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parasites

This image shows a scolex of Taenia solium tapeworm with hooks and suckers.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 20, 2015·5 min read

Mom’s Gut Parasites Protect Babies’ Brains From Inflammation

According to a new study, tapeworms can protect infant rats from neuroinflammation.

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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.