It's All In Your Head
Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2011 7:25 am
This is a fascinating article in today's Wired Magazine about parasites that take control of a host through brain function. I recommend reading the entire piece (there's not a lot of reading really) but people here may be most captivated by the final portion as it has to do with domestic cats. Enjoy!
Once upon a time, parasites were thought to live relatively simple lives: They hitched a ride on a host, sapping nutrients and energy but otherwise leaving it alone. But that was only part of the story. Many parasites actually take control, causing their hosts to act in self-destructive ways that further their invaders' interests.
Attacks of the Brain-Controlling Parasites | Wired Science | Wired.com
Once upon a time, parasites were thought to live relatively simple lives: They hitched a ride on a host, sapping nutrients and energy but otherwise leaving it alone. But that was only part of the story. Many parasites actually take control, causing their hosts to act in self-destructive ways that further their invaders' interests.
Attacks of the Brain-Controlling Parasites | Wired Science | Wired.com