Plasticity and sexual dimorphisms of the octopus brain

This project aims to provide a modern neuroscience foundation to map the ontogenetic dynamics of the octopus brain. The brain expands 5000 times during octopus growth, showing sexual differences. After a single mating event, the males die, and the females experience rapid brain decay while brooding. Using magnetic resonance imaging and physiological and molecular approaches, we will unravel the drivers for brain plasticity and the functional consequences of neuroarchitecture remodelling in this simple yet smart snail. Expected outcomes include increased knowledge of neuroscience and novel international collaboration. The benefits will feed into the development of bioinspired technology and a new model of brain ageing.