R lol

[@mochii1908]

Lol😂😂

[@sheilafelton9830]

i hate you 🤒🎉🤦

[@Rugod26]

Lol

[@zentouro]

awesome video! at my college's lab we always had to lock the octopus tank so she wouldn't escape. she stole my friend's gopro once and took a bunch of selfies too.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

WHAT! Pictures plz or it didn't happen.

[@zentouro]

those pics got 'em on the front page of reddit: www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/2xst4q/i_tried_to_get_some_photos_of_an_octopus_but_it/

[@KQEDDeepLook]

These are HILARIOUS.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

BTW, your videos are great! We're subscribers to your channel. Go science!

[@zentouro]

ah thank you! i appreciate that :) :) science4ever

[@Daria-Morgendorffer]

Glad i'm not an octopus....just imaganing all the time i've had to pick up something gross like a diaper, at least i couldn't smell and taste it as well

[@shyamsunder9719]

Eeewwwuuuuu !!!!!!! Well said 😌😰

[@HarpsiFizz]

If you were an octopus, you wouldn't need to pick up a diaper.

[@fasihaaziz6019]

you're amazing Lauren...but still miss you Amy..😘

[@NewMessage]

* Sniffs fingers * But.. my hands do smell.. like garlic.. * sniff * Hm.

[@Brick9]

New Message mine smell like sausages

[@alexwang982]

New Message my feet smell

[@earthdragon7129]

Nova Frostwalker Ovan if ur a 🦌 shouldn’t ur hooves smell like the earth and grass

[@adoredaubergine2682]

Y-your an octopus

[@Ein333]

*SOMEBODY ONCE TOLD ME THE WORLD IS GONNA ROLL ME*

[@stevenhuang4674]

you guys deserve more subscribers

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thanks! SPREAD THE WORD.

[@sjejjoeoeo3563]

Deep Look Spread the word? Ok! THE WORD THE WORD THE WORD THE WORD THE WORD

[@James-wk5ex]

Sjejj Oeoeo3 omg 😂😁😁

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Ttttttttttttthhhhhhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeeeeeee wwwwwwwwoooooooooorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrddddddddddddd

[@hazelfrost92]

ik, this channel is so interesting and cool! 6.6

[@ameer.zainal]

Nooo! Amy.... Deeplook will never be the same without you ;_; Oh and hi Lauren. Welcome.

[@white_exe8053]

Lol

[@akinoreh]

And now, Lauren is leaving :|

[@gegasmeef7850]

@@akinoreh yoo fr!! Waaah!!

[@Jillybean711]

I love Octopuses. they're so cute and incredibly intelligent, and kinda goofy. Especially the ones that climb into a conch shell and walk across the ocean floor. xD

[@ianmacfarlane1241]

Jillybean711 Octopii - just so you know. I wasn't trying to be shooting you down, just passing on info. 😊

[@lapisangstylazuli]

Ian Macfarlane they are both ok but "octopuses" is more correct in a way, as well as octopodes

[@ianmacfarlane1241]

Jillybean711, sorry it has been brought to my attention that you are in fact correct. Octopii it seems is entirely correct as the plural of octopus, however it's is now becoming objectionable, and that the answer given by Lapis Angsty Lazuli, (and used by yourself) is now considered preferable, especially in the UK and the USA. Sincerest apologies. Thank you for your interjection Lapis Angsty Lazuli. I'm away to bury my head in my pillow😳

[@lapisangstylazuli]

Ian Macfarlane good night hahaha

[@Jillybean711]

+Ian Macfarlane It's fine. XD Everybody makes mistakes. I'm sure you'd much prefer a nice calm and collected correction than a rather rude one. x3

[@Pheonix19581]

I feel so lucky to have found this channel!!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

And we are lucky to have you too.

[@betoest93]

Wish her nothing but the best! Let's get the new girl a warm welcome hopefully she feels it

[@bacci8048]

Welcome Lauren! Amazing content and quality as always. Thanks to the whole team for these awesome videos =D

[@MysterOwle]

Cool profile picture!

[@nehatheturtle543]

the sounds in every video are so satisfying

[@electracatforever3356]

0:57 Keeper: i have to go now Octopus: *hugs keeper's hand* Keeper: oh my gosh-

[@BlackEagle352]

I want it on my back somehow. Lol

[@seiramikagura7756]

BlackEagle352 yeah I need it to scratch my back LOL XD

[@rahulenork]

BlackEagle352 just think how it would look ...loooool

[@WoodenWeaponry]

Lauren does a great job! Oh, and also: Great quality, as always :)

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thanks! We appreciate the feedback.

[@FuiroLair]

1:02 is actually pretty cute. He’s giving his keeper a hug

[@needpit1]

Underrated channel af

[@maryhiney13]

These beautiful creatures do not deserve to be eaten alive.

[@pumpkxnz_11]

Fun Facts about octopus!: Flapjack Octopus is An cutest Type of octopus!

[@Dreadpirate46]

Great video! And great first episode, Lauren! The octopus is one of my favorite animals. Watching them move in water is like poetry in motion. One could say I'm a....sucker for them!

[@eiserntorsphantomoftheoper2154]

one of my favorite animals. I like how they can fit through any opening larger than their beak. Octopuses are cool. And yes Octopi is considered incorrect.

[@Rocko76]

Octopuses are genius: for me one of the most brilliant and incredible creatures of the underwater world. They can change shape, color and they are very smart. That's why I have it tattooed on my right arm..

[@jaguar4120]

I love how the music plays in the background and it intensifies when the octopus is doing something. 🥰😍

[@oofinsmorcht9341]

We TOTALLY look forward to more videos with Lauren!!

[@heisyahweh7148]

For your first episode, you did great! I didn't even notice the difference in voice, that's how great you did. Cheers to future episodes!

[@theponydalek7923]

"The central brain doesn't call the shots" Spider-Man 2 was right on the mark

[@devandevan1403]

Smell is basically taste. And it takes a tongue to taste. So basically what they’re saying is if your skin was covered in taste buds- like a tongue, you’d be an octopus

[@k.r.99]

"Hey Squidward, what do you think of this sauce?" Squidward: *dips his tentacle into the sauce and leaves it in the sauce* "Mmm, nice, tasty."

[@Jrãgaoh]

I feel like the reason Octopi have big heads is because they need such a big brain just to operate that body. Camouflage, 100s of individual muscles controlling the suckers that can grab, smell and taste on 8 individual arms that are like long muscular noodles, they spray ink, they are crafty and great problem solvers, incredible range of movements they can do. Writing this as I watch and listen, and literally and learning that this thing basically has multiple brains all working together. Wow.

[@fynnshipman1604]

Watching you guys from thailand 🇹🇭 you guys are the most easy understanding channel for knowledge and your quality of videos push the limits even more. Keep up the good work

[@GamalKevin]

Wow. How can a channel this good has modest subscribers?

[@Trixiegirl88]

Excellent job Lauren! Amy has an adoring crowd (rightfully so) and I'm sure you knew people would miss her, but the transition was seamless. Can't wait for the next video!

[@earlandreiluisluis9231]

Lauren my fav Deep Look narrator 😍

[@xFlea]

editing is next level, I like :)

[@cyrilpatricebernardino4591]

Oh! You've covered my favorite marine animal! New HD footage of octopuses! And by Josh Cassidy. Happy Valentine's Day to me! Thank you, Deep Look! :)

[@josephinestern214]

2:53 Hey baby, come over here. Yeah. *nOM nOM*

[@ranbirkaur1078]

Great video! Reading the title I thought immediately that my hands can smell too if I cut garlic. My nose can run, hair can stand, skin itch, feet smell

[@tyshawnstubbs9315]

*What did the octopus said to the police during his get away???* *Octopus: so long "suckers"*

[@ultimaterecyclebin1455]

0:25 Octopus: *HUMANS!!! OH REALLY!? TIME FOR ANOTHER EXPERIMENT?? I'M OLD!!!*

[@TopsyTriceratops]

If these poor guys weren't so threatened environmentally and by people, I'd be ultra jealous. Seriously, they got so many perks.

[@yotamshitrit6820]

Most mind blowing thing about this: The suckers technically don't stick to the surface, they actually make the surface stick to them instead.

[@IndexMess]

Great new video. I wish there were more :( miss Amy but this new narrator is great too. Keep up the amazing work guys. I always look forward to your videos.

[@diahan9896]

I love the popping sound.. so satisfying :D

[@ChaomPR]

ohh, almost didn't make it through two weeks without an episode. Love the videos!

[@MeTummyHurt]

Omg those popping sound from the sucker is so nice

[@depressed_weighted_B1anket]

Basically this "What is Happening to My Body?" Video for Octopus 🐙

[@idelsena731]

I love octopus, i think they are the most fascinanting animals in the world. I wish work with they someday.

[@_Sorren_]

Gotta love how she never used the word “tentacle” to describe their arms.

[@ricestrange]

Yup, they ain't squids!

[@pingpingbling]

This is my new favorite channel.♥️ Amazing videos.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thanks!

[@ExaPaw]

Great episode, as always! I like Lauren's voice, but would be happy to hear Amy again sometime. Do you guys have any plans on having her narrate again, when Season 2 of The Leap is done?

[@sick_tr1cks]

i was the only one who liked this comment for 6 years and i just randomly found it again wow

[@rociosilverroot2261]

That looked like it hurt to pulll off

[@gabrielaquiros1966]

Hi Janina White. I produced this video. I asked the aquarist we filmed at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Ellen Umeda, how it felt to peel the suckers off her arm. She told me that the hickies feel a little sore. You can read more about what she said in this article I wrote: ww2.kqed.org/science/2017/02/14/if-your-hands-could-smell-youd-be-an-octopus/ Enjoy! -Gabriela

[@rociosilverroot2261]

Gabriela Quiros Thanks I didn't expect an answer. what a nice surprise!

[@haaaaf8087]

1:20 "i Phil Swift here for Flex Tape"

[@karthikd490]

I'm addicted to your videos!!

[@ceciledimalanta3374]

Your videos are so awesome it makes my brother intelligent thx for showing us animals habits

[@KQEDDeepLook]

You are welcome Cecile!

[@denniscuesta7009]

Plungers are so popular even animals took inspiration

[@LKAChannel]

you see, the new host is just as good

[@MUtley-rf8vg]

ehehe... TOLJA SO!!

[@geeworm]

2:42 *Top 10 Most Intense Anime Battles*

[@sawilliams]

Love the sound effects!

[@phineasleon]

I'll miss Amy, but glad to have you Lauren!

[@airalei9562]

Popping sounds: so satisfying!!!!

[@testedalexthegreat1759]

your bids never cease to amaze me

[@mistergrieves]

Kinda crazy that cephalopod aren't more highly evolved. Their 'dexterity' is more impressive than ours.

[@camparmy329]

Why do I think that the octupos' eyes are like a MAD reaction

[@renaterand9314]

Wonderful video. Theres a book about them from a woman who befriended an octopus. They’re so intelligent, curious and gentle too. It’s called “the Soul of an Octopus”

[@mohammad-titan]

Incendiculum,acetabulum, dang those are some harry potter magic there

[@jpante2693]

You sound different today amy.

[@realKhalilG]

Don Freecs Its not Amy

[@maydalynnho2572]

Don Freecs it's Lauren.

[@kopopo23]

wow you guys totally missed the joke lol

[@carlos2004]

She has a cold. It was explained in the previous video.

[@khepow]

Your vid is always so educational & the graphic quality is never short of exceptional :-) Deserves more more subscribers IMHO, Here's an idea, velvet worms, I think they have one of the coolest chemical weapon I've ever seen.

[@superways6209]

Octopus watching this: OHH i didnt know the human being wasnt capable of these kind of things!

[@Kalernor]

At the end I couldn't even tell the difference between the two voices lol

[@iseeyou6985]

*THE HENTAI IS COMING BACK TO ME*

[@Vetonator]

Great Channel!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thanks!

[@chenyingwang6593]

I feel like octopus is smarter than me...It's probably the closest thing to aliens that we've ever seen.

[@ScientistCat]

What if my feet smell and my nose is running?

[@littenarmy8513]

Honestly, I never noticed the difference between Amy's and Lauren's until I read the comments. Great work tho!

[@kai-kt3rx]

2:52 octopus: Will you... will you.... let me eat you?

[@gratituderanch9406]

Interesting. Humans also have an infundibulum (the hallow stalk connecting the hypothalamus and pituitary) and an acetabulum- where our femurs and pelvis make our hips.

[@bari2883]

This is the painful area of child birth. Thanks i always try to explain were it is but there is a name for it. Acetabulum.

[@abdullahalkhayat4262]

On water: Looks like a normal squid On land: Looks like a piece of pancake

[@TragoudistrosMPH]

2:50 handshake? No, not a hug!!!

[@liamryan6604]

Why is it so satisfying to see these suction cups. Part of me just wants to play with them

[@Sooya128]

I just loveeeee your videos!!!😍😍 i can spend my whole watching the videos on your channel❤👌

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thanks Soo sha!

[@gamegod6859]

tearing off that giant pacific's suckers must have been painful

[@abhilash0505]

One of the best Channels on KZbin!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thank you! Spread the word.

[@shen.grandus]

Why the sound 'pop' feels soooo satisfying 😍💕

[@quinniebe9775]

I have a slight phobia of octopuses, but I saw this was from Deep Look, so I just had to see it regardless.

[@GirassolPurpurina]

I love Octopus! they are soo cute!!💖💞💗

[@Hieuclimbs]

love that pop up sound :D

[@linushaji641]

Don't hug this thing because you Cannot stop hugging

[@JoaoFerreira-fx3xp]

Welcome, Lauren!

[@FatCatz3001]

Welcome Lauren!! Looking forward to hearing you in further vids!!

[@alleeum]

If there's ever a "Best You Tube Video Title", you really should submit this one. I've seen it about twenty times now, and, although I can't figure out why, I still find it funny every time. Or is that just me?

[@velocithea3678]

I just about lost it when she peeled off the octopus tentacles

[@TheSuperCasual2914]

If my hands did smell, that probably means I'd have to wash my hands.

[@AbiNubli]

Never knew it creates a popping sound

[@MindfullyHuman]

Another incredible episode from an amazing channel 😊

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Many thanks, Simon. What should we film next?

[@MindfullyHuman]

Deep Look - honestly, I've been blown away with everything you've done so far. I mean... Roly Polys are crustaceans? That's been my favorite weird piece of info I use as an ice breaker in conversation (am I a nerd?) How about tardigrades?

[@mochii1908]

Gosh im so addicted in watching their videos... Knowledge

[@minardiliyadi3458]

Every time I saw Octopus, I think it's hentai time

[@shuhduvugup8425]

I'm hooked on these 😍