Only one link today, it is a longer article and I am going out of town (again) tomorrow, and still need to pack...
Carl Zimmer is one of my favorite science authors/bloggers, there is a link to his blog The Loom on the left side of this blog. I recently read his book Parasite Rex, which was about how parasites are integral parts of ecosystems, and in many ways have directed the evolution of their hosts. One idea is that parasites are responsible for the evolution of sexual reproduction, which is actually quite costly and the reasons for it first appearing are unknown.
One thing that is made very clear throughout the book is that a parasitic life style may actually be the "norm" on Earth, rather than something odd or strange. Parasitic life forms may very well be found to outnumber "free-living" organisms.
This particular article highlights some current research on a fungal parasite (Ophiocordyceps unilaterius)of a specific species of ant (Camponotus leonardi). This parasite takes over the body of the ant and causes it to seek a high leaf. From there, the fungus grows out of the ant body and releases spores the forest floor below, which are then able to infect more ants.
The researchers wanted to know if the parasite was actually controlling the ants, or if the ants just got lost along the way, since ants normally do not occupy the specific leaf height where infected ants go to die and release the fungal spores.
And for those of you who may think this research qualifies as frivolous or wasteful,
Like their hosts, parasites face many threats to their survival these days. Just as overfishing may wipe out my dear namesake tapeworm, I worry about the rampant deforestation of tropical forests, which may wipe out not just trees, but the insects that depend on them, and the fungi that depend on them in turn. We should not wish extinction on Ophiocordyceps, as gruesome as it may be. It has much to teach us. We might even borrow some of its tricks–Ophiocordyceps antibiotics show promising signs of fighting against malaria and cancer. And it would be a true shame for this particular bit of science fiction to disappear from the world of science fact.
Also, parasites are just way creepy-cool. If you don't take my word for it, check out the book.
47 comments:
I think the Ophiocordyceps unilaterius is a very interesting parasite. I have never heard of anything like it. It is truly amazing how this parasite takes over its host and uses its body. I have never heard of a fungal parasite growing out of the host’s body. I agree that parasitic life may be a “norm” on earth now but I do not think they outnumber free living organisms. I really hope that more research is done on this fascinating parasite so new antibiotics can be made.
I think that the fungus is quite strange. It is amazing that the fungus can enter an insect’s body, cause it to die, and then have spores grow out of the body, waiting for its next victim. It was interesting to see all of the different types of insects and the differences of the fungus growing on them. The moth looked quite different than the ant after the fungus had taken over. It is also strange to hear that there is a fungus, Entomophthora muscae, that attacks houseflies in America, and one that also attacks cows.
It was interesting to read that in Thailand the fungus has evolved to better suit their surrounding, to better kill one single species of ants. It’s amazing that the majority of the ants bite a leaf vein, facing the north-northwest side, and are approximately 25 centimeters up. It’s strange that a fungus can make another species do all of that, and then still grow to double the ant’s size to get its next victim.
I believe that parasites are interesting organisms, for they are dependent on other organisms for their survival. Even though parasites such as the cordyceps fungus are dependent organisms, they are dominant organisms which can take over any host organism. For example, the cordyceps fungal parasite has an interesting affect on its host organism, bullet ants. They cause the ants to act strangely in order to have the ants die and their parasites to reproduce. The process in which they do this is so interesting. First, they attach themselves to the exterior of the host and they are breathed in through the insect’s trachea. Next, fungal filaments called mycelia grow inside the body and absorb all the soft tissue of the host but don’t touch the vital organs. This is so the host can live long enough to find a final resting place. The mycelia soon grows into the brain and produce chemicals which cause the host to behave oddly. This is when the host finds its final resting place and the fungus devours the brain and breaks through the body and spreads through the air around the body awaiting it next victim. It is kind of cool the way they live although I would never want to move from place to place or in this case organism to organism.
I dont really like bugs that much but this story was interesting. I couldn't watch the video once the speaker mentioned the ants head would explode due to it being infected. I've never heard of Orphiocordyceps and I'm amazed by what it does to its host. It seems to posess the host in a way making it do what it wants. In this case it makes the ant move upward on a plant and latching onto its bark or stem. I just hate the description in the article about weird stuff coming out of the ant's body when it dies. Ew, that grosses me out!
Wow, that research and information is quite amazing. The fact that the parasite is able to infect and take over the insect is extraordinary. Then, it is able to command the insect to do things that are highly beneficial to the parasite itself. While it may seem gruesome to some, it is a part of nature and quite enlightening. I found the part of how the parasite is able to control how high the insect travels to be the most interesting. Parasites are best suited in temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius and the parasite is able to command the insect to settle at a perfect place. And the fact that its antibiotics could possibly have a hand in curing malaria or cancer is important as well.
That video was really fascinating. It would be really crazy if a parasite like that evolved into something that could begin to infect larger animals, maybe even humans. It's creepy that the parasites seem to be actually controlling the ants, but it's also amazing that the other ants know to move the infected ant away and are organized enough to carry out a plan to quarantine the infected. The process of the parasitic spores growing from the ants is cool to watch even though the idea of it is pretty unbelievable.
Wow, that's really something! The video kind of grossed me out. But, it is a very interesting study whether or not the parasite actually controls the mind of its host. I believe the parasite does achieve control over the host's mind because as the study concluded all the dead ants were found in a location that was favorable for both fungus growth and spore "distribution". I find it amazing how the parasites use fluid from the dead ant to advance the fungus growth. I also can not believe that very minimal effort has gone into the study of this topic. Who knows, like the article said maybe the antibiotics from these fungus can help find a cure for cancer.
This is really interesting. I wonder how the parasite takes control of the ant. Is there a parasite like this for humans? In the article it talks about possible benefits of treating cancer using knowledge gained from this parasite, how would that work?
I'm surprised that more research hasn't been carried out for parasites. In the blog, Carl Zimmer said that not much research was carried out. Thinking only of common human parasites, I never really knew that parasites such as the ones in the video even existed.
I find it interesting that ants affected by Ophiocordyceps show similar characteristics, such as biting the leaf vein and climbing to about 25 cm. I wonder if there are any parasites that control a human's mind, such as the way it controlled the bugs'.
I think it's pretty amazing how a parasite can control an insect's body and use it to grow fungus.
I believe that the way Ophiocordyceps unilaterius feeds off of ants is very normal. Every living organism has to feed off of something in order to survive. So to me, this is just a part of the regular food chain, but this parasite makes it an odd one since it uses the ant's body fluids to spur its growth and to reproduce.
I've seen this video before. I think someone compared it to a parasite that supposedly forces its host to drown itself.
The research done on the parasite in the article suggests it manipulates the ant in a certain way to ensure its survival is logical. Who knows? The parasite that supposedly forces its host to drown itself might flourish in water. I've heard about research done on a parasite that cats pass to their owners. It could possible lead to insanity among humans and is predicted to have been contracted(? right word) by 25% of people. Could it be possible the parasite's goal is to make humans more dependent on the company of cats?
I actually watched a program that had a part in it about this parasite a while ago. It is an amazing thought that a parasite acts and controls living things to spread itself and continue its lifespan. The way it controls the ant to a high leaf is pretty cool. It's amazing to think that this parasite can provide antibiotics that fight cancer and malaria.
I have never heard of this parasite and I have to admit that it is interesting but completely gross. It is fasinating how it can take control of an ant's body, cause it to die, and have fungus grow out of it. And the fact that it is said that the parasite can provide antibiotics to fight cancer and malaria is good news. But as amazing as this is, it is just wierd and gross.
I thought this article was pretty interesting. Whenever I hear about parasites, the first thing that comes to my mind are ticks. It's nice to know that there are parasites that are beneficial to the environment. It's quite amazing how the Ophiocordyceps unilaterius can control the ant's body and force them to reach unorthodox heights. Furthermore, I hope that there will be more studies on how the parasites can help produce antibiotics for cancer or malaria.
I've never heard of this kind of parasite before, but I think it's scary that it can control the ant's brain. My first thought was whether or not there was a similar parasite capable of affecting humans in this manner. That would be terrifying. What Rico said is interesting too, that there's a parasite that forces its host to drown itself. The thought is both fascinating and frightening because such a seemingly insignificant life form is capable of controlling a comparatively advanced species. On the other hand, it's ironic that something so deadly shows promise of fighting cancer and malaria. I wouldn't expect that at all. Overall, I never knew fungal parasites were so interesting.
This was a very interesting and fascinating article. It is interesting how the fungus Ophiocordyceps unilaterius only infects ants that makes nests high in trees and wanders in the forest floor for food. The location of how its temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius for the Ophiocordyceps or any other similar fungi to grow well was extremely interesting to learn. After all, very humid conditions are needed for these fungi to grow well. What was also fascinating was that the parasites has such a mind to use the fluid from a dead ant to progress the growth of the fungus.
Can one imagine to think that Ophiocordyceps antibiotics can help fight cancer and malaria? What a thought. How brilliant!
This is truly incredible! This parasite though deadly to the ants they inhibit can be used to save a human life. It is amazing how one thing can hurt one species so much and equally help another. I found it completely astounding how the ants know when one is infected and have a set procedure to carry the ant off into isolation to protect the colony. One other thing that caught my eye was the way in which the fungus grew from the ant in a needle-like form. Also, how do the parasites live off the ant for three weeks for the fungus to grow, because it seems as though the ant is dead once it has reached the height to grow the fungus?
Merely reading this sparks a lot of questions in my head. Studying the Ophiocordyceps unilaterius has proved itself useful and is not a frivolous scientific study.
I think this parasite is very interesting the way it can just infest its host the way it does. Although I believe it is the ant who is climbing up to the top of the tree this because when a dog for example is going to die it often strays from the rest of the pack. This is true with humans. If we know we are going to die then we just have the ones who are very close to us or we shut everyone out. The same way the dog ostracizes its self from the pack, I believe the ant climbs to a height that ants do not normally go to.
I find this fungus amazing and creepy at the same time. I would assume that the ant has no idea what is really happening to itself but I still cannot imaging what it would be like to loose full control of my body to someone or something else. From the information given in the article I believe that the fungus actually takes control of the ants because they appear to almost all end up in the same kind of locations that are not normal for the ants. If their perception was only being thrown off they would not all end up in such a similar location.
Oh and how can this parasite be used to treat cancer and malaria? That would be amazing but I'm still not sure I would want to voluntary put something in my body that likes to take over its host.
This video was so interesting to watch. It was amazing to see that the parasite could so quickly take over the ant and grow out of its body. I want to see what's going on in the ant's brain that the parasite is able to lead it to such a height. Like Danielle, I also thought of if it were possible for a parasite to take control of a human body in a similar fashion. That would be horrible, yet incredible. Also, I definitely think that antibiotics for cancer and malaria should be further looked into. It would be amazing if research led to a discovery like that.
Wow, I found that video extremely awesome, thanks for picking something that's interesting! The different fungi that specialize for each different species that it comes by is insane and the different ways that the fungus appeared was crazy, just little stems, little bulbs at the end of stalks, or a glistening layer of what seems like moss. The first thought that came to my mind when I saw the word parasite was this national geographic article, http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/05/photogalleries/zombie-ants/. Pretty much a phorid fly singles out an ant and then plants its eggs into the victim, the larvae travels through the body until it reaches the ant's head, then it begins to eat the ant's brain. And it even makes the ant travel away from the colony to avoid being spotted and killed! Oh yeah, I never really thought about it in this light but, parasites really do act as a way to balance the population, at least in the insect kingdom.
Personally, I do not like bugs, but I found this article quite interesting and fascinating. It's amazing how the Ophiocordyceps unilaterius parasite can completely take over its host and then used its body. The video showed an excellent demonstration on how the parasite gets into the ant and then is able to control ant's brain. Also, it's quite fascinating to know that parasites can produce antibiotics that can cure cancer and malaria. I hope more studies and tests are made because it's quite important.
I found the video about the parasitic fungus to be suprisingly interesting. One of the more interesting facts about the fugus was its ability to control the ants' brains.I was wondering if because the parasite kills its host it would be considered an idiobiont parasite? I also would like to know how the fungus enters into the ants body.
I also found it impressive that other ants had the instinct to take away any ants that appeared to be infected.
Wow that's a really interesting article. It is interesting how the fungus Ophiocordyceps unilaterius only infects ants that makes nests high in trees and wanders in the forest floor for food. It is so cool as to how this parasite takes over its host and uses its body. I have never heard of a fungal parasite growing out of the host’s body.
It's amazing to think that the Ophiocordyceps fungi is capable of invading a living insect and using that the insect's nutrients to grow. In addition, it's frightening to think that flies and cows are also victims of these parasitic fungi!
I have never realized the importance of fungi (and plants) in respect to the environment. Specifically, I was surprised to discover that Ophiocordyceps contains certain remedies against cancer and malaria. Studying these amazing fungi more in depth will undoubtedly advance scientific discoveries immensely. I just hope that these parastic fungi won't adapt to invade human bodies some day!
While reading this article I was reminded of a video I had seen of a parisite that forces the host, most of the time a grasshoper, to drown itself so the parasite can emerge. To think that there are other types of parasites that cause effects such as the fungus that attacks the ants in the jungle. I was suprised to learn how selective the parasites are in only selecting specific species. It's a good thing these fungi have no harmful affects on humans (that are known) as of right now; however, it is imperative that these fungi be studied because they can better help scientists understand parasitic lifeforms as well as find new cures for deadly diseases.
Wow, I did not know parasites played such an important role in their hosts' life. It is amazing how parasites can take over their hosts and can lead to the death of their hosts. Also, it is truly incredible how a whole colony can be wiped out just from these parasites. Honestly, I do not like bugs at all, but this was a very interesting topic. The video was enllightening, and I feel more research should be conducted on this matter. More research in this area may assist the cure of cancer and malaria.
This research is really mind blowing. To think that a parasite could enter another oragnism and control its actions enough to direct it to the top of a tree in order to further its own reproduction is interesting. This happens close to home as well, too. When I was visitng Penn State last week, one of the professors told me how one of his students found how a similar parasite causes Gypsy Moths to fly to the top of a tree and burst, releasing the spores. As well as interesting, this is also slightly scary. Imagine a parasite that could infect a human, taking over one's brain function. This could be a devestating parasite indeed. The fact that they can also help cure diseases is very important and benefitial, and a good scientific study.
Wow, that video was crazy. I thought that the fungus was both destructive and miraculous how it can wipe out a good portion of a specific species of insects while making sure that the population of that species remains relatively managed. I strongly believe that more research on this matter should be done because I feel like it would greatly benefit the human race. If we could channel this fungus that acts as a control center in the bodies of organisms, we could make advances that could increase the longevity and quality of our lives.
If there is one thing that creeps me out its parasites. The whole idea of something living off my body just doesn't set well with me. This is the first time I've heard of a parasitic fungus, but they actually seem interesting, as long as they stay away from humans. It's fascinating how they fungus finds just the right elevation. The fungus is basically just "moving in" to the ant as if it were a house.
Wow, this video was crazy. To think that these parasites can control the ants so much is really scary. They can even lead to the death of them. These parasites are so dangerous and yet they still have positive effects on the jungle. It's really interesting how they stop any species of animal from getting too powerful, or having the upper hand.
The video was kind of freaky at first because at first glance, I thought the ant was eating itself! This is a very strange fungus because of the fact that it is growing out of the ant's infected brain. I find it very interesting that each species of Cordyceps will focus on only one species. Having the Cordyceps fungus controlling over-population is a very effective way because of how they specialize on each species.
It is very weird how this fungus basically takes over it's host's body and move it to conditions for it to survive and reproduce. This parasitic fungus is a valuable part of the ecosystem in controlling insect population and may lead to new antibiotics.
Wow, "creepy-cool" is a perfect way to describe Cordyceps. I'm glad this doesn't happen to people, right?!!! (I haven't seen that on CSI!)
It's a pretty weird way to live, using a free-living organism's body, killing it, and using it for protection, as well as, a base for sprouting spores. I can understand why people would "wish extinction" on these things, but the Cordyceps are beneficial to life in many ways. They help to limit over-population of certain species, and they possess something that may fight cancer and malaria.
It's amazing that parasites can take control over a host's mind and direct it to a location it doesn't normally go to so that it can affect more of the species. I also think its interesting that the other ants realize that they need to get rid of the ants that are infected for there own benefit. I think more research should be done about parasites. Maybe it could help in finding a cure for cancer, like it said in the article.
Parasites such as the Cordyceps Fungus are truly mysterious and miraculous in the manor in which they work. It is amazing how from simple contact with a spore, a host can become infected and also affect the entire colony. This is an astonishing way of nature balancing the ecosystem through a form of population control. This makes one wonder if there is a parasite that can affect humans in the same way. If one was ever discovered the effects would be disastrous. If you think about it, how easily and often do people get poison ivy? From a simple rub against a leaf you can develop painful and annoying rashes. Well if a human parasite existed in the same way that the Cordyceps Fungus does, our population would be dramatically altered.
When anyone is asked what a parasite is they usually describe it as something vile dealing with viruses which in general do more harm than good. However, after watching that video it is truly amazing to see that it can take full control over the host. I hope further research is done too see whether or not these parasites can benefit humans by curing viruses and diseases, as Dan Oh said such as Cancer and Malaria.
Nature has a way to control population numbers either by parasites, epidemics, or even natural disasters. Thinking about the plague in the middle ages or reading about swine flu today. Understanding nature's mysteries can increase human life span.
I happen to dislike bugs a lot, but this article was interesting to read. It's hard to believe that a parasite can have this much control over another living organism, and I agree with Danielle when she said that this is actually quite terrifying. What if there is parasite out there (clearly not something discovered yet- or even on this planet for that matter) that can somehow gain control of a human body? I know it's usually not relevant to compare a fiction novel to science, but in Stephenie Meyer's book, The Host (no, not Twilight!), a parasite actually does take control of the human body. When I read this book, I found it completely made up and unrealistic, but to see that this actually happens to other species is absolutely crazy! Hopefully something so deadly and terrifying can be used for good to cure things like cancer and malaria.
It's pretty crazy how these parasites can take over a living organism. In the future there may be a way to alter these parasites for use in the medical field or even for biological warfare if they were to take control of humans and do unwanted actions.
I remember strolling through Barnes and Noble one day, and I came across a book that said disease is an integral aspect of human survival and evolution. For instance, our weaknesses and maladies are what drives us as a race to seek out cures, which increases our knowledge of the world around us. I don't think a parasitic spore can do much for insects in that respect; however, the spore is equally important to the survival of infected insects. The spore can keep species' populations in check and keep change the status quo for competing insects. Sometimes what can kill us can make us stronger.
Ophiocordyceps fungi is capable of invading a living insect and using that the insect's nutrients to grow. I never knew that fungi would be so helpful to us. Curing malaria and cancer! Recently a close family member passed away due to malaria. It is very interesting how in a few years after more research. Maybe this gentleman's life could be saved.
I thought the video about the parasites taking over the ants was interesting. I also thought that it was amazing how the healthy ants would carry the infected ants bodys away fro mthe colony in order to portect the colony from the spread of the parasite. I had no idea that ants were that smart. I have also never heard of Orphiocordyceps and i am amazed by what it does to its host. Great video!!!
sharvari
Its quite intriguing the way a small-scaled creature, such as the parasite, can make such an impact on a larger insect, like the ant. I do believe that the parasite was controlling the ant because since a parasite attacks and lives through its host, it may be feasible for the parasite to control the ant, since if the parasite is able to invade its host's body, then it might have the potential to control the ant. I also believe that the parasite was able to control the ant because since the parasite depends on its host for survival, it can control its host and help it survive, as it caused the ant to seek a high leaf in order for it to obtain food. In other words, by helping the ant reach the leaf for food or an escape from predators, then the ant would have a greater chance of survival, which ultimately means that the parasite would live. However, this is just a conjecture. On the other hand, I strongly believe that deforestation is an act of crime because if you kill a large quantity of trees, then the animals and insects which depend on it for food and shelter would also die. If one group is eliminate from the food chain, then it has severe impact on the rest of the ecosystem.
I think this information is amazing. I find it outrageous how the fungus can enter an insect's body, kill it, and move on to another insect. What is even more outrageous is if this translated into human form, and killed humans as quickly and easily as the insects are killed. On the bright side however, this fungus does prevent insects from overpopulating which I'm sure benefits us.
I've seen this story on Planet Earth, but they didn't discuss so many details, they mostly just highlighted how Ophiocordyceps unilaterius uses the ant host just to acquire the right spot of growth- this article also went on to say how the fungus still used the body of the ant by building "its orange tube to store nutrients from the ant's fluids". More amazingly the fungus also protects the exoskeleton of the ant using its own antibiotics. I’m intrigued by all of it. In the comments of the article somebody asked the bold question if anything could affect mammals like the Ophiocordyceps unilaterius. I also wondered this and a replier said that a Toxoplasma gondii protozoan affected cats mentally making them “fearless” and affecting rats the same way. In turn making both spread the Tosoplasma gondii to areas where other cats and rats cross.
That’s pretty extreme for these creatures to make their hosts another component of themselves.
i think its really cool that nature has its own way of taking care of mass population growth of any species. Here it was the parasite that was making sure that population wasnt too large, in other ecosystems it may be the food chain or natural disasters or even droughts. sometimes when we have droughts and disasters they help keep the population in check. its quite amazing that each species has another species to keep it in check. Nature was made to keep itself in check which is one reason why i love studying it.
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