[lotrfan55345]

A common parasite found in cats may be affecting human behavior on a mass scale, according to a scientist based at the University of California, Santa Barbara. While little is known about the causes of cultural change, and biological explanations often stimulate social and scientific debate, a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey published in the August 2 issue of the "Proceedings of the Royal Society, Biology," indicates that behavioral manipulation of a common brain parasite may be among factors that play a role. "In populations where this parasite is very common, mass personality modification could result in cultural change," said study author Kevin Lafferty, a USGS scientist at UC Santa Barbara. "The geographic variation in the latent prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii may explain a substantial proportion of human population differences we see in cultural aspects that relate to ego, money, material possessions, work and rules."

more:
http://cognews.com/1155167611/index_html
&
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/2176548.stm

[Doly]

Interesting. What they don't mention is which areas the parasite is common.

[eric_b]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Doly', 'I')nteresting. What they don't mention is which areas the parasite is common.

[Kylon]

They do say certain populations tend to have more/or less of it.

France has like 85% infection rate supposedly, and the U.S 20-30% infection rate.

Schizophrenics also have a greater tendency to have this parasite.

[kestrel91316]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Kylon', 'S')chizophrenics also have a greater tendency to have this parasite.

[Kingcoal]

I know I must be infected because I've had several cats and I'm crazy.

[lotrfan55345]

Is there a test/cure for this?