How Parasites Take Over The Minds Of Animals And Turn Them Into Zombies

Some species of viruses, fungi, protozoans, wasps, and tapeworms take over the brains and actions of the animals and insects they infect — making them do whatever their new master wants. A recent issue of the Journal of Experimental Biology was completely dedicated to these parasites, which turn their hosts into zombies. This is usually controlled by special biochemistry. The parasites release chemicals or manipulate the genes of their host, changing their behaviors. Most them them do this by ...