FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·January 14, 2020·6 min readT. gondii cat parasite reduces general anxiety in infected mice, not just fear of feline predatorsMice 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
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeurosciencePsychology·May 16, 2019·5 min readIs 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
FeaturedNeurologyNeurosciencePsychology·April 2, 2020·5 min readHow T. gondii infection causes seizures, and psychiatric illness for someStudy shows how Toxoplasma parasitic infections promote the loss of inhibitory signaling in the brain by altering the behavior of microglia.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceNeuroscience VideosOpen Neuroscience Articles·December 9, 2017·4 min readHow Toxoplasmosis Exploits Immune Cells to Reach the BrainStockholm University researchers have discovered how a common parasite found in cat feces moves through the body and enters the brain. Toxoplasma gondii is able to take control of immune cells and use them to move through the body, eventually reaching the brain.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyOpen Neuroscience Articles·September 13, 2017·6 min readLink Between Toxoplasma Infection and Common Brain DiseaseA new study in Scientific Reports reports T.gonfii infection may alter, or even amplify some neurological disorders including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·September 18, 2021·1 min readPsychosis Risk Linked to CatsToxoplasma exposure can increase the likelihood of developing psychosis in those with risk factors for mental health disorders, a new study reports.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·June 19, 2017·6 min readHow to Stop the Nasty Lurking Toxoplasmosis Parasite? Target Its ‘Stomach’Study suggests new avenues for treating toxoplasmosis parasite infections.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·April 28, 2020·4 min readOffspring may inherit legacy of their father’s Toxoplasma infectionMouse 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.Read More
FeaturedNeurology·April 12, 2012·4 min readTest Links Strains of Common Parasite to Severe Illness in US NewbornsNIH-supported research underscores value of screening for toxoplasmosis Scientists have identified which strains of the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, the cause of...Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·July 30, 2020·4 min readYour Brain Parasite Isn’t Making You Sick, Here’s WhyMicroglia keep the Toxoplasma gondii parasite in check in the brain. Microglia release an immune molecule that recruit immune cells from the blood to control the parasite.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyOpen Neuroscience Articles·March 18, 2015·5 min readResearchers Discover Mechanism That May Help Parasites Manipulate Their HostsResearchers report they have identified a way in which Toxoplasma gondii may modify brain cells.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·July 17, 2025·3 min readToxoplasma Parasite Influences Personality and AggressionNew 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.Read More
