Mind-Controlling Fungus: Nature's Real-Life Zombie Maker
Entomophthora muscae is a pathogenic fungus that infects insects, particularly houseflies, manipulating their behavior to spread its spores. The fungus initially feeds on the fly's nutrients without killing it, eventually causing the fly to climb to elevated positions before dying. Post-mortem, the fungus releases spores to infect new hosts. It also attracts male flies to infected female cadavers using chemical signals, facilitating further spread. The sequencing of E. muscae's genome has revealed its complex mechanisms, offering potential applications in biocontrol and mental health treatments.