Is an Ancient Parasite Controlling Humanity's Behavior?

in #science7 years ago

toxo 2.png

It's very popular these days to compare humanity to a parasite that is destroying the planet, to comment on how the Earth would be better off without us, etc. But have you ever stopped to consider that maybe the seemingly unstoppable destruction that results from human behavior could be caused by a literal brain infection? As many as 1 in 3 people are infected with a protozoan parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, which breeds in cats' stomachs and bizarrely causes infected mice and rats to be sexually attracted to the smell of their predator's urine. Read more to see what scientists observe in humans with this ancient parasite. Maybe you'll ponder some things you never have before.

https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2012/12/07/can-humans-be-controlled-by-tiny-parasites

http://www.collective-evolution.com/2017/08/11/do-parasites-rule-the-world-by-using-our-bodies-as-hosts/

toxo.jpg

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Great first post, my pretty baby! Can't wait to read more! xoxoxoxxx

Interesting little exchange I had about this post on another page:
daodesam
Also, since you're a psychologist, I would be interested to hear what you think about this post, written by my partner https://steemit.com/science/@theblairwitch44/is-an-ancient-parasite-controlling-humanity-s-behavior

[-]osoznanieedinogo25
Thank you for the link!
I'm afraid to seem impolite, but my whole family laughed, looking at our cat.
Zombie apocalypse coming through pets - this I have not seen in Hollywood. But I can imagine how easy it was to invent this story for a pharmaceutical factory that produces antiparasitic drugs. There are a lot of customized studies all over the world with a predictable result, on which you can make good money.
As a psychologist, I believe that this is an excuse to buy another pack of antidepressants for those who believed in it. After all, to engage in self-development, solve their problems with a psychologist is much more difficult than blaming all microorganisms, cats, mice and drink a pill.

[-]daodesam
That's ok! I looked at my cat the same way the first time I heard of it, haha. I agree the pharmaceutical industry is always looking for new pills to sell us, so they create new problems too. But I don't think this is the whole story. The parasite really does influence the brains of mice and cats, and people are infected with it, so I don't think it's ridiculous to think they could have an effect on human behavior also.

[-]osoznanieedinogo25
Dear @daodesam !
Was this influence in the history of mankind? Are all people subject to this influence or only 1/3 of humanity? Will this microorganism affect the person who practices health practices? What is the impact of this microorganism on representatives of different faiths and spiritual paths? Is it possible to achieve enlightenment and at least human happiness simultaneously with this "passenger" inside?
So many questions ... So many worries ... We need to think and explore!
There is no time to be happy and joyful!

[-]daodesam I am happy and joyful while thinking and exploring! The 1/3 number is an estimate. No one knows how many people are really affected as it varies between places in the world. I can't really answer those questions, but I can speculate. Toxo is known to make mice sexually attracted to their predators and some studies have shown that in humans it can lead to reduce seeking of novelty and higher risk of schizophrenia. So it would affect you on your spiritual path by making you complacent so you stop thinking and exploring new things. The goal would seem to be to make us as sedentary and boring as possible, like herd animals, sheep if you will. I think even those infected with it can overcome it mentally even without drugs or treatment.
https://steemit.com/ru/@osoznanieedinogo/hello-steemit-my-name-is-michael-i-m-from-the-city-of-kursk-russia#@daodesam/re-daodesam-re-osoznanieedinogo-re-daodesam-re-osoznanieedinogo-re-daodesam-re-daodesam-re-osoznanieedinogo-hello-steemit-my-name-is-michael-i-m-from-the-city-of-kursk-russia-20170815t193142282z

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