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These Cubes With No Moving Parts Are Actually Self-Assembling Robots
Oct 04, 12:55PM
There's no shortage of proposed ideas for self-assembling robots, but they're usually either incredibly complex or just a little boring. In contrast, these adorable little cubes have no obvious moving parts—but can still climb over and around one another, leap through the air, or roll across the ground.
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This 4,000-Year-Old Brain Was Burned, Boiled Shaken and Is Still Intact
Oct 04, 12:15PM
It might look a bit like a lump of charcoal, but this is a 4,000-year-old human brain that's been shaken, scorched and boiled in its own juices. Somehow, though, it's still in one piece.
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It's Confirmed, DARPA's ATLAS Humanoid Can Officially Replace Humanity
Oct 04, 12:14PM
As we creep closer to the Robotics Challenge officially getting under way, Boston Dynamics gives us another glimpse of its DARPA-funded ATLAS robot being tested in the lab. This time we get to see the unsettling peek at our future carefully tip-toeing its away across a rock-strewn simulated debris field, with surprising ease and balance.
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From the Inside Out: Everything You Need to Know About Mind Control
Oct 04, 11:45AM
The term "mind control" conjures up visions of someone manipulating people from the outside, such as an evil, brainwashing scientist or a supernatural being that takes dominion of a person just with the power of his mind. But since people don't experience this in their daily lives, most don't believe in mind control, and think of it as just a fantasy, suitable only for books, games and movies.
How wrong they are! Mind control exists, it happens every day and it may be happening to you right now.
Insect World
According to William G. Eberhard from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, the "manipulation of host behavior by parasites is a widespread phenomenon." Most commonly seen in the insect world, behavior changes are usually mild, such as controlling how much and what is eaten, or causing the host to move to a habitat that is more hospitable to the parasite.
For example, once the juvenile form of a certain parasitic flatworm is swallowed by its host, an ant, the flatworm, or fluke, controls the ant and forces it to climb to the top of a blade of grass each night until it is eaten by its ultimate host, usually a sheep. Inside the sheep, the fluke continues to develop until it reaches its adult stage and reproduces, whereby its eggs leave the sheep through its poop, and the cycle repeats.
However, there are some parasites that really go the extra mile. Consider the parasitic wasp Hymenoepimecis argyraphaga whose eggs begin to prey on, and manipulate, the Costa Rican spider, Plesiometa argyra, from infancy.
The female wasp seizes the spider and bends it to her will with a temporarily paralyzing sting; while immobile, the spider submits to having the wasp's egg glued to its belly. The wasp leaves and, shortly thereafter, the spider resumes its normal routine.
Within about a week, the egg hatches into a larva that remains attached to the spider's abdomen; at this time, however, the larva drills holes into the spider so it can suck its blood.
This lasts for about another week until the larva is about to pupate, at which time it injects its mind-control substance into the spider. The spider then changes its web-construction from one designed to catch its food into one designed to hold the larva's cocoon.
Once the cocoon-holding web is complete, the larva molts, and then kills and eats the spider. Sated, the larva moves to the center of the web, builds its cocoon and emerges as an adult in about a week. Nice!
Scientists investigating this parasitic process have discovered an interesting feature: once the spider is injected, even if the larva's removed, the spider will still build the cocoon-holding web.
Similarly, another wasp, Glyptapanteles, displays its mastery of evil by also laying eggs in a host, although this time, the host can be any of three types of caterpillar: Chrysodeixis chalcites, Lymantria dispar or Thyrinteina leucocerae.
Caught while young, the caterpillar continues through several stages in its own development while the eggs within it grow; when the 80 (eighty!) or so eggs hatch into larvae and make their cocoons, the caterpillar is still alive, but it stops moving about and feeding. Rather, it remains near the cocoons, protecting them by violently moving its head to repel anything that comes near the pupae.
Because it has stopped eating, the caterpillar eventually dies. Scientists are not exactly sure how the wasp larvae control the caterpillar, although it is theorized that a few eggs of the litter do not hatch, but remain behind to manipulate the host.
Mammalian World
As shown with the fluke, parasites inhabit mammals, too. Although the flatworm isn't powerful enough to control a sheep, there are parasites potent enough to manipulate animals larger than bugs. For example, Toxoplasma gondii, a single-celled parasitic protozoan, manipulates rats so that they get near the cats the parasite needs to complete its life cycle.
Sexually reproducing only in a cat's intestines, the baby protozoans, now cysts, leave an infected cat in its feces. Once out, they are ingested (not on purpose) by a variety of hosts, including humans (in whom the infection is known as toxoplasmosis); while the cysts will develop somewhat in these other hosts, they still need to get into a cat's guts to fulfill their destiny. Therefore, from the Toxoplasma gondii perspective, a rat is just about the best place to be.
Not content to leave things to chance, the parasitic cysts are believed to somehow stop part of the infected rat's fear mechanism; one theory holds that the cysts infect the rat's amygdalar brain structure, which, in humans, is the part of the brain that has been shown to "play a pivotal role in triggering a state of fear."
In any event, rather than being repelled by the scent of a cat's urine, the cyst convinces the rat that it is attracted to that scent. Thus, as the rat moves to get closer to the scent, and of course the cat, the inevitable happens, and the cycle continues.
But Melissa, you may ask, if the cysts can affect rat brains so dramatically, might they not also affect human behaviors? Funny you should ask. Some scientists say, "yes."
There are several studies that have shown "an increased prevalence of toxoplasmosis among schizophrenic patients." This apparent link between infection and psychosis was supported by the results of another study where it was shown that anti-psychotic drugs were as effective at curing toxoplasma-infected rats of their self-destructive behavior as the medicine that killed the cysts.
In addition, a Danish study revealed a link between toxoplasmosis infection and suicide. The research demonstrated that women infected with toxoplasmosis were over 50% more likely to try to kill themselves, and that those with the strongest infections were the most likely to attempt it.
And it gets better. Recent scholarship is examining how the microbial biome that naturally occurs in the intestines of healthy humans actually may influence our behaviors. For example, science has known for years that many of the chemicals used by the brain are produced by bacteria that reside in the human gut; in fact, intestinal bacteria produce 95% of the human body's serotonin, a hormone and neurotransmitter that is believed to regulate emotions and sleep, as well as to play a role in depression, anger and anxiety.
Some of the most troubling implications of this research have generated some really interesting science fiction. For example, in the 2003 novel, Vitals, Greg Bear builds on the idea of a bacterially-controlled human body. In his story, bacteria, called the "little mothers," manage our aging, death and minds to produce the best outcomes for bacterial life. When the "little mothers" are manipulated by the forces of evil, mind control, from the inside out, is achieved. Yikes!
Perhaps this is not so far-fetched, especially when you consider that there are 100 trillion microbes living in your gastro-intestinal tract, and only one of you, made up of about 1/10th that many cells. To put it another way, 99% of the genetic code on your person is not human, but, rather, is microbial.
In a recent New York Times article, one top scientist describes the human body as "an elaborate vessel optimized for the growth and spread of our microbial inhabitants."
But don't give up hope, host human. The majority of scientists are not convinced that our legion of microscopic hitchhikers are messing with our minds; and even the authors of the studies cited do not know if the link between infection and behavior is one of correlation or causation… or perhaps that's just what the mind manipulating microbes want us to believe…
If, however, it turns out that the microbes are in charge, you can still use this to your advantage; the next time you do or say something stupid, blame it on your "little friends"!
If you liked this article, you might also enjoy:
- The Parasitic Wasp That Can Use Its Venom as a Mind Controlling Agent to Control Cockroaches in Complex Ways
- The Curious Case of Alien Hand Syndrome
- The Parasite That Becomes a Usable Tongue
- Humans Have a Lot More Than Five Senses
- Tibetan Monks Can Raise the Temperature of Their Skin Up to 17 Degrees Fahrenheit Through Meditation
Melissa writes for the wildly popular interesting fact website TodayIFoundOut.com. To subscribe to Today I Found Out's "Daily Knowledge" newsletter,click here or like them on Facebook here.
This post has been republished with permission from TodayIFoundOut.com.
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NASA's MAVEN Mission Spared Cancellation Despite Government Shutdown
Oct 04, 11:10AM
This is a rare moment of sanity and clarity from the powers-that-be. Despite the current government shutdown, NASA's MAVEN mission—slated for a November launch—has been allowed to go ahead.
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"I'm the Actor Who Provided the Voice for Siri"
Oct 04, 10:21AM
Siri has provided iPhone users around the planet with everything from weather forecasts to restaurant reviews, whilst fending off dumb-ass questions along the way. But if you ever wondered who whispered all those sweet nothings, here's your answer.
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Report: Piracy Isn't Killing Content
Oct 04, 9:26AM
Contrary to what the popular press might have us believe, piracy isn't killing content. At least, that's what a team of scholars from the London School of Economics has found after conducting a deep analysis of the situation.
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The Pentagon's Super-Fast Robot Is Now Completely Wireless
Oct 04, 8:27AM
Last year, DARPA unveiled Cheetah: a robot that could run faster than Usain Bolt. Now, the same team has managed to create a version that doesn't need a power cord, making the electronic beast free to roam wherever it chooses. Be afraid. Be very afraid.
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Tall Infographics Suck
Oct 04, 7:40AM
There's an ever-increasing trend to display information in the form of tall, indecipherable infographics: long colorful panels that look like they contain a wealth of information, but don't. That's not a good thing.
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The Weirdest Thing on the Internet Tonight: When We Were a Clock
Oct 04, 4:00AM
You're going to want to cover your ears before watching this transcendental short film because it's going to blow your mind and that shit's messy. Created by Sashka Ace0fredspades Tanana, "When We Were Clocks" examines how a clever minute hand, once slave to its hourly superior, wrested control of time, reality, and fate itself. Simply phenomenal.
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Apple OS X Mavericks Gold Master Is Out
Oct 04, 3:50AM
The Gold Master version of OS X Mavericks is now available for developers. That means that OS X Mavericks has reached the final build and is ready to go to customers. What we see in this build will be exactly what everyone sees when they upgrade to Mavericks.
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Microsoft Asked HTC to Put Windows Phone in HTC Android Phones
Oct 04, 3:36AM
According to Bloomberg, Microsoft has asked HTC to put Windows Phone in more HTC phones. Specifically, HTC Android phones. The report says that the head of Microsoft's operating systems unit Terry Myerson asked HTC last month to "load Windows Phone as a second option on [Android] handsets."
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What a City Would Look Like Without Any People in It
Oct 04, 3:07AM
Paris is the city of love. It's a city of style. A city of taste. It's a city where life ballets itself around you. Now imagine that dreamy Paris without any people. Without any life. Without any love. Scary! Claire and Maxime of Menilmonde filmed Paris and deleted people, cars and life from the footage and came with this deeply unsettling short.
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The Nerd vs. Geek Argument Explained in a Hilarious Rap Battle
Oct 04, 1:30AM
The never ending argument on what defines a geek and what constitutes a nerd has seen graphs, rules and now a rap battle. Yes, a rap battle.
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Irish Comedians Did the Justin Timberlake Hashtag Skit One Year Ago
Oct 04, 12:40AM
Hashtag users of the world who saw the Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon skit that poked fun of our overuse of hashtags and yet are still hashtagging characters into the void: there's an even funnier dig on our language's growing reliance on hashtags and it was made nearly a year ago.
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The Secret Method to Skip Commercials with One Button on Your DVR
Oct 03, 11:23PM
DVRs have made all our lives better, that's a verifiable fact. But fast forwarding through our DVRs is an inexact science, sometimes we skip too far and have to slowly rewind with awkward button combinations. Other times we're too fearful of faster forwarding that we cut it off with too much left to go. No worries. Lifehacker put together a list of ways to create a secret automatic commercial-skipping button on your DVR. Clean.
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Your Parents Are Right: Music Really Has Gotten Louder
Oct 03, 10:00PM
You know how your mom or grandma or whoever is always complaining about how "kids these days" listen to louder music than when she was young? Turns out, she was scientifically correct.
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What It's Like to Be a Professional BASE Jumper (Hint: Super Awesome)
Oct 03, 9:38PM
Just a few years ago, BASE jumping (Buildings, Antennas, Spans, Earth) existed on the very fringes of action sports. Wingsuits were only worn by a handful of brass-balled sky divers the world over. But times have changed, and fast.
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Jezebel Screenwriter Bro Just Might Be Hollywood's Biggest Fuckwit | io9 Best, Sluttiest and Weirdes
Oct 03, 9:27PM
Jezebel Screenwriter Bro Just Might Be Hollywood's Biggest Fuckwit | io9 Best, Sluttiest and Weirdest Store-Bought Halloween Costumes for 2013 | Lifehacker How to Grow Your Personal Brand When You're an Introvert | Jalopnik Your Guide To The Tesla Model S Fire (And Why It's Not A Big Deal)
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Photoshop Contest: What Else Is Hiding in This Cryptic Lincoln Pic?
Oct 03, 9:20PM
As you may or may not have heard, a University of North Carolina professor claims to have found a major mistake in Lincoln history. Some blurry, sepia-skinned dude in the photo who we'd believed was Lincoln was actually not! As this Smithsonian Magazine article details, it's more likely that Lincoln is this other blurry, sepia-skinned due.
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This Browser Extension Uses Color to Make You a Lightning Fast Reader
Oct 03, 9:13PM
Those looking to read faster will find an endless supply of tips and methods around the web. Beeline Reader is a service taking a unique approach—using color to guide your eye.
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You Can Get a Poop Transplant in a Pill Now
Oct 03, 8:54PM
Exciting news is afoot in the world of medical poop. Researchers have developed a new treatment for those suffering from Clostridium difficile, or C. difficile, that puts gut-saving bacteria in a pill, doing away with the need for a traditional fecal transplant. In other words, you don't have to eat poop.
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How Tom Clancy's Techno-Thrillers Helped Us Understand Modern Warfare
Oct 03, 8:45PM
In the days after 9/11, as the media tried to assume some kind of normalcy, I remember watching talk shows attempt to dissect the week's unbelievable events. And I remember one guest who kept popping up night after night: Novelist Tom Clancy, who died Tuesday at 66.
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Apple Just Bought (Another) Personal Assistant Maker
Oct 03, 8:31PM
Looks like Siri might be getting an upgrade after Apple bought Cue, an app that makes personalized agendas based on scanning emails. TechCrunch's sources say that the purchase price was somewhere between $40 and $60 million, and that Apple plans to keep the company running. In other words, watch out Google Now. [TechCrunch]
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Bees Can't Find Flowers Thanks to Diesel Exhaust
Oct 03, 8:20PM
Diesel exhaust is pretty nasty stuff. Pass an overloaded 18-wheeler clouding up the highway, and that acrid plume of hydrocarbons will overpower even your best little tree air freshener. As new research lays out, that exhaust doesn't just smell bad, it messes with the scent of flowers. And that's big trouble for our already struggling bee friends.
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