Zombies are real – just ask the parasites taking over the bodies and brains of insects and rodents, leading them to their doom

The fungus Ophiocordyceps infects ants, growing through their bodies over several weeks before the insects leave their colonies, climb vegetation and bite onto leaves in a fatal "death grip." Researchers found fungal growth throughout the ants' bodies and around muscle fibers, but not inside their brains, suggesting the fungus manipulates muscles rather than directly controlling the brain.

Source: Zombies are real – just ask the parasites taking over the bodies and brains of insects and rodents, leading them to their doom — The Conversation

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A daily AI-made news meme from Jester · Oct 31, 2026.