Zombie Ant Fungi discovered in Bazilian Rainforest

[Adventureless_Hero]

"Four new Brazilian species in the genus Ophiocordyceps have been discovered. The fungi belong to a group of "zombifying" fungi that infect ants and then manipulate their behavior, eventually killing the ants after securing a prime location for spore dispersal."


http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/yesGzwNyXWc/110302171309.htm

I wonder if such a spore could ever cross over to humans?

[HaveCrowBarWillTravel]

LOL.. i just added that to my blog about 30 seconds ago. I read it on Huffingtonpost though.
to answer your question..
Fungi are alive and nature evolves. Remember the Jurassic Park movies? So, is it possible it could find a way to infect us like mildew and mold? Possibly, but not probable.

[Chogidog]

Too funny. I was just reading this story on yahoo and thinking about the possibility of it crossing over too.

[j0be]

These types of fungi have been around for a while. They just found 4 new species. Cordyceps (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordyceps) were first recorded as yartsa gunbu in Tibet in the 15th Century

[Zombiehead]

Craziness.

[Ra1th]

i saw this! it seems intense, but i don't get why the plant kills the ants, it doesnt seem to benefit from it

[ObamaCat]

The liver fluke does a similar thing to ants. Here's a humerus take on it:

http://theoatmeal.com/comics/captain_higgins

[manintrees]

i saw this! it seems intense, but i don't get why the plant kills the ants, it doesnt seem to benefit from it

To propagate efficiently, the fungi need to spread their spores over the greatest area possible. The infected ant is "controlled" to climb high up a tree. Then, once high enough, the ant grabs onto the tree with it's mandibles and dies. Now the fungus pops out of the ants head and spreads it's spores into the wind. It's freakin' crazy.

If you are worried that some type of organism could start controlling the human brain then fill the tub and lock your doors. Toxoplasma Gondii is believed to be doing just that. Below is an excerpt from a science blog:

In individuals cases, these effects may seem quirky or even charming but across populations, they can have a global power. T.gondii infection is extremely common and rates vary greatly from country to country. While only 7% of Brits carry the parasite, a much larger 67% of Brazilians are infected. Given that the parasite alters behaviour, infection on this scale could lead to sizeable differences in the general personalities of people of different nationalities.

Check out the section on behavioral changes on Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxoplasmosis

[Eviebae]

T
If you are worried that some type of organism could start controlling the human brain then fill the tub and lock your doors. Toxoplasma Gondii is believed to be doing just that.

I for one welcome our new fungi overlords.

[SleepyGlenn]

These types of fungi have been around for a while. They just found 4 new species. Cordyceps (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordyceps) were first recorded as yartsa gunbu in Tibet in the 15th Century

Yup, this is true. It's not a new thing... but they have found some new variations.

Is anyone here feeling a strong urge to climb a tree and sprout? You should go and see a doctor about that.

[cPT.cAPSLOCK]

This calls for a info-comic by The Oatmeal:
http://theoatmeal.com/comics/captain_higgins

Just read and enjoy. In this info-comic, Captain Higgins zombifies ants.

[Eviebae]

This calls for a info-comic by The Oatmeal:
http://theoatmeal.com/comics/captain_higgins

Just read and enjoy. In this info-comic, Captain Higgins zombifies ants.

That's funny, did you write it?