Scientific American explains how animals--and possibly humans--can become real-life zombies
Zombie Science
How parasites turn animals into "zombies"--and why we are so fascinated with these creatures
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October 29, 2012
Zombie World: Parasites are responsible for many of the real-life zombies in the wild kingdom.
Image: Instant Egghead
It may sound like something straight out of a horror movie, but many animals can come under the zombie-like control of parasites. So what about humans? Scientific American editor Katherine Harmon fills us in on the ghoulish side of Nature.
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4 Comments
Add CommentZombie parasites are just amazing.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisIf these parasites can be genetically programmed to boost human psychological abilities,it might be possible to cure many mentally challenged people.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThe malaria mosquito becomes a 'zombie' or extended phenotype of the parasite when sporozoites invade the salivary glands. This inhibits the insects ability to spit and so instead of taking a meal in one go from a single host and thus transmitting the disease to just one person in any feeding cycle, the insect probes several hosts if they are in the vicinity each one getting a dose of disease to the parasites benefit. Thus it is possible to come across isolated families in regions where transmission is normally low in which everyone is simultaneously ill.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisIt is disappointing to see a usually high quality scientific rag like this blame cats for toxo infection of humans. Most people get infected via exposure to undercooked meat and raw milk, not cats. The main risk to people is pregnant women in their 1st trimester who are part of the 2/3 of humans who have not had prior exposure to toxo and who are exposed to outdoor cats' feces within the 1st 24 hours of defecation. If someone else changes the litter daily and the pregnant woman who gardens uses gloves or washes her hands the risk is more than miniscule. Too many ill informed people, including OBGYN doctors, have caused the euthanasia or dumping of cats based on similar misinformation. Cats are not a significant risk and it is irresponsible to blame them.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisMadeline Graham, DVM