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Zombies in our Midst

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The Profilicollis altmani, or thorny-headed worm, is a prime example of a mind-altering parasite. It changes the behavior of mole crabs, which then get eaten by sea gulls, the worm's final host.
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The Profilicollis altmani, or thorny-headed worm, is a prime example of a mind-altering parasite. It changes the behavior of mole crabs, which then get eaten by sea gulls, the worm's final host.

Mind-controlling wasps? Zombie critters controlled by worms? It's not just science fiction; our region recently saw a mysterious example of zombie-like behavior among insects. Environment Reporter Sabri Ben-Achour puts on his Sherlock hat to explore the enigma of how tiny parasites can take over much larger animals... including us.

[Music: "Zombie" by Fela Kuti & Afrika 70 from Zombie]

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