parasites

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parasites

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. Read More

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. Read More

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. Read More

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. Read More

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. Read More

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. Read More

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. Read More

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. Read More

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 19, 2017·6 min read

How to Stop the Nasty Lurking Toxoplasmosis Parasite? Target Its ‘Stomach’

Study suggests new avenues for treating toxoplasmosis parasite infections. Read More

Image shows the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii.

Featured Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·March 23, 2016·5 min read

People With Rage Disorder Twice as Likely to Have Latent Toxoplasmosis Infection

A new study reports people with intermittent explosive disorder are twice as likely to have been exposed to toxoplasma gondii. Read More

Image shows Trypanosoma brucei in the brain.

Featured Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·February 27, 2016·3 min read

Nitric Oxide Keeps Blood-Brain Barrier Intact and Protects Against Neuroinflammation

Researchers discover nitric oxide plays an unexpected role in maintaining the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, reducing parasite invasion in the brain and neuroinflammation. Read More