Comments on: The Return of the Puppet Masters http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/ A blog about life, past and future. Written by DISCOVER contributing editor and columnist Carl Zimmer. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:00:24 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Ironbarr http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/comment-page-3/#comment-17071 Ironbarr Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:56:37 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/#comment-17071 Toxoplasma gondii infection - explains liberalism... angry men and sultry women. Toxoplasma gondii infection – explains liberalism… angry men and sultry women.

]]> By: The Newsstand Sophisticate :: I Blame the Parasites http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/comment-page-3/#comment-8706 The Newsstand Sophisticate :: I Blame the Parasites Fri, 01 Aug 2008 23:42:07 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/#comment-8706 [...] that the developmet of religions might have been driven by parasites, ever since I read about Toxoplasma gondii on science writer Carl Zimmer’s blog, The Loom, I can’t put anything past parasites. [...] [...] that the developmet of religions might have been driven by parasites, ever since I read about Toxoplasma gondii on science writer Carl Zimmer’s blog, The Loom, I can’t put anything past parasites. [...]

]]> By: JM http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/comment-page-3/#comment-2209 JM Wed, 22 Nov 2006 03:18:54 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/#comment-2209 I was diagnosed with Toxoplasmosis when I was 24. I noticed a "floater" in my eye went to the doctor, who sent me to an eye doctor and their conclusion was that I had probably got the disease when I was about 4 years old, and the floater I saw was old scar tissue that just appeared. It has since went away, I am now 32years old and recently suffered a miscarriage. Could the Toxoplasmois have caused the miscarriage, or am I now immune to it? Does anyone know? I was diagnosed with Toxoplasmosis when I was 24. I noticed a “floater” in my eye went to the doctor, who sent me to an eye doctor and their conclusion was that I had probably got the disease when I was about 4 years old, and the floater I saw was old scar tissue that just appeared. It has since went away, I am now 32years old and recently suffered a miscarriage. Could the Toxoplasmois have caused the miscarriage, or am I now immune to it? Does anyone know?

]]> By: Ian Woollard http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/comment-page-3/#comment-2208 Ian Woollard Sat, 04 Nov 2006 23:37:12 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/#comment-2208 AFAIK the only drug known to stop the parasite once it has entered the chronic stage is atovaquone. The other drugs tackle the motile form of the disease, but the parasite that forms the cysts is too well protected. Even then atovaquone doesn't always work. AFAIK the only drug known to stop the parasite once it has entered the chronic stage is atovaquone. The other drugs tackle the motile form of the disease, but the parasite that forms the cysts is too well protected.

Even then atovaquone doesn’t always work.

]]> By: Joshua http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/comment-page-3/#comment-2207 Joshua Wed, 02 Aug 2006 15:28:00 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/#comment-2207 Sounds like, as usual, a lot of people reading this are jumping to conclusions far beyond the science. Maybe toxoplasmosis explains that, too! Sounds like, as usual, a lot of people reading this are jumping to conclusions far beyond the science. Maybe toxoplasmosis explains that, too!

]]> By: phatkhat http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/comment-page-3/#comment-2206 phatkhat Sun, 23 Apr 2006 18:33:35 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/#comment-2206 #89, I have read more than once that the prophet Muhammed was a great lover of cats. Interesting that his followers do not have many pets. (Persian cats came, after all, from Iran.) Interesting article, though. #89, I have read more than once that the prophet Muhammed was a great lover of cats. Interesting that his followers do not have many pets. (Persian cats came, after all, from Iran.)

Interesting article, though.

]]> By: mabranich http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/comment-page-3/#comment-2205 mabranich Thu, 23 Mar 2006 21:13:17 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/#comment-2205 I was diagnosed with congenital toxoplasmosis in 1955, I have chorioretinitis with a large macular lesion in one eye (and some amblyopia in that eye also) and some smaller peripheral lesions in the other eye. I have led a useful, productive life, even though I am essentially a one-yeyed person (Only peripheral vision in the "bad" eye). Throughout my life my parents and I were terrorized by half-truths, falsehoods, and speculations such as your article. For the sake of those of us who must live with this diagnosis, please be kind and truthful. I was diagnosed with congenital toxoplasmosis in 1955, I have chorioretinitis with a large macular lesion in one eye (and some amblyopia in that eye also) and some smaller peripheral lesions in the other eye. I have led a useful, productive life, even though I am essentially a one-yeyed person (Only peripheral vision in the “bad” eye). Throughout my life my parents and I were terrorized by half-truths, falsehoods, and speculations such as your article. For the sake of those of us who must live with this diagnosis, please be kind and truthful.

]]> By: wholesomedick http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/comment-page-3/#comment-2204 wholesomedick Sun, 19 Mar 2006 09:42:51 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/#comment-2204 I think there's a parasite that makes people ignore the cherps from smoke alarms as the battery dies. If you don't, then you don't listen to enough Loveline. I think there’s a parasite that makes people ignore the cherps from smoke alarms as the battery dies. If you don’t, then you don’t listen to enough Loveline.

]]> By: KJ http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/comment-page-3/#comment-2203 KJ Sun, 12 Mar 2006 18:02:16 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/#comment-2203 "if Toxoplasma can alter the behavior of a rat, could it alter a human? Obviously, this manipulation would not do the parasite any good as an adaptation, since it's pretty rare for a human to be devoured by a cat." Humans not being eaten by (large) cats is only a very recent development. “if Toxoplasma can alter the behavior of a rat, could it alter a human? Obviously, this manipulation would not do the parasite any good as an adaptation, since it’s pretty rare for a human to be devoured by a cat.”

Humans not being eaten by (large) cats is only a very recent development.

]]> By: Stryder http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/comment-page-3/#comment-2202 Stryder Thu, 23 Feb 2006 20:08:31 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/#comment-2202 Another thing I just thought of after posting, is in relationship to something someone posted about parasites being rampant in the third world and again is also relative to ancesteral hominids. "Cannabilism". In some instance of Cannabilism, human organs were eaten raw to supposedly grant the person eating the soul of that of his victim. Suggestibly the raw human organ could contain parasites, which the person eating would then ingest. (Obivously cooked meat would kill the parasites off) Perhaps such cultures were suffering "parasicosis". Another thing I just thought of after posting, is in relationship to something someone posted about parasites being rampant in the third world and again is also relative to ancesteral hominids.

“Cannabilism”. In some instance of Cannabilism, human organs were eaten raw to supposedly grant the person eating the soul of that of his victim. Suggestibly the raw human organ could contain parasites, which the person eating would then ingest. (Obivously cooked meat would kill the parasites off)

Perhaps such cultures were suffering “parasicosis”.

]]> By: Stryder http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/comment-page-2/#comment-2201 Stryder Thu, 23 Feb 2006 20:00:10 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/#comment-2201 Interesting read. Makes me think about how ancestral hominids Hunted animals, then ate their kills and potentially adopted superstitious beliefs over how their "warriors" might have inherited the soul or spirit of the animal they killed. If the animal contained parasites that then became a preportion of the hunter through ingestion, it could attribute to some interesting psychological changes. Interesting read. Makes me think about how ancestral hominids Hunted animals, then ate their kills and potentially adopted superstitious beliefs over how their “warriors” might have inherited the soul or spirit of the animal they killed.

If the animal contained parasites that then became a preportion of the hunter through ingestion, it could attribute to some interesting psychological changes.

]]> By: Kane http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/comment-page-2/#comment-2200 Kane Tue, 21 Feb 2006 17:09:02 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/#comment-2200 Don't teach me on parasites anymore. I've just finished studying biology and I don't want to bang my head anymore. Ha-ha! Don’t teach me on parasites anymore. I’ve just finished studying biology and I don’t want to bang my head anymore. Ha-ha!

]]> By: Hector Guinness http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/comment-page-2/#comment-2199 Hector Guinness Sun, 19 Feb 2006 00:51:16 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/#comment-2199 Did they not think of the fact that people who have cats are probably insane, so could then catch toxoplasmosis. more seriously, women who have cats probably tend to be more warm-hearted and outgoing. Did they not think of the fact that people who have cats are probably insane, so could then catch toxoplasmosis.
more seriously, women who have cats probably tend to be more warm-hearted and outgoing.

]]> By: sonnylove http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/comment-page-2/#comment-2198 sonnylove Fri, 17 Feb 2006 07:06:03 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/#comment-2198 IF the saying "THe avious answer is usully the right one" this article explains a whole lot of questions IF the saying “THe avious answer is usully the right
one” this article explains a whole lot of questions

]]> By: Don Meaker http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/comment-page-2/#comment-2197 Don Meaker Sun, 12 Feb 2006 18:54:07 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/#comment-2197 Here we find a reasonable backing for Muslim's detestation of pets. Of course Muslim males often have a significant dose of paranoia and jealousy already. Here we find a reasonable backing for Muslim’s detestation of pets. Of course Muslim males often have a significant dose of paranoia and jealousy already.

]]> By: Gagdad Bob http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/comment-page-2/#comment-2196 Gagdad Bob Sun, 12 Feb 2006 15:55:50 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/#comment-2196 Good point. In fact, the concept of mind parasites is fully explained in my book: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1557788367/qid=1139759638/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/104-9577258-7919903?s=books&v=glance&n=283155" rel="nofollow"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1557788367/qid=1139759638/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/104-9577258-7919903?s=books&v=glance&n=283155" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1557788367/qid=1139759638/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/104-9577258-7919903?s=books&v=glance&n=283155</a></a> Good point. In fact, the concept of mind parasites is fully explained in my book:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1557788367/qid=1139759638/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/104-9577258-7919903?s=books&v=glance&n=283155

]]> By: boinkie http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/comment-page-2/#comment-2195 boinkie Sun, 12 Feb 2006 02:49:58 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/#comment-2195 1) Toxoplasmosis infection during pregnancy can affect the child and cause mental retardation. 2) Intercranial parasites are known to be a common cause of seizures in the third world. 3) If this fad gets publicized, I'll have a million neurotic ladies in my office attributing their aches and pains to toxoplasmosis 4) Now, if you really want to be paranoid, how about noticing lack of B vitamins can cause psychosis, mental retardation, etc... 5) pollution, chemical and heavy metals can also cause psychosis, mental retardation, dementia etc. 6) Conclusion: We're all gonna die... 1) Toxoplasmosis infection during pregnancy can affect the child and cause mental retardation.
2) Intercranial parasites are known to be a common cause of seizures in the third world.
3) If this fad gets publicized, I’ll have a million neurotic ladies in my office attributing their aches and pains to toxoplasmosis
4) Now, if you really want to be paranoid, how about noticing lack of B vitamins can cause psychosis, mental retardation, etc…
5) pollution, chemical and heavy metals can also cause psychosis, mental retardation, dementia etc.
6) Conclusion: We’re all gonna die…

]]> By: joanne http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/comment-page-2/#comment-2194 joanne Sat, 11 Feb 2006 19:54:40 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/#comment-2194 Hmmmm, when I was a kid, our family had a Siamese cat for several years and I was in charge of taking care of the litter box. I never directly handled the stuff, but you never know. Meow! Hmmmm, when I was a kid, our family had a Siamese cat for several years and I was in charge of taking care of the litter box. I never directly handled the stuff, but you never know. Meow!

]]> By: Dean's World http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/comment-page-2/#comment-2216 Dean's World Sat, 11 Feb 2006 15:03:37 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/#comment-2216 <strong>Puppet Masters From Felines</strong> Oh, now this will get you thinking: there's some evidence that the toxoplasma parasite, which up to 3 billion humans carry, may alter huma... Puppet Masters From Felines

Oh, now this will get you thinking: there’s some evidence that the toxoplasma parasite, which up to 3 billion humans carry, may alter huma…

]]> By: Enoch http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/comment-page-2/#comment-2193 Enoch Fri, 10 Feb 2006 22:29:56 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/#comment-2193 I wish "Zombies in Cambodia" was a true story. Too bad it's an urban legend... <a href="http://www.snopes.com/humor/iftrue/zombies.asp" rel="nofollow"><a href="http://www.snopes.com/humor/iftrue/zombies.asp" rel="nofollow">http://www.snopes.com/humor/iftrue/zombies.asp</a></a> I wish “Zombies in Cambodia” was a true story.

Too bad it’s an urban legend…

http://www.snopes.com/humor/iftrue/zombies.asp

]]> By: Britton Wingfield http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/comment-page-2/#comment-2192 Britton Wingfield Fri, 10 Feb 2006 20:29:28 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/#comment-2192 I'm just happy to see another Britton in the world :D I’m just happy to see another Britton in the world :D

]]> By: Marcel http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/comment-page-2/#comment-2191 Marcel Thu, 09 Feb 2006 19:23:16 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/#comment-2191 How do you get rid of the Toxoplasma gondii infection totally... if anyone knows please email me at mpamphile at gmail dot com. How do you get rid of the Toxoplasma gondii infection totally… if anyone knows please email me at mpamphile at gmail dot com.

]]> By: sara oyarce http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/comment-page-2/#comment-2190 sara oyarce Tue, 07 Feb 2006 10:21:21 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/#comment-2190 fascinating article! i'm very interested to see what continues to come from this research. thanks for sharing. fascinating article! i’m very interested to see what continues to come from this research. thanks for sharing.

]]> By: No One of Consequence http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/comment-page-2/#comment-2189 No One of Consequence Mon, 06 Feb 2006 06:05:31 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/#comment-2189 Holy crap. There is a short story I read a very, very long time ago, written in the 60s I belive. It posits a very, very unlikely scenario. Cats are the most intelligent sentient species on earth. You see, a long time ago, cats and dogs were both sentient (and primates weren't even close). Both species lived on the moon and Earth both. There was a war. Cats won. The moon was blasted. Dogs were reduced to savages and still howl for their moon home today. End the modern mythology bit. Fun part here. Cats learn how to become immortal. They need a place to store their consciousness while making a new body for themselves (natually, through birth). They found one. Remember those primates? This was back when people believed you only used 20% of your brain. The author asserted that the other 80% was -- you guessed it -- hyperintelligent cat spirit hotel. When a cat dies, it sits in your head until it grabs a new body. The protagonist is clued in when he notices cats leaving war zones . . . before the battles begin. Of course, knowing this information pretty much dooms you. After all, cats are right there in your head. You can't stop them. Not exactly the same, of course, but it was an unnerving and entertaining story, and this makes it all the more. . . unnerving. Schitzophrenia is one of the most horrible diseases I have ever had the misfortune to deal with, and if cats are even remotely linked to it, their unpleasant reputation is earned. And I like cats, by the way. Holy crap.

There is a short story I read a very, very long time ago, written in the 60s I belive. It posits a very, very unlikely scenario. Cats are the most intelligent sentient species on earth.

You see, a long time ago, cats and dogs were both sentient (and primates weren’t even close). Both species lived on the moon and Earth both. There was a war. Cats won. The moon was blasted. Dogs were reduced to savages and still howl for their moon home today. End the modern mythology bit.

Fun part here. Cats learn how to become immortal. They need a place to store their consciousness while making a new body for themselves (natually, through birth). They found one. Remember those primates?

This was back when people believed you only used 20% of your brain. The author asserted that the other 80% was — you guessed it — hyperintelligent cat spirit hotel. When a cat dies, it sits in your head until it grabs a new body. The protagonist is clued in when he notices cats leaving war zones . . . before the battles begin.

Of course, knowing this information pretty much dooms you. After all, cats are right there in your head. You can’t stop them.

Not exactly the same, of course, but it was an unnerving and entertaining story, and this makes it all the more. . . unnerving.

Schitzophrenia is one of the most horrible diseases I have ever had the misfortune to deal with, and if cats are even remotely linked to it, their unpleasant reputation is earned. And I like cats, by the way.

]]> By: Snarkle http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/comment-page-2/#comment-2188 Snarkle Sun, 05 Feb 2006 03:19:12 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/01/17/the-return-of-the-puppet-masters/#comment-2188 Does this explain all those "previously thought to be morons" who jump into big cat enclosures at zoos . . . Does this explain all those “previously thought to be morons” who jump into big cat enclosures at zoos . . .

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