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The macabre world of mind-controlling parasites
Many parasites can control the behavior of their hosts -- sometimes in very gruesome ways. A new article published today describes some of the sophisticated interactions between a variety of parasites and their hosts, and highlights how the new field of neuro-parasitology could provide insights into the neurological basis for behavior and decision-making. (May 1, 2018)
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Parasites Can Mind-Control Animals Without Infecting Them
In 2018, everything is a metaphor. By Ed Yong.
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Nasty, 3ft-long parasitic worms are on the cusp of being wiped from the planet
It all starts with a sip of water that’s contaminated with the worm’s larvae. Inside a human host, the larvae punch through the digestive tract, entering into the body cavity to quietly grow. Within a few months, the male and female worms meet and mate. Then the males die off. The surviving female worms mature, reaching 60 to 100 centimeters (2 to 3 feet), and migrate into the victim’s muscles. About 10 to 14 months after that tainted drink, the female worms burn through the skin by oozing acid, creating a searing blister. This can happen anywhere in the body, but it’s usually in the legs or feet.
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Doctors remove sea snail living, growing inside 11-year-old's skin
New Delhi: In the first recorded case of its kind in medical literature, doctors removed a tiny sea snail from inside an 11-year-old's abscess. The boy, it appeared, had grazed his elbow while playing in a tidal pool in California, which harbors thousands of molluscs. Doctors believe that a snail egg must have found its way into the wound, hatched and then grew, triggering an abscess – a painful collection of pus caused by an infection – before it was removed.
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'Dozens of worms in my feet'
Windsor couple Eddie Zytner and Katie Stephens are regretting a recent trip to the Caribbean — but so would anybody who came home with parasites burrowing in their feet. Windsor couple Eddie Zytner and Katie Stephens can’t help but regret a recent trip to the Caribbean — but so would anybody who came home with parasites burrowing in their feet. “I have dozens of worms in my feet, and so does Katie,” said Zytner, 25, on Friday. “It’s kind of sickening to think about.”
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Bunnies With Head Tilts Can Live Happily Ever After
Bunnies whose head tilts become permanent can still live happy, healthy lives—if the underlying cause is treated quickly.
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‘Zombie ant’ brains left intact by fungal parasite
A fungal parasite that infects ants and manipulates their behavior to benefit the fungus’ reproduction accomplishes this feat without infecting the ants’ brains, according to a study led by Penn State researchers. By Chuck Gill.
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Six Horrifying Parasites (That Could Be Inside You Right Now)
Warning: Gross pics contained within. By Leanne Louie.
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Zombies Are Real, and Closer Than You Think
Etomologist Don Steinkraus takes a look at beetles whose limbs keep moving, despite appearing to be quite dead. What's going on here.
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+27 +1
The Parasite That Wires Plants Together
By draining the fluids from several hosts, dodder vines inadvertently allow plants to communicate with each other and share alarm signals. By Ed Yong.
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Would You Eat Parasitic Worm Eggs? Why One Company Wants to Sell Them As Food
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Parasitic Worm in Walrus Meat Infects Ten People in Alaska
Ten people in Alaska were recently infected with a relatively rare parasitic worm that they got from eating walrus meat. By Rachael Rettner.
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'Brain-eating' amoeba found in 2 water systems
Brain-eating amoebas have been detected in two water systems in Louisiana, the state's health department said Thursday. Health officials reassured residents that drinking tap water is still safe and taking precautions in pools and showers can reduce their risk of infection.
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Potentially lethal parasite rat lungworm found throughout Florida
Researchers have found rat lungworm, a parasitic nematode that can cause meningitis in humans and animals, in five Florida counties.
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Moving Parasites in the Colon
There are several of these. Here is a nice,creepy one.
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CDC says diarrhea-inducing parasite on the rise in US pools
If you're planning to take a dip in a pool this summer, make sure to plug your nose and close your mouth.
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Parasite living inside fish eyeball controls its behaviour
Young parasites make their fish hosts extra careful – but once they mature they do all they can to ensure the fish are eaten by a bird to complete their life cycle
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When Globalization Brings Brain-Invading Worms
The parasite that causes rat lungworm disease is now endemic in the southeastern United States, and it’s expected to spread northward. By drienne LaFrance.
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Are Viruses Alive?
Viruses are contagious, but are they alive? By Laura Geggel.
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New malaria vaccine is fully effective in very small clinical trial
We may finally be getting somewhere in our fight against the disease.
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