Study ties kin selection to host-manipulating behavior in parasites

(Texas A&M University) New research by Texas A&M University biologist Dr. Charles Criscione and collaborators in Canada shows that family ties and traits such as manipulation, sacrifice and selflessness are just as key to survival in parasitic organisms as they are in cognitive species like humans. In essence, when it comes to successful transmission, some parasites get by with a little help from their kin.