A little gem in The Atlantic last week, shared by quite a few people already.
What if a single parasitic organism called Toxoplasma gondii was responsible for infecting up to a third of human beings on the planet, and 10-20% of the first world populace?
Although a hefty estimate, this is a more prevalent condition than you might think.
The parasite is transferred via cats, and is proliferated by contaminated water and raw foods.
Don't worry, it only causes the mildest of personality disorders, barely noticeable...and sometimes schizophrenia.
What's even more interesting is how this parasite, and other viruses such as influenza, herpes and AIDS are able to manipulate your neurotransmitters (such as our good friend dopamine) and alter your brain chemistry.
They are able to hijack your mood, and thus actions, for their own reproductive ends.
For example, a hypothesis by biomedical anthropologist Chris Reiber suggests that the influenza virus stimulates neurotransmitters that cause us to become more social and intimate, spreading the virus. Other studies have shown heightened sexual desire in late-stage AIDS patients, and the same heightened sexuality in early-stage herpes carriers.
The Toxo gondii parasite has shown to stimulate the pleasure and fear sensors in the brain, causing the carrier to act a certain way. For instance, infected rats would be incredibly attracted to cat urine, instead of repelling their number one natural predator. This would lead them right back to a cat, and thus the parasite's ideal breeding ground.
Female humans were found to be more attracted to infected men while in their vicinity, increasing the likelihood of intimacy, and thus, exchange.
Very interesting topic, and one we're sure to hear more about in the future.
READ IT HERE
What if a single parasitic organism called Toxoplasma gondii was responsible for infecting up to a third of human beings on the planet, and 10-20% of the first world populace?
Although a hefty estimate, this is a more prevalent condition than you might think.
The parasite is transferred via cats, and is proliferated by contaminated water and raw foods.
Don't worry, it only causes the mildest of personality disorders, barely noticeable...and sometimes schizophrenia.
What's even more interesting is how this parasite, and other viruses such as influenza, herpes and AIDS are able to manipulate your neurotransmitters (such as our good friend dopamine) and alter your brain chemistry.
They are able to hijack your mood, and thus actions, for their own reproductive ends.
For example, a hypothesis by biomedical anthropologist Chris Reiber suggests that the influenza virus stimulates neurotransmitters that cause us to become more social and intimate, spreading the virus. Other studies have shown heightened sexual desire in late-stage AIDS patients, and the same heightened sexuality in early-stage herpes carriers.
The Toxo gondii parasite has shown to stimulate the pleasure and fear sensors in the brain, causing the carrier to act a certain way. For instance, infected rats would be incredibly attracted to cat urine, instead of repelling their number one natural predator. This would lead them right back to a cat, and thus the parasite's ideal breeding ground.
Female humans were found to be more attracted to infected men while in their vicinity, increasing the likelihood of intimacy, and thus, exchange.
Very interesting topic, and one we're sure to hear more about in the future.
READ IT HERE
No comments:
Post a Comment