These rare, deep-sea heat sources may lend a reproductive advantage to the octopus, researchers suggest.

“A scientist walks into a comedy club,” could easily be the set up for a joke. Yet, several researchers have recently started stepping out from behind their laboratory benches and into the spotlights at open mic nights. These new comedic species are not only making their audiences laugh with smart humor, but they are also experimenting with new ways for scientists to interact with the broader public.

In this blog post, author Sy Montgomery shares the story behind The Octopus Scientists: Exploring the Mind of a Mollusk, winner of the 2016 AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books in the Middle School Science Book category.