cordyceps
neurophilosophy | March 3, 2011A dead ant infected with a parasitic Cordyceps fungus (David P. Hughes).A team of entomologists working in the Brazilian rain forest has discovered four new species of parasitic Cordyceps fungi, which infect insects and manipulate the behaviour of their hosts in order to disperse their spores as widely as possible.
The modus operandi of Cordyceps is reminiscent of the famous chest-bursting scene in the movie Alien. Microscopic spores infiltrate the host via the spiracles - the holes in the exoskeleton through which insects breathe - and the fungus begins feeding on its non-vital organs.
When…
sciencepunk | May 12, 2009Here's a little something I made for a project I'm working on. A blend of science and surreal humour. Tell me what you think. Yay or nay?
Cordyceps unilateralis is a parasitic fungus of ants. It really does exhibit mind-control capabilities.