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CosminaPrisma
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Article can be found here:
http://www.damninteresting.com/?p=53"
http://www.damninteresting.com/?p=53"
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Oxford scientists discovered that the minds of the infected rats have been subtly altered. In a series of experiments, they demonstrated that healthy rats will prudently avoid areas that have been doused with cat urine. In fact, when scientists test anti-anxiety drugs on rats, they use a whiff of cat urine to induce neurochemical panic.
However, it turns out that Toxoplasma-ridden rats show no such reaction. In fact, some of the infected rats actually seek out the cat urine-marked areas again and again. The parasite alters the mind (and thus the behavior) of the rat for its own benefit.
Researchers have found stronger evidence for a link between a parasite in cat faeces and undercooked meat and an increased risk of schizophrenia.
Barnacles are small, marine crustaceans that are commonly found attached to hard surfaces such as rocks, ships, and even whales.
Barnacles are often considered disgusting due to their appearance and their tendency to attach themselves to various surfaces. They can also produce a foul smell when disturbed.
Barnacles have a unique way of feeding by using their feathery legs to capture plankton and other small organisms from the water. They are also hermaphrodites, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs.
Barnacles can cause damage to ships and other structures by attaching themselves to the surface, which can create drag and increase fuel consumption. They can also compete with other marine organisms for space and resources.
Barnacles reproduce through internal fertilization, where the male barnacle releases sperm into the water to be collected by the female's reproductive organs. The female then releases larvae, which eventually settle and grow into adult barnacles.