Parasites
Latest about parasites

One in three people are infected with Toxoplasma parasite — and the clue could be in our eyes
By Justine R. Smith, Joao M. Furtado published
Toxoplasma gondii is probably the most successful parasite in the world today. The disease caused by this parasite can scar the back of the eye.

Why do cats and dogs rub their butts on the floor?
By Tyler Santora published
Here's why your cat or dog might be rubbing its butt on the floor.

1,500-year-old Roman 'flower pot' was actually a port-o-potty
By Brandon Specktor published
The preserved eggs of a human intestinal parasite prove that a fifth century Roman pot was used as a toilet.

Watch thousands of 'vinegar eels' swarm through a water droplet in amazing new video
By Brandon Specktor published
The microscopic nematodes known as vinegar eels move together in a strange synchronized swimming routine, new research videos show.

Parasitic worm forces tarantulas to tiptoe, then starves them to death
By Brandon Specktor published
Scientists discovered a new type of parasitic worm that only infects the mouths of tarantula spiders.

Social vomit and hairy eyeballs: 10 times animals grossed us out in 2021
By Mindy Weisberger published
Here are some of our favorite gross-outs in science news this year.

Mind-controlling fungus makes male flies mate with dead, infected females
By Mindy Weisberger published
The pathogenic fungus Entomophthora muscae doesn't just kill the flies it infects; it also turns males into sex-crazed necrophiliacs.

'Tongue-eating' lice invade fish's mouth in this year's creepiest Halloween photo
By Joanna Thompson published
Tongue-eating parasites chow down on fishes' mouths and eventually replace their tongues
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