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Toxoplasma

·July 17, 2025·3 min read

Toxoplasma Parasite Influences Personality and Aggression

New research highlights how parasitic infections can alter brain chemistry and behavior in humans. Toxoplasma gondii, among others, appears to manipulate dopamine and immune responses, increasing risk-taking, impulsivity, and aggression.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·August 5, 2024·5 min read

Genetically Engineered Parasite Delivers Drugs to the Brain

Researchers genetically engineered the parasite Toxoplasma gondii to deliver drugs across the blood-brain barrier. This innovative approach has been used to deliver therapeutic proteins to neurons, showing promise for treating neurological conditions like Rett syndrome. The research highlights the potential for parasites to act as delivery vehicles for large molecules that typically struggle to penetrate the brain. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for a variety of neurological disorders.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 18, 2021·1 min read

Psychosis Risk Linked to Cats

Toxoplasma exposure can increase the likelihood of developing psychosis in those with risk factors for mental health disorders, a new study reports.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·April 28, 2020·4 min read

Offspring may inherit legacy of their father’s Toxoplasma infection

Mouse study reveals the sperm of males infected with Toxoplasma carries an altered epigenetic signature that impacts the brain of the offspring. While the effects of T. gondii infections in pregnant women are fairly well documented, this is a novel study looking at the impact of male infection and its impact on offspring. The study raises the question as to whether T. gondii infections in men before conception impact the health and development of future generations.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·April 2, 2020·5 min read

How T. gondii infection causes seizures, and psychiatric illness for some

Study shows how Toxoplasma parasitic infections promote the loss of inhibitory signaling in the brain by altering the behavior of microglia.

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.