The Studies Show

Episode 50: Toxoplasma

Sep 24, 2024

Ever questioned your sudden urge for a cat? Dive into the bizarre world of Toxoplasma gondii, the mind-bending parasite that some claim influences our behavior. Discover the skepticism surrounding its supposedly 'mind-controlling' effects and hear about the gruesome life cycles of parasites like the zombie ant fungus. Unravel the messy science behind small studies, including how cat urine might alter mouse behavior. Plus, explore surprising links between this parasite and mental health, entrepreneurship, and the ethics of animal testing in research.

01:08:48

Creator website

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The podcast challenges the prevalent belief that Toxoplasma gondii significantly alters human behavior, advocating for skepticism of weak evidence supporting such claims.

The hosts draw intriguing parallels between cinematic interpretations and the ambiguous, nuanced research surrounding the behavioral effects of Toxoplasma infection.

Despite suggested links to mental health disorders, high-quality studies show little correlation, highlighting the need for rigorous investigation in this area.

Deep dives

Cinematic References and Ambiguity

The discussion begins with a playful critique of popular films that have won Best Picture, highlighting the subjective nature of appreciating cinema. The speakers express that simply winning an award does not guarantee enjoyment, and they prefer movies with multiple interpretations, like 'Parasite.' They draw a parallel between the ambiguity in film interpretations and the ambiguous evidence surrounding the behavioral effects of the parasite Toxoplasma gondii on humans, emphasizing that both topics can provoke diverse opinions and theories.

Intro

2min

The Hidden Influence of Toxoplasma: How a Parasite Might Control Minds

2min

Parasites and Their Dark Influence

14min

Ethics and Transparency in Animal Testing Research

2min

The Cat and the Parasite: Toxoplasma's Influence

13min

The Rise of Lab-Grown Diamonds and Consumer Behavior

2min

Unraveling Toxoplasma's Impact on Behavior

11min

Entrepreneurship and Toxoplasmosis

12min

Critiquing Toxoplasma Research

10min

Been feeling a little strange lately? A bit impulsive, maybe? Feeling a sudden urge to get a pet cat? Sorry to say it, but maybe you’re infected with a scary mind control parasite: specifically, the paraside Toxoplasma gondii.

Or… maybe not. It turns out that, despite popular belief, the supposed behavioural effects of T. gondii are supported by very weak scientific evidence. In this episode of The Studies Show, Tom and Stuart explain.

The Studies Show is sponsored by Works in Progress magazine. It’s the no.1 destination online if you’re interested in “Progress Studies”: research on how things got better in the past and might get better in future. Whether it’s medical technology, construction materials, or policy innovation, you can read detailed essays on it at worksinprogress.co.

Show notes

* Alex Tabbarok’s review of Parasite, arguing people took the wrong lessons from the film

* Zombie ant fungus description

* Theory for how the horsehair worm affects its host

* Scepticism about whether it involves “mind control”

* Description of acute toxoplasmosis

* Tiny study on rats and cat urine

* Well-cited (but also tiny) PNAS study on rats, mice, and cat urine

* Review of toxoplasma and behavioural effects

* Very useful sceptical article about toxoplasma’s effects on rodent and human behaviour (source of the quotes on Alzheimer’s)

* Another (somewhat older) sceptical article

* Study on getting humans to smell cat (and other) urine

* Preprint on (self-reported!) toxoplasma infection and psychological traits

* Initial, smaller entrepreneurship study

* Later, larger entrepreneurship study (from Denmark)

* Meta-analysis on whether childhood cat exposure is related to schizophrenia

* Dunedin Cohort Study paper on toxoplasma and life outcomes

* “The Toxoplasma of Rage” on Slate Star Codex

Credits

* The Studies Show is produced by Julian Mayers at Yada Yada Productions.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thestudiesshowpod.com/subscribe

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.

The Studies Show

Episode 50: Toxoplasma

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Cinematic References and Ambiguity

Toxoplasma gondii's Behavioral Impact

Parasites Manipulating Behavior in Nature

Critiquing the Evidence for Human Behavior Changes

Assessing the Meta-analysis on Mental Health

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts