Description
Book Synopsis: “Engrossing … [An] expedition through the hidden and sometimes horrifying microbial domain.” —Wall Street Journal “Fascinating—and full of the kind of factoids you can't wait to share.” —Scientific American
Parasites can live only inside another animal and, as Kathleen McAuliffe reveals, these tiny organisms have many evolutionary motives for manipulating the behavior of their hosts. With astonishing precision, parasites can coax rats to approach cats, spiders to transform the patterns of their webs, and fish to draw the attention of birds that then swoop down to feast on them. We humans are hardly immune to their influence. Organisms we pick up from our own pets are strongly suspected of changing our personality traits and contributing to recklessness and impulsivity—even suicide. Germs that cause colds and the flu may alter our behavior even before symptoms become apparent.
Parasites influence our species on the cultural level, too. Drawing on a huge body of research, McAuliffe argues that our dread of contamination is an evolved defense against parasites. The horror and revulsion we are programmed to feel when we come in contact with people who appear diseased or dirty helped pave the way for civilization, but may also be the basis for major divisions in societies that persist to this day. This Is Your Brain on Parasites is both a journey into cutting-edge science and a revelatory examination of what it means to be human.
“If you’ve ever doubted the power of microbes to shape society and offer us a grander view of life, read on and find yourself duly impressed.” —Heather Havrilesky, Bookforum
Details
Discover the captivating world of parasites and uncover how these tiny creatures have the ability to manipulate our behavior and shape society. In "This Is Your Brain On Parasites," author Kathleen McAuliffe takes you on an expedition through the hidden and sometimes horrifying microbial domain. With rich insights and astonishing facts, this book will leave you engrossed and eager to share its fascinating discoveries.
Did you know that parasites can manipulate the behavior of their hosts? From coaxing rats to approach their predators, to altering spider webs and fish behavior, parasites are masters of control. And humans are not exempt from their influence. In fact, our own pets may be harboring organisms that could change our personality traits and contribute to impulsive behavior. This mind-blowing revelation opens up a whole new dimension to our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
But it doesn't stop there. Even the germs that cause common colds and flu have the ability to alter our behavior before any noticeable symptoms appear. This groundbreaking research suggests that parasites have been shaping our species on both an individual and cultural level. Our very aversion to contamination and dirt may have evolutionary roots as a defense mechanism against parasites. This book dives into a wide range of studies and evidence, presenting a compelling argument that our fear of contamination has played a significant role in the development of societies, and continues to impact us today.
Prepare to be amazed by the incredible power of parasites. "This Is Your Brain On Parasites" is a captivating journey into the cutting-edge science behind these microorganisms and how they shape our existence. Whether you're a science enthusiast or simply curious about the world we live in, this book will provide you with a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be human. Don't miss out on this eye-opening and revelatory read.
Ready to delve into the fascinating world of parasites and their influence on our everyday lives? Grab your copy of "This Is Your Brain On Parasites" and embark on an enlightening journey that will challenge your perception of the world around you. To order your copy, click here. Expand your knowledge and unlock the astonishing secrets of our symbiotic relationship with parasites.
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