Brain Junk

Amy asked for zombies. Next to Cordyceps (and the Last of Us), Toxoplasma gondii comes pretty close to taking over mammal brains. A 2022 study in Yellowstone showed wolves are affected by toxoplasmosis in unexpected ways.Show Notes:Communication Biology: Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivoreScientific American: Are Cats responsible for "Cat Ladies"? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brainjunkpodcast.substack.com