How brain parasites change their host's behavior - Jaap de Roode

View full lesson: ed.ted.com/lessons/how-parasit...
The biggest challenge in a parasite’s life is to move from one host to another. Intriguingly, many parasites have evolved the ability to manipulate the behavior of their hosts to improve their own survival -- sometimes even by direct brain control. Jaap de Roode details a few parasites that can really mess with the mind.
Lesson by Jaap de Roode, animation by Andrew Foerster.

[@NichoTBE]

im going to use that one in court one day.. "my actions were not my own, half the species on the earth are parasites."

[@KCH55]

I know lol same here

[@shamnarajeev5741]

Hahaha . Any proof?

[@pentelred]

Lol second this post.

[@princessbloomofdomino950]

It Wasn't Me

[@pinkpiplup7230]

It wasn't me, it was the parasites in my brain!

[@a-bird-lover]

What if procrastination was a parasite's fault? I would have so many excuses...

[@alpha4k_]

So would I

[@magiv4205]

That would seriously be the best scientific discovery of my life!

[@kubabakomnene3197]

A Bird Lover Dafaq's procrastination?

[@a-bird-lover]

Hydralisk Behemoth When you have something to do and you put it off until the last minute.

[@siramaytheshowgundragon]

Magi V YAHH then insted if my mom yelling at me she could feel sorry

[@NoNo-nz2tb]

Me and the bois changing our hosts lives

[@IrisDevilish]

@@planemod8399 r/woosh

[@umhiimnothere2153]

Ha

[@planemod8399]

@@IrisDevilish duh

[@IrisDevilish]

@@planemod8399 Tf is wrong with you? are you ok in the head brother???

[@blizzardfern4764]

@@IrisDevilish dude he deleted the comment I need to know what they said-

[@jonaza2105]

Yeah, it's really tragic; I was infected with Parasitis Procastinatis when I was a young child. It's really taken a toll on my life :(

[@RipRLeeErmey]

@@ibrahim_bia Yeah I had to do a double take myself 🤣

[@sofiakatelyn]

I applaud your strength for even commenting hehe

[@drlimlim7260]

I am really good, like I just commented, and i'm still a kid. Weird. Kinda.

[@shinkikomori7386]

i almost googled it bro 💀

[@kyrawilliams7497]

I’m sure you can deal with it later

[@raptorteam486]

This is a horrifying topic, but the animations make it look so relaxing

[@gigaferz]

if I'm thinking of weaponizing these creatures, IMAGINE THOSE WITH KNOWLEDGE AND MONEY!

[@giorgospapoutsakis5271]

​@@gigaferz if you wanna profit of people's lives then this is not the place

[@ashkhol]

the gordion worm is just so cute :3

[@delta5-126]

Rabies is a lot more terrifying when you watch a real patient under hydrophobia. And the worst part? You can bet they’re dead because it’s a miracle to survive rabies.

[@madisdeadchannel4608]

I have a fear of parasites and THIS IS TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL

[@DRMrThi]

Can i join your club? :(

[@ryshlovanoodo7591]

You have some crawling around in your stomach right now. Can you feel them?

[@kayleighsweetser1648]

my fave youtubers have parasites before. she had a Ringworm

[@Dhruv-Kumar]

Indeed. This is boss' level

[@timithypirie1]

I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. Don't be afraid

[@doggoboihour9746]

Mosquito: I’m gonna give ya mal- Me: *wack*

[@whomidity3953]

Me, a sickle cell carrier: *I am four parallel universes ahead of you*

[@professionalberker]

μαλάκα mosquito

[@aperson-nb8wp]

step #1: whack the mosquito Step #2 ur done

[@Tippex_Official]

This video has inspired me to make a science fiction book about scientists discovering that every personality trait of people is from different parasites control the host’s brain. It’s an idea. Not specifically a good one but still an idea.

[@BigBrother-fm2tx]

And now another "parasite" may steal your idea! So try to put it on paper ASAP!

[@naturalist4life396]

Sounds like a great idea!

[@pretzelsings5530]

This could have easily became an Inside out thing. "Do you look at someone and wonder "what is going on in their head? That's where we come in. Hi, I'm Joy. I kinda run the place. Oh and that's Gregordian worm, plasmodium , rabies, ophiocodryceps, and toxoplasma.

[@scamden1177]

yee

[@libby14081]

+Pretzel Sings I'd watch that.

[@tethercable]

lol

[@something.icantrememberany1365]

Nice

[@sprinkiewinkie5618]

Give me ur name

[@whatofitcosmos7172]

Perhaps there's a parasite that causes you to click on KZbin videos until you're so deep into videos you're watching the weirdest things.

[@hugo6390]

That is called ‘KZbin algorithm’

[@rajpootkavita]

mαчвє whσ knσwѕ

[@ImranAli-gy1kj]

I think I have what should I do I haven’t slept for 3 days I can fall asleep any second no

[@SquareFoil31362]

Like for u

[@kennymccormick6656]

Perhaps...just perhaps

[@legotoolboxtheepic202]

0:20 Woah! Patrick, you really let go of yourself.

[@siopao8137]

LegoToolBox The Epic haha

[@John-xi6jr]

LOL! XD

[@abelyurianda6324]

*So then.. WHO IS CONTROLLING THE PARASITES ?!?*

[@gfdfdgfdghgdhs234]

How to create a paradox 101

[@kiki29073]

The hive.

[@kevintrang3007]

Reminds me of cancer cells battling cancer cells

[@mrgedits4478]

God. Just kidding, god is not real

[@potentpotassium5776]

Hyperparasites

[@amirb2899]

I am a veterinárian and have studied parasitology. The comentator made it more interesting than my genius professor.

[@rayqusa]

And told toxo safer than the fact

[@itaierrol]

Id rather listen to your professor

[@wildsideofthings7733]

@@rayqusa toxoplasma is in half the human population. But dangerous symptoms rarely show.

[@AkidsukiLeader]

Poor Mr. Mouse was simply extending his polite salutations...

[@sleepyslacker408]

Nom nom!

[@mafic3351]

Hmm.. infectious politeness. That's a new one.

[@kelliebriseno9894]

The cat sitting on the toilet scrolling through Instagram had me laughing so hard!!

[@parmym.7177]

😂

[@sofiakatelyn]

I questioned myself, having 2 cats and basically always making sure they're content lol

[@cal5401]

Dude this really solves a case I had way back when my cat killed a cricket. We were calm since it's was just a cricket but then smth literally wriggled out of it when my cat killed it too. I think it was that Gordian worm but we panicked and wondered how it came out of a cricket-

[@sofiakatelyn]

I hope your cat didn't swallow it. A person thinks pets will be safe wandering around next thing we know there are these creepy things hiding in crickets

[@SheLightsUptheDark]

Wow

[@YolaroozXD]

-A creature manages to make you it's host and starts growing inside you -It controlls your body to feed it nutrients -You often crave certain food that contains alot of calories -It uses you to get rid of it's waste so you have to go to the bathroom more often -You start noticing something growing and moving under your skin -It controls your brain and makes you feel an obligation to take care of it by staying healthy -After months of having to carry it you start feeling pain coming from your lower abdomen -Creature slowly and painfully comes out through your genital -It's a boy! -Manipulates you to give it food, clean it's feses and buy it all the godamn pokemon cards -.......Profit...?

[@elizaeast6191]

lol

[@zypperhhh]

Hahaha 😂

[@GregTom2]

+Yolarooz Also, it starts as a cell whose only purpose is to inject its DNA into one of your cells. And it makes you grow cancer prone glands that sweat a fatty liquid that it feeds on during its larva stage. Not only that but it also mind controls you into feeding it with the mutated glands.

[@Ammar-tg1nb]

dad pls dont

[@coolnamelotsanumbers9600]

sounds like you have a terrible case of children

[@exoticsandwich6466]

*"Since more than half of the species on Earth are parasites, it could be mor than we think."* That's it I'm moving to Mars, who's with me?

[@raydai3708]

The parasites in you, for sure.

[@dismal8294]

There is a 26.5901 chance that there is a necroa (necroa = zombie) virus on Mars. I'd be careful if I were you.

[@cupidfounddead]

@@dismal8294 XD u shut him down real quick

[@andriyshapovalov8886]

Ever seen sci-fi 'Life'?

[@reneedegroot3281]

Me

[@MuonRay]

These animations are hilarious! They really nail the whole notion of kinetic humor. Fact filled too. Very enjoyable content!

[@Local_Seagul]

Thumbnail: meet the parasites My theater brain: meet the plastics

[@madokkaname353]

did you just-

[@kelsey5440]

😂

[@lizlee8715]

"We call those 3 the plastics"

[@Fyrnskulblaka]

You can't sit with us

[@tallymark2417]

@@lizlee8715 We call those 5 the parasites.

[@BernadetteRTI]

Cats have already infected the Internet

[@avadae9126]

*improved

[@beardyschultz]

true...

[@aRandomwacko]

@•LunaFloofy Moon• and then its uses you as a toilet

[@nisanyagmuryalcn5511]

*F U R R I E S A N D N E K O*

[@msa110]

The internet has a pretty big case of pornosites too lol

[@sunniesyde3637]

this video freaked me out

[@dearrain5639]

me too :'(

[@tysonlarson8027]

Now i dont want to learn. Now i dont wanna do things. Im scared. Thanks TED-Ed

[@oddeyes9046]

Tyson Larson yup

[@anrudo]

Maybe was not the video, Maybe was a parasite in your brain afraid, and he makes you afraid too, because he wants to leve

[@mr.kenway4554]

Plus the cat cower in fear by the parasite doing the throat slit gesture.

[@alyssasalvia1596]

This video went from educational to existential crisis

[@randomly_random_0]

I remember using this video for my biology report in college. All of my classmates enjoyed my report even though im not that good at speaking in front of bunch people

[@DixonFrancoisJr]

My gosh, parasites are horrifically firghtening. In addition, Ophio-Cordyceps is the concept virus used in the video game called The Last of Us. Incredible and informative video.

[@aldopadron1520]

It's a fungi, it is their spores which can infect Not a virus

[@chicks_before_dicks]

Watch ‘Our Planet’ on Netflix

[@metaparalysis3441]

and an australian best-seller because why not?

[@FearsomeGodzilla-TheMan105]

We are doomed.

[@activex1643]

why the fuck does Toxoplasma look like Patrick star.

[@sky8181]

Golden Nuggets how do you know what that looks like?

[@octo349]

MegaByte who you calling pinhead?

[@anomalocaristheabnormalshr3248]

Toxoplasm.

[@fuzuki2482]

When parasites takes over their host brain, do they receive a directive? Like "Devore this species"? What purpose do they have in the first place.

[@chillycoldchomper9389]

I don't know exactly what parasites do, but they are absolutely cunts

[@sidvacant9382]

To take over the world.

[@urmama54]

@@sidvacant9382 *to maintain control of the world

[@nitroboosting1622]

“And theres this virus Corona,He is not loved nor hatedWe just have him there.”

[@NitroJack]

Well it's not a parasite, it's just a circle with spikes

[@tartaglia.]

@@NitroJack it’s a virus

[@NitroJack]

@@tartaglia. virus = circle with spikes

[@nataloves]

LOVE the animation! The ant zombification never stops creeping me out, even in animated form. I let out a cry of horror!

[@stoar]

Sleep well!

[@sofiakatelyn]

It reminds me of radicalization, disinformation, and cults

[@WillVee]

that last little bit makes me feel insecure about how i act and how my brain thinks lol

[@FirstnameLastname-bm7gz]

From my research on coronavirus, they alter the host behaviour as well. Host usually defy staying at home orders and have the urge to travel.

[@annebasco6871]

1:58 me pulling an all nighter:

[@GregTom2]

Rule of thumb: Don't shit where you drink. Don't shit where you feed. Don't shit where your food feeds (expecially if your food is pig). Don't drink the water your food shat in. Don't have sex with your food. Don't eat something that eats humans. Don't eat humans. These simple guidelines should eliminate most food chain dependant parasytic life cycles by not making them a cycle at all. Then again, one could say that toxoplasmosis has a symbiotic relationship with the cat. The cat can just shit in the water source to make the mice suicidal drones? That's a huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuge evolutionnary advantage. Maybe it's in fact the cats that parasyte the toxoplasmosis. Just like they parasyte human psychology by being fake babies. Cute little fuckers. But maybe toxiplasmosis has a detrimental effect on the health of the cats, and cats were already good enough hunters as it is, without there being suicidal mouses? Could that explain why cats burry their excrements? Did cats evolve the preference for their excrements to not be out in the open because of toxoplasmosis?

[@stevewarren5913]

dont have sex with my food... you ruin all the fun.

[@edloki3057]

+GregTom2 None of your strategies would defeat the mighty Malaria!

[@GregTom2]

I specified food chain dependant didn't I?

[@stevewarren5913]

greg your mind is vast!

[@101jir]

Except if I recall correctly, they don't have much control over that part. It is the rodent that consumes (or gets near, I don't remember) the cat's feces, not the cat doing anything with its own. The rodent then seeks out a cat, not the other way around. Not necessarily the same cat as the one that produced the feces.

[@nickchamp2195]

What if we are the parasite and earth is the host??

[@jacobhertz8044]

NickChamp ...mind blown 💣

[@BuniSlug]

NickChamp Well, that would explain why we're already looking for other planets. We are indeed parasites

[@agatlingpea2232]

Angela Marie lol

[@nickchamp2195]

Gameron Gaming yes

[@chancehowe5812]

+GUESTKID9976 VIDEOS Then I think you are an immune response for the Earth...

[@notmine940]

1:55 what I look like trying to beat a level in a game while trying to be nice and make eye contact with my dad while doing it

[@ZapPea_35]

2:06 Really cool and interesting that the tropical ant wear sunglasses

[@larryfitzgerald2055]

Damn nature, you scary...

[@paytonhasmoved3340]

Mama Mia nature u so scary

[@Dragonmongamer]

Larry Fitzgerald especially with rabies

[@Takayama-sama]

I wonder if there is a mind altering parasite that makes people act like complete jerks? I would be nice to have an explanation for their poor behavior.

[@aetriandimitri190]

Michael Guider if anything people who act nice are the ones with parasites, humans are genetically engineered to be selfish and rude to others

[@troglodyte4207]

Michael Guider It’s called religion

[@kamikaze6198]

@@troglodyte4207 same goes the sjw's and almost any other people Except for those who are mentally ill Cuz it already broken

[@scohcwocoacig]

Jerkoplasma

[@frizzlemcshizzle9159]

I mean, although this was posted 3 years ago it kind of makes sense. Humans are social animals and have always been in groups to survive, maybe a parasite that causes humans to become distant to other humans causes them to become easy prey. But ehhh

[@macgopal4882]

One thing about The zombie fungus is that doesn't actually control the hosts mind. It controls The muscles of its victims! Which makes it 10x more terrifying because the host is aware of its surroundings but it can't do anything about it.

[@subscirbetomefornoreason3691]

0:18 That parasite looks like **FOREVER ALONE MEME** 😂😂

[@hasnahmad-wv4xe]

Bruh

[@shirabe64]

I've heard that toxoplasma cases are somewhat high in France due to infected cats leaving feces around farms and fields that feed cattle. So the cattle get infected from their food, and people get infected by eating undercooked meat. And with a number of French dishes using rare beef, it became a bit of a problem. I don't think it's anywhere near crisis conditions and this may be old news, but you do have to watch what you order and how you want it cooked to lower the risk.

[@fuelledtothebrim3940]

Wait so... There's humans being effected by Toxoplasma? Who is the guy that's been eating cat shit? Own up!

[@Alexaflohr]

+Fuelled to the Brim A lot of people. All they have to do is touch cat shit and transfer it accidentally to their eyes, nose, or mouth. Pretty much anyone with poor hygiene and a cat can get infected.

[@fuelledtothebrim3940]

+Alexander Abrams-Flohr I was joking, but that's really interesting to know, thanks!

[@lev6236]

+Fuelled to the Brim but we're too complex too be controlled by the virus. The immune system will quickly counteract the "mind control" and attack the parasite

[@lilavahgt6486]

+Fuelled to the Brim WAIT WTF??!?

[@lilavahgt6486]

+Fuelled to the Brim WAIT WTF??!?

[@user-dy5dx1fy5b]

Eddie: "See! I got a parasite" Venom: "Parasite?! Apologize!"

[@CoralReaper707]

"Don't worry, there probably aren't any cats living in your body and controlling your thoughts". Or are there...?

[@Ashes2Ashes_Blush2Blush]

Amazing! I literally asked myself that question before he presented it, "How much of our behavior is controlled by parasites?"

[@XM8A1]

"And this is the Ophio Cordyceps Fungus" The Last of Us anyone?

[@thedoomslayer4327]

nelson voss I knew I would find a guy who's going to reference the last of us in this comment section

[@obiwankenobi4252]

Luckly it doesn't affect humans *EAS STARTS PLAYING* Wait nevermind

[@virtualunreality3771]

It could spread from ants to humans if the ants are eaten by another species which are eaten by us...damn 0_0

[@virtualunreality3771]

@Wth happened to my name Oh that was a year ago,congrats but still thanks for correcting me.

[@ByzantiumOPB85]

Insights are much appreciated. Talented writing, narration, and animation; cheerio.

[@seifig]

The animation in this one was just on point

[@emma12509]

I love the graphics, makes learning so much fun

[@Markus9705]

Mind controlling parasites? Isn't God's creation wonderful!

[@alexandrepois]

Jnan Mckenzie It was sarcasm, bro! Read it again with a sarcastic voice.

[@alexr6705]

I know a fungus is not a parasite, but he forgot cordiceps

[@alexr6705]

Opps. Nvh I am stupid

[@mavila1368]

Ya just like mosquitos and roaches!

[@mavila1368]

The Toast Ooohhhh you're terrible. XD

[@a-fool-fated-to-fall]

This genuinely used to scare me but now it’s one of the most interesting topics I’ve ever studied.

[@justadude1255]

"We are not just infecting, we are changing lives"

[@lazstu19]

Dhar Mann Reference

[@l000tube]

Amazing! thanks, i watch these videos constantly, please DO NOT stop what your doing, my children (and me) depend on it.

[@sheetaljagannatham]

Such awesome animations! Thank you Ted Ed!

[@bluberri4367]

This brings back memories from my elementary years, when I used to watch this 24/7

[@projectkepleren]

2:22 in most case, the ant actually bite it self till it die

[@Jar.Headed]

2:14 - Me when I fall in a ravine in minecraft , and trying to get to water

[@lukesumberg9182]

Best book ever. Read "This is Your Brain on Parasites". It covers all of these parasites and more!

[@Huntr6420]

Writer and author??

[@wannabewyvern]

I love the artstyle and the way all the critters shown in the video are personified

[@HUM4N4TUR3]

coronavirus: *heyyyyyyyyy wut u guys doin*

[@junio0o768]

Anthea Ng its not a parasite though, but yeah its dangerous definitely

[@jacquefernbuckteeth6539]

It's a virus' so it kinda counts

[@microska2656]

All viruses are parasites, most of them might not control minds but use the bodies of their hosts to replicate with nothing but pain and misery in return

[@funicat]

@Anthea Ngnah rabies is much more fatal

[@kvd1]

For example the zombie fungus can be used to get rid of invasive ant species that feed on our crops, and the Gord dian worm (some people call it a hair worm) can be used to kill cockroaches and crickets that infest our homes and feed on crops. and that’s what like to call a helping tail or thread.

[@skye7489]

AAAHHH THIS SENT CHILLS THROUGH MY BODY 😭

[@MsCindyrich]

Ive actually heard of every parasite mentioned in this video.

[@culumjansen4127]

Amazing animations... I can feel the information flowing in my mind👌🏽

[@TheArchanoz]

These animations are so well done haha

[@oopsalldefense]

3:11 me in summer

[@myeheheh6887]

0:06 what happens to you Patrick?

[@ArcadeEraBeats]

Well that was a terrifying note to end on

[@ilsoonjang6111]

Parasites: Let’s make this human brain make bad choices! My brain: I am 4 parallel universe ahead of you

[@jacobwalker2250]

"Which of these entities can manipulate animals many times its size?" Bloodbenders "You obviously haven't met me."

[@Electroblade360]

I'm Dying At The Fact That The Cricket Yeets The Glass Of Water Because It Prefers Dry Land XD

[@corvidwyrm4113]

My cat is safe from toxoplasmosis. He’s the most precious thing in the world. We have guineapigs and a rabbit, and he’s terrified of them. Also we originally got him as a mouser. Thanks barsik.

[@jacknoir7194]

5 reasons to stay inside

[@The_Arctic_Kiwi]

HERE HAVE SOME CAT POOP

[@apotato9227]

sees “cordyceps” Last Of Us’ Joel: ELLIE A CLICKERRR

[@coolbreeze5683]

I took an antibiotic for a parasitic infection and it messed up my gut and my nervous system. I looked online and there were groups of people on the same antibiotic who had the same adverse effects. Doctors have no idea what's going on but it's possible the body has some beneficial parasites that it functions with. When taking the anti-parasitic antibiotic, it had a Scorched Earth Effect that killed the bad ones as well as the good. It's scary how anything can throw the body off balance.

[@explosivedude8295]

My brain: Nah, there aren't any parasites controlling me. Me: Only a parasite would say that

[@yumpaloomp9741]

Perhaps the parasites are making me watch videos about them so they can know how far we have understood them

[@yumpaloomp9741]

Broo that's brilliant

[@shayminmilo6937]

I heard this video won Best Picture.

[@no-named-noob4678]

A parasite changed my mood so I can watch this video

[@hauntinghour8801]

Your animations are so interesting and fun to watch

[@mynameismmandimheretosay7979]

The artist’s depiction of the Ophio-Cordyceps looks dead inside

[@naturespecialist1489]

2:44 Don’t worry the tree ants population is alright but will do more research about the Cordyceps fungi

[@flargarbason1740]

They’re actually great for the ecosystem by controlling the population.

[@3APNHA]

This is insane, I love TedEd

[@a.jewell_6223]

“I’m not usually like this my parasite is just acting up”

[@vanjamarusevec1168]

01:04 he jumped Like jonh cena

[@jonhhh13]

Sequel to Inside-Out

[@sarahjangard5388]

And mario toads are a parasitic fungus and a form of mind control.

[@shaffikmanzi7321]

one of the best animations

[@penescuandreiluca4474]

I really like the animation . Keep going!!

[@Random-rv1rd]

Cordyceps looks like it's seen everything there is to see

[@kaizermaala]

nice animation! ahah

[@rourouxiao0724]

About Toxoplasma, the immune system in most species in most cases defeats Toxoplasma quickly and without symptoms, forcing the parasite to retreat into microscopic cysts.

[@lemonslisterine1862]

I'm literally a parasite to my parents. They're stuck with me for 18 years and I eat their food and take their resources.

[@jeromeeuler168]

This world just keeps getting stranger:-( but the strangeness is also an exciting feat.

[@BonelessBen]

Parasite here..............thanks for blowing our cover ..........XD

[@Yetoob8lWuxUQnpAahSqEpYkyZ]

***** Crabs.

[@BonelessBen]

close! aids lol

[@aren313]

Explanation is more than wonderful We have parasite material in the pharmaceutical study ، and This is a wonderful summary

[@Juxtapose76]

Thank you. God bless..🙏💖🕊️

[@zerocalvin]

what with the sudden interest on mind control parasite? i have seen them multiple times in science channel past week. is there an outbreak that i'm not aware off?

[@loafdanish9711]

No

[@kamikaze6198]

This is just a reminder that we are already fricked

[@athenajayvieljerios8343]

*"MEET THE PARASITES"* *(Meet the spy music plays)*

[@pmtclock]

Meet the parasites: your child, your boss, messed up people, that ratty little child that won’t leave you alone

[@user-ci2lg1lw5b]

아무것도 못할것 같이 정말 단순해보이는 기생생물이 살아가기 위해 무섭고 복잡한방법들을 이용한다는 것이 놀라웠습니다. 기생생물이 숙주의 행동을 효과적으로 통제한다는 것을 배웠습니다. 감사합니다.