A scientist theorizes about the effects of toxoplasmosis, often transmitted by domestic cats, on the brains of infected people:
How Your Cat Is Making You Crazy
This organism is far from the only parasite that changes the behavior of its host. Parasites that cause their hosts to behave in ways that make them more likely to be eaten by predators (which then spread the infection) are well known. It seems creepier in the context of human brain function and behavior, though.
An infection that makes the victim more receptive to bonding with cats? Explains a lot, doesn't it?
If we have to be covertly manipulated by other animals, I'd rather have feline overlords than secret vampiric lizard masters, anyway.
Margaret L. Carter
Carter's Crypt
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Aha! I knew the subject of toxoplasmosis would come up again sometime in my life. Must forward this link to my son, who thinks I'm a big nerd filled with useless information.
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