Earlier this year, in a groundbreaking move, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Extramural Research released a request for information concerning its "Proposed Guidance to Assured Institutions on Cephalopod Care and Use."

While 1966's Animal Welfare Act set standards for the humane care and treatment of animals, it doesn't include invertebrates. Almost 60 years later, cephalopods such as squid, octopus, and cuttlefish now have a tentacle of hope.

Why now? In addition to an evolving societal and scientific consensus concerning animal welfare, cephalopods offer researchers fascinating opportunities that just aren't present in more common testing subjects.

Increasing evidence not only suggests cephalopods' perceptions are complex and highly evolved, but their nervous systems and responses are similar to mammals, too. Additionally, guidance would put the US on par with other countries, as well as the European Union, which already extended protections to cephalopods.

For researchers, did the NIH's request for information signal a potential for all invertebrates to be used for research? Probably not.

While cephalopods are certainly visually unique, their anatomy and systems are even more so. For example, some cephalopods' eyes are as complex as a human, surprisingly similar in design. Additionally, many can perform sophisticated cognitive tasks — possessing neurons on par with dogs and some monkeys!

Putting ethics aside, how will regulations and guidelines affect the testing of tomorrow's life-saving drugs? The impact, while temporary (like any regulation change), will be multifaceted.

Adding a new animal to research regulations would likely require universities and institutions to upgrade their facilities and training to ensure compliance; these upgrades can be costly and time-consuming. Additionally, as they adjust to new requirements, the distribution and utilization of federal research funds could be delayed.