January 2018 PMID 29324045

Neuroparasitology of Parasite-Insect Associations.

David P Hughes, Frederic Libersat

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Mentions

106

Peak: 42 in Apr 2023

across 3 sources since Apr 2019

Extended reach

2,872,804

potential audience

Total likes

92,057

Video views

2,718,762

Mentions per month

Apr 2019 – Jul 2025

Where it's discussed

X / Twitter101 posts
Blogs3 articles
YouTube2 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions demonstrate a strong curiosity and appreciation for the fascinating mechanisms of neuroparasitology, as evidenced by many posts praising Ze Frank's humorous yet informative videos about fungi controlling insects and references to popular culture like 'The Last of Us.' The tone is enthusiastic, blending humor with scientific curiosity, which reinforces the high interest and engagement levels, although the impact appears limited to educational entertainment.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions express fascination and approval of the research, especially highlighting the intriguing aspects of neuroparasitology and fungi's control over insects.

InterestHigh interest

Posts show high interest, with many references to videos and scientific insights, including mentions of Ze Frank's entertaining explanations and parasitic fungi examples.

EngagementHigh engagement

Discussions delve into detailed examples like cordyceps, zombie insects, and evolution, indicating deep engagement.

ImpactModerate impact

While the conversations are enthusiastic and educational, the overall influence on broader scientific discourse or policy is moderate, mainly through sharing interesting facts and videos.

Abstract in brief

Neuroparasitology explores how parasites, from viruses to worms and parasitic wasps, can control insect behavior mainly through effects on their nervous system, sometimes without directly entering the brain.
The field emphasizes a holistic approach, combining natural history, imaging, and advanced scientific techniques to better understand these manipulations.
Studying parasites that have evolved to control insect behavior can reveal important insights into the mechanisms behind insect nervous systems and behavior regulation.]

Read the full abstract

All mentions

Fungi That Control Insects: A Biological Perspective

Explore how certain fungi manipulate insect behavior, including detailed neural circuit mapping in fruit flies, offering insights into brain functions, evolution, and potential biocontrol applications.

Ze Frank · Apr 28, 2023 2,717,924 views

Neuroparasitology: Parasite Control of Insect Nervous Systems and Behavior

Neuroparasitology explores how parasites, from viruses to worms and parasitic wasps, can control insect behavior mainly through effects on their nervous system, sometimes without directly entering the brain. The field…

Arkan | أركان · May 3, 2024 839 views

Glenn Parzone

@Glenn_Parsonist · X

@AMAZlNGNATURE https://t.co/6kM6vDyE62

Jul 2, 2025 · 1 like · 176 followers View post →

ニャメック星人

@kimchi62672148 · X

@pppp407 그래도 궁금하시다면… https://t.co/FHnSsJno5l 4분 45초 쯤에 나옵니다^_^…

Mar 12, 2025 · 224 followers View post →

Dwayne Anthony Edwards

@rlchicksllc · X

Connect this with the school government. “Don’t do drugs… well… you become this. We are working to save all who have become a victim of this.” @DeptofDefense @usedgov @UNESCO @EduMinOfIndia @POTUS https://t.co/gjQNPqefQU

Feb 18, 2025 · 179 followers View post →

Dwayne Anthony Edwards

@rlchicksllc · X

Take it seriously. This very closely relates to the exact effects of alcohol, tobacco, weed and drugs. https://t.co/1elNE3QPYQ

Feb 18, 2025 · 179 followers View post →

Handbagdeb

@handbagdeb · X

We know how we evolved and here we are. Humans pretend we evolved independently and not a part of a big picture which tells how we were formed. Free Palestine. Or be human fungi. https://t.co/nteMSoveoB

Feb 6, 2025 · 311 followers View post →

Banu_Umayya1

@Banu_Umayya1 · X

@nwrldyn131432 القناة نفسها بها مقاطع كثير نافعة و انظر ذا إذا كنت محب للقراءة https://t.co/3NTTalVp6m وهذه سلسلة في قناة عن معضلات دارون https://t.co/c5YiUO2aAK وهذه سلسلة عن نقد "نظرية" التطور مكتوبة https://t.co/ooNX7AY8tp في سلسلة اطلس حروب العالم القديم ابحث عنها في يوتيوب ممتازة.

Nov 12, 2024 · 685 followers View post →

RC Pilot

@RCPILOT177583 · X

https://t.co/x3FSkzS6eb

Sep 26, 2024 · 318 followers View post →

Mara Klive Blayde

@MaraKliveBlayde · X

This is well phrased and deals with mind-control technologies: https://t.co/Vsh31SKm8H

Aug 18, 2024 · 18 followers View post →

#TheSpiderHunter - Black History Is Important!

@Arthur59611540 · X

Today's Fungus Among Us - If fungi had brains I'd call them geniuses, True Facts: Fungi That Control The Insects They Eat https://t.co/onTJ0b1oCa via @YouTube

Jul 12, 2024 · 2 likes · 4,116 followers View post →

#TheSpiderHunter - Black History Is Important!

@Arthur59611540 · X

Today's Next Creature Feature - There is fungus among us! True Facts: Fungi That Control The Insects They Eat https://t.co/3GDbZD7fEj via @YouTube

Jul 9, 2024 · 1 like · 4,116 followers View post →

sKraat528

@skraat7 · X

@Thekeksociety https://t.co/e587lMkMUa

Jul 6, 2024 · 721 followers View post →

sKraat528

@skraat7 · X

@ivanov_ves @Thekeksociety I think fungus is more accurate.. https://t.co/e587lMlkJI Lol best source I could quickly remember, parody type thing but he is sharing accurate info

Jul 6, 2024 · 1 like · 721 followers View post →

كرم قاضي

@KaramKadi2 · X

معضلة دارون الأخيرة | الحلقة الرابعة | عجائب الدبابير https://t.co/37XV84yP6c عبر @YouTubeسلسلة جميلة جدا

May 10, 2024 · 509 followers View post →

أركان | Arkan

@arkansrp · X

تخبرنا متابعة الكائنات الحية بوجود تشابكات عميقة ومعقدة، تجعل النظام البيولوجي وكأنه كيان واحد خالٍ من العبث، وهو عكس ما تفترضه نظرية التطور!

May 3, 2024 · 1 like · 1,328 followers View post →

Serres Julien

@SerresJulien13 · X

RT @caitcowie: The latest episode of #TrueFacts is live! This month it’s parasitic fungi. An enormous thank you to @delfreddy @CharissaB a…

Apr 19, 2024 · 1 share · 65 followers View post →

Antpocalypse

@GAntpocalypse · X

@howllucinogenic Auuugh hold on lemme pull up my favorite video about this topic https://t.co/n6qz2x8g9n :]

Apr 8, 2024 · 2 likes · 119 followers View post →

Count Dragon VA

@count_va · X

@DarkCloudVA Yes he does! https://t.co/4Lp6VJnPCE

Apr 6, 2024 · 580 followers View post →

Jean Claude R.

@JaySear · X

@jessiepridemore Yep, I thought it sounded familiar! It's about 2/3 through the video about mind-controlling fungi: https://t.co/32Njwg3FWJ

Apr 6, 2024 · 388 followers View post →

Ivo Schonfeld

@SchonfeldIvo · X

@itsisaacsworld https://t.co/C92PKGlHB4

Feb 23, 2024 · 44 followers View post →

Javi Ciborro

@papayaykware · X

https://t.co/HJOm8KOVa1 Neuroparasitología de las asociaciones parásito-insecto

Nov 5, 2023 · 8,035 followers View post →

wondering thoughts

@authorofaccount · X

@michadofamous @CreepyOrg If so, look up the cordyceps, @zefrank has an amazing video for you... https://t.co/n0OZpSZm67

Nov 2, 2023 · 24 followers View post →

Ralf du Vel d’Hiv

@HugoMarc02 · X

@borislelay00 @IIFBS_ https://t.co/Gz3uik03Nq

Oct 24, 2023 · 223 followers View post →

Как сыч

@shreinix · X

@Segozavr https://t.co/ChTN2dUZkN Вдруг кому то захочется больше про такие вещи узнать.

Aug 23, 2023 · 119 followers View post →

Curious Bo

@fungiviking · X

True Facts: Fungi That Control The Insects They Eat https://t.co/WVoQYj3fAb via @YouTube

Aug 9, 2023 · 163 followers View post →

Myblackcatiscool@proton.me

@Myblackcatisco1 · X

If your not tuned into this dude - you'll never really understand fungi or anything else for that matter. Trust me - check him out. https://t.co/nL4G1WjKfv

Aug 8, 2023 · 1 like · 12 followers View post →

RevFox ⚜️

@RevFox84 · X

@OTerrifying @zefrank did a whole video on the topic. https://t.co/otxY8tgSkx

Aug 7, 2023 · 857 followers View post →

Halcyon Helen

@halcyhelen · X

@OTerrifying https://t.co/18cYrO7Jgs

Jul 9, 2023 · 857 followers View post →

George A Easton

@appraiserdude · X

@OTerrifying @zefrank did 2 months ago https://t.co/rJD0nybJl9

Jul 8, 2023 · 948 followers View post →

Julie Farrell

@Julesofthwood · X

https://t.co/BePlBCVhYr

Jun 25, 2023 · 6,173 followers View post →

R.W ™️

@rabbitz_84 · X

@Rainmaker1973 You have to see this then. . https://t.co/9K1xeESMHv

Jun 17, 2023 · 2,603 followers View post →

Albax

@Fur_Albax · X

@Rainmaker1973 @zefrank did a good job covering this concept and these flys. https://t.co/HKKmaMZkaL

Jun 17, 2023 · 2 likes · 1,045 followers View post →

Valency Jarvis

@PsychNerdV · X

Watch out, Creepiest Dave! These fungi are even creepier... True Facts: Fungi That Control The Insects They Eat - @zefrank https://t.co/VFWvx8QCA7 #dailygiggle #Humor #Comedy

Jun 7, 2023 · 212 followers View post →

Donald McDonald (HeavyD)

@heavydmail · X

#TrueFacts from #ZeFrank about Fungi that control the insects they eat. https://t.co/G7Mg5crDNw #BeautifulNature

Jun 4, 2023 · 439 followers View post →

paowendoline

@paowendoline · X

Estoy traumada con esto ahora que lo sé y por alguna razón quiero que lo sepan. Me dio mucha ansiedad pero igual voy a seguir viendo the last of us, la neta la realidad supera la ficción

May 25, 2023 · 1 like · 264 followers View post →

Try of assassination

@FaboKruskredo · X

@ElfaDosInsetos @yomi_kemono É de humor mas só com divulgação científica séria, vc vai entender https://t.co/FpddsqDSqH

May 24, 2023 · 4 likes · 514 followers View post →

tutuuut

@txgl_k · X

@OTerrifying Here is the link for the video where you can learn abt it: https://t.co/rHZKdZK0WN

May 23, 2023 · 29 followers View post →

michael cipoletti

@ikecip · X

True Facts: Fungi That Control The Insects They Eat https://t.co/UN6UG89tsJ via @YouTube

May 20, 2023 · 1,263 followers View post →

Ju̶n̶

@kaoshitam · X

The best disclaimer...

May 20, 2023 · 930 followers View post →

Karmasutra

@al_ter_a · X

Ovaj video me uznemirio na toliko nivoa, celu noć sam sanjala proklete gljive i danas ceo dan razmišljam o tome koliko uslova mora da se poklopi da evolucija ode u ovaj bizarni rukavac i to me iz nekog razloga ispunjava egzistencijalnom stravom https://t.co/YR9gge1N4x

May 18, 2023 · 1 like · 238 followers View post →

Euphoniumism

@Euphoniumism1 · X

Science is rad. And also terrifying. Check out Ze Frank if you haven't. Funny but educational. https://t.co/semCsps0S1

May 15, 2023 · 1,502 followers View post →

C̶͚̃a̵̯͠s̸͌͜s̷̜̎ả̵̻n̵̥͑d̸̓ͅr̶̦̽a̵̛̠ Complex̸̗́

@amorvincitomnia · X

Myrmecophilous hymenostilboid, Ophiocordyceps camponoti-floridani, Massospora cicadina

May 11, 2023 · 2,110 followers View post →

Mike Painter

@MikeFromHC · X

@ICRscience Evolution explains parasites. If your goddidit, it's a monster. Malaria kills millions - it's a parasite. True Facts: Killer Parasitic Zombie Fungi https://t.co/71o79ylSRu

May 10, 2023 · 1 like · 431 followers View post →

Spoogy

@xxxZukoxx · X

you've all seen the mushroom that controls ant right. well...it gets worse. Ze Frank really makes me giggle too https://t.co/BA6op7yaQk

May 10, 2023 · 26 followers View post →

華鳥風月(KachouFugetsu)

@PenguinJacky · X

https://t.co/xnAOPn7FtV

May 8, 2023 · 444 followers View post →

Donald Mitchell

@DonaldM38768041 · X

Ze Frank makes excellent science videos that are pretty funny. https://t.co/bCDtbqsnST

May 8, 2023 · 1 like · 3,284 followers View post →

卩丨卩乃ㄖㄚ

@chlevor · X

May 5, 2023 · 34 followers View post →

Maria Kupper (MajorMK87)

@MMaryK87 · X

Ready for a Zombi movie on this Friday morning?

May 5, 2023 · 1 like · 178 followers View post →

pup: watch “Bocchi the Rock”

@thehund · X

True Facts: Fungi That Control The Insects They Eat https://t.co/ekv7mPLytE via @YouTube

May 3, 2023 · 491 followers View post →

Mike Painter

@MikeFromHC · X

@ICRscience The only miracle here is that they show up at all. Did God put them there and make them look millions of years old? If a little boy burning ants with a magnifying glass is bad what can be said about a god that does this? Killer Parasitic Zombie Fungi https://t.co/71o79ylSRu

May 2, 2023 · 1 like · 431 followers View post →

Dawn Hernandez

@Have2doxies · X

True Facts: Fungi That Control The Insects They Eat https://t.co/MZD3hOn971 via @YouTube

May 2, 2023 · 3,120 followers View post →

Stefaniya Kamenova

@StefaniyaK2 · X

Deliciously gross as usual

May 2, 2023 · 1 like · 198 followers View post →

Scotties Playtime

@PlaytimeScottie · X

True Facts: Fungi That Control The Insects They Eat https://t.co/OX3fYDwU3M https://t.co/D6EJmokMgm

May 1, 2023 · 3 followers View post →

Scottie

@Scottiestoybox · X

True Facts: Fungi That Control The Insects They Eat https://t.co/avcaI8WtHx https://t.co/TNGnyyx2RS

May 1, 2023 · 81 followers View post →

Григорий Орешник Ефимович

@karel_bellic · X

@2chriscolin1010 If u into the wilds, take a look at this,,mate. https://t.co/lQxFIIgYCl Hilarious, with his comments.

May 1, 2023 · 298 followers View post →

Netherchorus

@netherchorus · X

@SweetSugaah I think you might enjoy Zefrank's latest entry in the "True Facts" series. https://t.co/0oqLODNRiH

May 1, 2023 · 401 followers View post →

Randall Gummerman

@Gummbyman32 · X

True Facts: Fungi That Control The Insects They Eat https://t.co/8cr8rmMHKW via @YouTube

May 1, 2023 · 1 like · 11,993 followers View post →

Minespatch(commissions open)

@minespatch · X

https://t.co/sqVheeDRnL

May 1, 2023 · 1 like · 648 followers View post →

Travis Stanford

@travishb · X

Oh my God. ZeFrank is hilarious. That last line…

Apr 30, 2023 · 1,155 followers View post →

Omni

@antitroll404 · X

True Facts: Fungi That Control The Insects They Eat https://t.co/u5CeRlJ4a3 via @YouTube L’humain doit avoir choppé le Cordyceps avidus…

Apr 30, 2023 · 30 followers View post →

iscab.saptocondro

@saptocondro · X

Jejamuran, https://t.co/R0kj3rKSpq Fungi That Control The Insects They Eat https://t.co/ISnzwniXBW

Apr 30, 2023 · 570 followers View post →

Jason Nerad

@OurFearlessHero · X

Strong finish on this one. https://t.co/IytydHIKDA

Apr 30, 2023 · 198 followers View post →

Snarkington P. Bear

@Snark_P_Bear · X

@bunsenbernerbmd And cicadas can survive without a butt. Apparently insect middles are where it's at! https://t.co/SPzjHCGHFx

Apr 30, 2023 · 2 likes · 270 followers View post →

Tsulaa

@Tsulaa1 · X

Like, I knew this was a bad thing, but I didn't know this much of the bad thing until... True Facts: Fungi That Control The Insects They Eat https://t.co/G45lBbXHxF via @YouTube

Apr 30, 2023 · 237 followers View post →

R.W ™️

@rabbitz_84 · X

This is the most entertaining and informative/funny shit I've ever heard. . https://t.co/9K1xeESMHv

Apr 30, 2023 · 2,603 followers View post →

Zade

@ZadeHart · X

Fungus really is f*cked up.

Apr 30, 2023 · 1 like · 991 followers View post →

Ms. Matter

@Pandoraaa76 · X

https://t.co/Jh83GamF8m

Apr 30, 2023 · 469 followers View post →

Freddie Aceves

@aceves_freddie · X

@ElBadiablo no sé si conoces a zefrank, hace videos de datos de animalitos raros (perturbadores a veces) con humor. Y VERGA EL DE HONGOS QUE ACABA DE SALIR! https://t.co/zKYrlG7FXR

Apr 29, 2023 View post →

muse

@darrwin · X

Fungi are terrifying. https://t.co/7CXelqlLwQ

Apr 29, 2023 · 135 followers View post →

Molly Blue Dawn

@WhatMollySaid · X

True Facts: Fungi That Control The Insects They Eat by @zefrank (I know he's not using Twitter anymore. I will also spout this on Spoutible at https://t.co/4Vp8k8E8ZO ) https://t.co/tONYOw62ZG

Apr 29, 2023 · 1 like · 2,783 followers View post →

Sean Newboy

@SeanNewboy · X

True Facts: Fungi That Control The Insects They Eat https://t.co/rf9EDEmuJ1 via @YouTube

Apr 29, 2023 · 4,887 followers View post →

bitchmobile

@bitchmobile · X

@AntonioORourke @Thewokeexposed Like that zombie fungus that infects insects. Tiktok is a zombie fungus https://t.co/QzCLLmFWKZ

Apr 29, 2023 · 3 likes · 951 followers View post →

Kelammo

@kelammo · X

Very Last of Us

Apr 29, 2023 · 3,180 followers View post →

Rukmunal Hakim

@RukmunalHakim · X

Here is your daily dose of fungus from Frank

Apr 29, 2023 · 1 like · 5,754 followers View post →

Mike Painter

@MikeFromHC · X

@WilliamMcgibney @Askwhyisit If you built a house the insanely stupid way that humans are "designed" noone could live in it. Then there's the god that created parasites. https://t.co/71o79ylSRu

Apr 29, 2023 · 3 likes · 431 followers View post →

Tater Magoo

@MagooPotato · X

https://t.co/bULJcu1piD

Apr 29, 2023 · 4,281 followers View post →

loishawkey Z

@fireusuporg · X

True Facts: Killer Parasitic Zombie Fungi https://t.co/WuZ9t55ZSv via @YouTube

Apr 29, 2023 · 248 followers View post →

AlexLady

@AlexLady · X

and people eat mushrooms o_o https://t.co/riy2nHEClk

Apr 29, 2023 · 3 likes · 13,058 followers View post →

Clara Johnson

@claramjAnnaTorv · X

True Facts: Killer Parasitic Zombie Fungi https://t.co/93jFHLiQ6c via @YouTube Fungi are creepy!

Apr 29, 2023 · 1,938 followers View post →

GET DOWN WITH THE GET DOWN

@0victorem0 · X

True Facts: Killer Parasitic Zombie Fungi https://t.co/hI36OzYAAK via @YouTube

Apr 29, 2023 · 1,157 followers View post →

R. E. Tard

@TardR · X

True Facts: Killer Parasitic Zombie Fungi https://t.co/Ep1pgZ9qz3 via @YouTube

Apr 29, 2023 · 1,348 followers View post →

HanakiLuciel ✨✨ (COMMS OPEN)

@hanaki_luciel · X

https://t.co/V9y945b1bf

Apr 29, 2023 · 187 followers View post →

Chris Codina

@ChrisC06 · X

Yeah, Cordyceps is flashy and all but when is The Last of Us gonna tackle the parasitic fungus that makes its host's corpse give off a mating pheromone? https://t.co/pY9E9DYHF3

Apr 29, 2023 · 1 like · 368 followers View post →

Jill Moffitt

@MoffittJill · X

Ouch! ZeFrank1 goes wild! https://t.co/siCiZIzTv6

Apr 29, 2023 · 11,164 followers View post →

はたかぜ(オパビニアでない)

@hata_kaze · X

True Facts: Killer Parasitic Zombie Fungi https://t.co/4SgbnyT8cK @YouTubeより

Apr 29, 2023 · 525 followers View post →

The Grand Nudnik

@MichaelButchin · X

True Facts: Killer Parasitic Zombie Fungi https://t.co/qV2yPf5jWD via @YouTube

Apr 28, 2023 · 507 followers View post →

WatchingWolf

@VVatchVVolf · X

True Facts: Killer Parasitic Zombie Fungi https://t.co/CvJSpaJPQ1 via @YouTube

Apr 28, 2023 · 118 followers View post →

@cj_vet · X

https://t.co/U3CZDHPekW

Apr 28, 2023 · 1 like · 267 followers View post →

Minty Fish of Jelly

@Coatlursa · X

https://t.co/zPoCz4i8ub @lucibubthegoat @parting_cl0uds

Apr 28, 2023 · 320 followers View post →

John Chawner

@jchawner · X

True Facts: Killer Parasitic Zombie Fungi https://t.co/kFk6WC3qfd via @YouTube

Apr 28, 2023 · 2,192 followers View post →

DairyAir

@mikeoxlong181 · X

Laugh to hide the tears…

Apr 28, 2023 · 133 followers View post →

Shipwreck

@markthesnark2 · X

https://t.co/amsBSuTkkI @1234flyingninja @ThePanic16

Apr 28, 2023 · 1 like · 3,686 followers View post →

theovervoid

@TheOvervoid · X

Quite interesting, especially the last one he talks about which is quite fucked up. https://t.co/44jtRLe1Fr

Apr 28, 2023 · 474 followers View post →

Akuna-mama-tata

@ZoroStoJeMoro · X

https://t.co/oxLNqrn3yc

Apr 28, 2023 · 1 like · 499 followers View post →

Dirt Doctor

@HowardGarrett · X

Apr 28, 2023 · 3 likes · 1,480 followers View post →

Taupo

@pierrekerner · X

RT @MoiParasite: Parasitegasm by @zefrank https://t.co/JpMro9YyKD

Apr 28, 2023 · 1 share · 10,130 followers View post →

MoiParasite

@MoiParasite · X

Parasitegasm by @zefrank https://t.co/JpMro9YyKD

Apr 28, 2023 · 2 likes · 1 share · 1,739 followers View post →

Reiseng

@ReisengRath · X

Wake up babe, new fungus BEABIES just dropped https://t.co/j8aK0XIngE

Apr 28, 2023 · 1,005 followers View post →

JustinTyme (Absurdly Epic)

@justintyme · X

True Facts: Killer Parasitic Zombie Fungi https://t.co/khiT3soE0r via @YouTube

Apr 28, 2023 · 370 followers View post →

Dr. Elden Wayne Whalen III, ShD

@wayne_effect · X

https://t.co/KXtDk1fvGG "Neuroparasitology is an emerging branch of biology that deals with parasites that can control the nervous system of their host."

Dec 2, 2022 · 1,297 followers View post →

Attila D. Sandor

@adsandor · X

RT @bloodSparasites: Neuroparasitology of Parasite-Insect Associations. https://t.co/1xfhxmrOun PubMed

Apr 26, 2019 · 3 shares · 367 followers View post →

Bloodsucking Parasites

@bloodSparasites · X

Neuroparasitology of Parasite-Insect Associations. https://t.co/1xfhxmrOun PubMed

Apr 25, 2019 · 1 like · 3 shares · 5,105 followers View post →

Neuroparasitology of Parasite-Insect Associations.

Mentions per month

Where it's discussed

What people are saying

Abstract in brief

Top posts

All mentions

Fungi That Control Insects: A Biological Perspective

Neuroparasitology: Parasite Control of Insect Nervous Systems and Behavior