“Parasitic Worms Manipulate Hosts’ Brain to Cause Suicide, Study Finds” is an alarming article that sheds light on the sinister abilities of parasitic worms. These cunning creatures have the ability to hijack the free will of their hosts, ultimately driving them to self-destruction. Scientists have long been fascinated by the mind-controlling power of these worms, but the precise mechanisms behind their manipulation have remained a mystery.
However, recent research has uncovered their secret: these worms employ a clever copycat trick, mimicking chemicals in their host’s body that act like neurotransmitters. Additionally, they have the ability to steal DNA from their hosts, enabling them to produce their own mind-controlling chemicals. While these hairworms primarily target insects, humans need not worry about falling victim to their parasitic ways. This article serves as a stark reminder of the ingenious and manipulative tactics that exist in the natural world, highlighting the fascinating and sometimes terrifying relationship between hosts and parasites.
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Parasitic Worms Manipulate Hosts’ Brain to Cause Suicide, Study Finds
Parasitic worms are known for their ability to hijack their hosts’ free will and manipulate their behavior. A recent study has shed light on how these worms are able to control their hosts’ brains, leading to a shocking outcome: suicide. The study, published in the journal Current Biology, reveals the fascinating and disturbing tactics employed by hairworms to achieve their deadly goal.
Hairworms’ magic copy-cat trick
Hairworms, also known as horsehair worms, are seemingly simple creatures that resemble dark and stringy horse hair. However, beneath their unassuming appearance lies a sophisticated and manipulative nature. These parasitic worms have the ability to take control of their host’s brain and drive them to suicide.
The study shows that hairworms are able to achieve this by mimicking the chemicals in their host’s body that act like neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are responsible for communication between the brain and the rest of the body. By copying these chemicals, the worms are able to manipulate their hosts’ behavior and steer them towards water, where they ultimately drown.
DNA thieves
In order to understand how hairworms are able to exert control over their hosts, researchers examined the genetic code of the horsehair worm species Chordodes fukuii and its favorite host, mantises. They discovered that when Chordodes manipulates a mantis towards suicide, the worm’s genome undergoes significant changes. Around 3,200 of its genes become more active and start producing more proteins, while approximately 1,700 genes become less active. Meanwhile, minimal changes are observed in the genes of the mantis.
This led the researchers to conclude that the hairworms control their hosts by producing their own chemicals instead of relying on the host’s neurotransmitters. They achieve this by stealing copies of mantis DNA through a process known as horizontal gene transfer. This enables the worms to acquire the genetic material necessary to manipulate their hosts’ behavior. It is worth noting that while viruses are known to engage in horizontal gene transfer, hairworms are one of the larger and more complex organisms to demonstrate this ability.
3 ways hairworms may manipulate a host
The study not only revealed how hairworms control their hosts, but also shed light on the mechanisms behind this manipulation. The researchers identified three potential ways in which the worms exert control over the host’s brain:
- Manipulating neurotransmitters: The researchers found high levels of dopamine in manipulated mantises compared to un-manipulated ones. Dopamine is known to play a role in movement and motivation in insects, similar to its effects in humans.
- Encouraging movement towards light: The worms activate genes that prompt the mantis to move towards light, particularly light with horizontal polarization, like the reflection off bodies of water. This behavior increases the likelihood that the host will find a suitable place to drown.
- Impacting circadian rhythm: The study discovered genetic changes linked to the mantis’s circadian rhythm. Hairworms make their hosts more active during the middle of the day when it is easier to find light reflecting off water. This increased activity increases the chances of the host finding a suitable location for drowning.
Should humans worry?
While the ability of hairworms to manipulate their hosts’ behavior and drive them to suicide is undeniably disturbing, there is currently no evidence to suggest that humans should be concerned. The University of California’s Integrated Pest Management Program reassures that there are no reports of hairworms brainwashing humans.
Even if a human were to inadvertently consume an insect infested with hairworms, the worst consequence would likely be some mild intestinal upset. It is important to note that hairworms only mimic the chemicals of their preferred host species. Therefore, they can only control mantises and are unable to manipulate other insects or mammals.
The study on hairworms and their mind-controlling abilities provides valuable insights into the complex and fascinating world of parasitic behavior. By understanding the tactics employed by these worms, scientists can continue to unravel the mysteries of parasitic manipulation and potentially develop strategies to counteract their effects on host organisms.
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