PubHawk
August 2014 PMID 25085339

Species-specific ant brain manipulation by a specialized fungal parasite.

Charissa de Bekker, Lauren E Quevillon, Philip B Smith, Kimberly R Fleming, Debashis Ghosh, Andrew D Patterson, David P Hughes

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Mentions

58
Peak: 8 in Dec 2025
across 7 sources since Aug 2014

Extended reach

531,116
potential audience

Total likes

17,908

Video views

522,534

Mentions per month

Aug 2014 – Dec 2025

Where it's discussed

  • TikTok41 posts
  • Blogs4 articles
  • Facebook3 posts
  • Instagram3 posts
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  • YouTube2 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions highlight the intriguing nature of species-specific parasitic manipulation, with phrases like 'area preciosa' (precious field) emphasizing its importance, and references to existing examples of host manipulation, showing a deep interest. The tone reflects admiration and curiosity, indicating that the publication sparks meaningful academic and scientific conversations about parasite-host relationships and evolutionary processes.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the significance of species-specific parasite manipulation, with some expressing appreciation for its evolutionary implications.

InterestHigh interest

Participants demonstrate high curiosity about the topic, engaging with complex ideas and examples of parasitic behavior.

EngagementModerate engagement

Comments include references to evolutionary perspectives and potential broader implications, indicating thoughtful involvement.

ImpactModerate impact

The conversations suggest that this research could influence understanding of parasitism and evolution, though some see it as part of a broader ongoing discussion.

Abstract in brief

  • The research focuses on a fungal parasite, Ophiocordyceps, that infects ants and manipulates their behavior in a way that appears to be highly specific to each ant species.
  • By studying this fungus both in controlled lab settings and in the field, the scientists found that while the fungus can infect multiple ant species, it only alters behavior in the specific host species it naturally infects, likely through the production of unique metabolites.
  • The study identified certain compounds produced by the fungus, some of which are linked to neurological diseases, suggesting these metabolites could be the tools the fungus uses to manipulate ant behavior, highlighting an evolved, species-specific parasitic adaptation.]
Read the full abstract

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Reina Mora
@ReinaMo20250164 · X

@pitiklinov La manipulación del huésped en beneficio del parásito es un área preciosa, especialmente desde una perspectiva evolutiva. Hay descritas ya multitud de situaciones. Por ejemplo https://t.co/n0AWf9nY8Z

Oct 14, 2019 · 2 likes · 19 followers View post →
Javi Ciborro
@papayaykware · X

https://t.co/JojZW345MX Manipulación cerebral de hormigas específica de especie por un parásito fúngico especializado

Nov 6, 2023 · 8,024 followers View post →

All mentions

Javi Ciborro
@papayaykware · X

https://t.co/JojZW345MX Manipulación cerebral de hormigas específica de especie por un parásito fúngico especializado

Nov 6, 2023 · 8,024 followers View post →
Reina Mora
@ReinaMo20250164 · X

@pitiklinov La manipulación del huésped en beneficio del parásito es un área preciosa, especialmente desde una perspectiva evolutiva. Hay descritas ya multitud de situaciones. Por ejemplo https://t.co/n0AWf9nY8Z

Oct 14, 2019 · 2 likes · 19 followers View post →
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Marta Frej Memy
Facebook

... parasite. BMC evolutionary biology, 14, 166. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-014-0166-3 · May be an image of text · Natalia Dziuba and 307 others ·

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Dec 12, 2025 View →
Aleksandra Rutkowska
Facebook

... parasite. BMC evolutionary biology, 14, 166. https://doi. org/10.1186/s12862-014-0166-3. May be an image of text. Mirosław Balicki and Lukas Green ·

Dec 12, 2025 View →
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