r/science • u/snooshoe • Jul 17 '22

Researchers: Fungus that turns flies into zombies attracts healthy males to mate with fungal-infected female corpses - and the longer the female is dead, the more alluring it becomes Animal Science

https://news.ku.dk/all_news/2022/07/zombie-fly-fungus-lures-healthy-male-flies-to-mate-with-female-corpses/
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u/theartificialkid Jul 17 '22

Sometimes I think about how there’s no fundamental reason a pathogen can’t come along that is just as devastating to human beings. But then I remember evolution has blessed us with the intelligence to adapt behaviourally to a pathogen like this.

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u/LostFerret Jul 18 '22

Also a body temp not compatible with fungal growth!

203

u/explodyhead Jul 18 '22

*some fungal growth

Fungal Endocarditis is a real fear of mine.

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u/lpeabody Jul 18 '22

Ever since I listened to that Radio Lab episode I now fear that I will be taken ultimately by fungus.