A team cracked the case by examining the fossil using a synchrotron, which produces beams of light by accelerating electrons to high speeds.

During the Cretaceous, 19-metre-long predatory octopuses swam the seas, and evidence from their fossilised remains suggest they may have been highly intelligent hunters

For 25 years, a hand-sized sea creature embedded in Illinois rock held the title of the world’s oldest octopus. Now, thanks to a machine that shoots extremely powerful beams of light through stone,

For nearly 25 years, a hand-sized fossil pulled from the rocks of Illinois held a remarkable title: the oldest known octopus on Earth. Guinness World Records listed it. Researchers cited it. It reshaped what scientists thought they knew about when eight-armed cephalopods first appeared in ancient seas.

"Octopuses are smart, highly exploratory, very strong and their body is completely compressible because they have no fixed bones."

If forced to choose one descriptor for the octopus, the best word may be “otherworldly.” These truly amazing marine animals are known for unique behaviors and traits rarely found in any other

I don't think he was unhappy with us, or lonely, as octopus are solitary creatures. But he is such a curious boy."