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parasites

·September 17, 2023·7 min read

Zombie Ants: Nature’s Puppet Show Directed by Liver Flukes

Ants infected with the lancet liver fluke are forced into life-threatening scenarios, all to propagate the fluke's complex life cycle. Researchers have uncovered that the fluke's manipulation is even more intricate than previously thought, with temperature serving as a trigger for the ant's behavior.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·August 28, 2023·9 min read

Parasitic Roundworm from Python Found in Human Brain

Researchers found a live eight-centimeter Ophidascaris robertsi roundworm in the brain of a 64-year-old Australian woman. The parasitic roundworm, typically found in carpet pythons, was successfully extracted following brain surgery.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 18, 2023·8 min read

Parasitic Worms: Missing Genes and Mind Control

A study uncovers a bizarre trait in hairworms, a type of parasitic worm known for manipulating their host's behavior. The research found hairworms lacking about 30% of the expected genes, mainly responsible for developing cilia.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·January 14, 2020·6 min read

T. gondii cat parasite reduces general anxiety in infected mice, not just fear of feline predators

Mice infected with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite showed no selective reduction in fear of feline predators. Findings reveal chronic T. gondii infection reduces anxiety and risk-aversion while increasing curiosity and exploratory behaviors.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·September 5, 2019·5 min read

Hookworm infection may cause cognitive impairment earlier than thought

Human hookworm infection, even at low levels, can cause rapid, acute and measurable cognitive impairments. Using rodent models, researchers found a link between the parasitic infection and alterations in both the microbiome and cognitive development.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·August 26, 2019·7 min read

An innovative new diagnostic for Lyme disease

Researchers have discovered six candidate biomarkers for Lyme disease. A newly developed test can help identify the disease which, until now, has been notoriously difficult to detect.

This shows an ant with a parasite attached to it

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·August 25, 2019·4 min read

The macabre world of mind-controlling parasites

Understanding how parasites 'hack' the brains of their hosts may provide new insights into decision making and behavior.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·May 16, 2019·5 min read

Is the brain parasite Toxoplasma manipulating your behavior, or is your immune system to blame?

Immune system response to chronic infection may be more directly to blame for health and behavioral changes associated with Toxoplasma gondii infections.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 4, 2018·3 min read

A Sense of Disgust in Bonobos?

Researchers report bonobos express disgust when presented with contaminated food. The study reveals their curiosity transforms into caution when food is presented near feces or a bad smell.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 1, 2018·4 min read

The Macabre World of Mind Controlling Parasites

Neuroparasitology could shed new light into the neurological basis for behavior and decision making, researchers say.

Featured Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·September 8, 2017·4 min read

Severity of Parasite’s Virulence Depends on What Time of Day Infection Occurs

The immune response varies greatly, depending on the time of day a parasitic infection occurs, a new study reports. Researchers note infections that occur early at night were more successful as this is a time when the immune response is strongest. Parasitic infection thrives when it is able to elicit a strong immune response.