For hundreds of years, squid—giant, colossal, and otherwise—have been demonized as mysterious monsters of the deep. Even today they maintain a mystique, but scientists are gradually discovering some of their long-hidden secrets. Squid have been the source of some of medicine’s most important breakthroughs in the areas of neurosurgery, obstetrics, and geriatrics.
In her presentation, Wendy Williams will tease out fact from fiction based on the findings in her new book, Kraken: The Curious, Exciting, and Slightly Disturbing Science of Squid. “Kraken” is the traditional name for gigantic sea monsters. The book examines the world’s enthralling cephalopods, including the octopus and the cuttlefish, and explores their otherworldly camouflage and bioluminescent abilities. Williams will reveal in her lecture some of the most recent findings about cephalopods and share her uproarious adventures with squid hunters, octopus aficionados, and some of the animals themselves.