Interestingly this parasite can extend the lifespan of its host www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-86182-6#Sec7
(, Thu 4 Aug 2022, 9:37, Reply)
the arms race between parasite and host is astonishing and the way that a parasite can modify the behaviour and physiology of the host is ... well... one of the creepiest and most fascinating things I've ever read
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasite_Rex
(, Thu 4 Aug 2022, 9:47, Reply)
Though the Toxoplasma gondii in my brain made me leave a 1 star review on Amazon
(, Thu 4 Aug 2022, 11:55, Reply)
they found that intestinal parasites, that are endemic, have an inhibitory effect on gut inflammation, possibly evolved to protect themselves. They've probably been the norm right up to modern sanitation, so that our guts may have evolved to be overly triggered as our parasites would balance it out.
So if you know anyone with ibs, tell them to take a trip to the congo and drink out of rivers.
(, Fri 5 Aug 2022, 1:49, Reply)
Asking for a friend. FFS
(, Fri 5 Aug 2022, 12:07, Reply)
(, Thu 4 Aug 2022, 17:48, Reply)
Though I did find a second instar ladybird with cordyceps infection last week.
(, Thu 4 Aug 2022, 22:55, Reply)
Why would anyone do anything to help a murder hornet?
(, Fri 5 Aug 2022, 3:20, Reply)
(hiding to nothing, if you ask me)
(, Fri 5 Aug 2022, 9:20, Reply)
using the heel of his shoe.
(, Fri 5 Aug 2022, 15:33, Reply)