There is something living in the brain cells of 60 million Americans. It is a parasite that can alter brain chemestry. When this parasite Toxoplasma gondii alters the brains of rats, they are more likely to seek out cats. This also makes the parasite more likely to end up in a cat. Here's the scarey part, cats are the only host in which it can complete the reproductive step of its life cycle.
Studies over the past few years have suggested that toxoplasmosis infections in humans, too, may cause behavioral changes-from subtle shifts to outright schizophrenia. An earlier study showed that the infection more than doubles the odds of a person having a traffic accident.
Neuroticism- (Can be defined as an enduring tendency to experience negative emotional states. Individuals who score high on neuroticism are more likely than the average to experience such feelings as anxiety, anger, guilt, and depression) has been linked to the parasite in 39 countries.
It is also having an odd effect on sex ratios. Normal is 104 males to 100 females.
Sex ratios of those with the parasite are 260 males to 100 females.
"This study was rejected by eight jornals, usually without any formal review." says parasiteologist Jaroslav Flegr of Charles University in Prague. "People don't like the idea that their behavior and life are being manipulated by a parasite he says.
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