Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Octopuses React to Rubber Hand Illusion, Rethink Consciousness

7/25/2025

26 2

Summary

Story summary

A groundbreaking study in Current Biology shows that octopuses can be tricked by the rubber hand illusion, just like humans. When both a real and a rubber arm were stroked together, these intelligent creatures reacted defensively to the fake arm being pinched, revealing their intricate sense of body ownership and prompting us to rethink consciousness in different species.

1 of 1

Story summary

A groundbreaking study in Current Biology shows that octopuses can be tricked by the rubber hand illusion, just like humans. When both a real and a rubber arm were stroked together, these intelligent creatures reacted defensively to the fake arm being pinched, revealing their intricate sense of body ownership and prompting us to rethink consciousness in different species.