Zombie flies: Scientists discover flies that turn into ‘zombies’ when infected by new fungi
Team Udayavani, Dec 17, 2020, 5:03 PM IST
Scientists in Denmark have discovered two new fungi species that ‘zombify’ flies and eject spores out of a large hole in the insect’s abdomen “like small rockets”.
The fungi bore holes in the host but keep it alive with an amphetamine-like substance. The flies then buzz around for days, sprinkling more spores on other victims.After a few days, the fly lies on its back, spasms for a few hours and then dies.
According to The Guardian, The unusual tactic of keeping the host alive while releasing spores is called active host transmission (AHT). It is an effective way of getting access to other healthy individuals.
Scientists think the fungi could be producing substances that “dope” their hosts (sometimes colloquially referred to as “zombies”), meaning they can stay fresh enough to live for days after infection – only collapsing once there is nothing left in their abdomens but the fungus.
The research was conducted by the University of Copenhagen and the Natural History Museum of Denmark published in the Journal of Invertebrate Pathology.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
Deep-tech drives growing patenting patterns in India; highest filings in Tamil Nadu: Study
Don’t blame Dubai’s freak rain on cloud seeding
ISRO Gears Up to Test Critical Parachute Safety of Gaganyaan
Indian students bag NASA awards for Human Exploration Rover Challenge
‘Mastering the Data Paradox’: Book uncovers pivotal role of data in AI age
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Elections held in 14 LS segments in Karnataka, voter turnout nearly 64 per cent till 5 pm
‘PM is scared, may even shed tears on stage’: Rahul Gandhi’s fresh salvo at Modi
Cache of arms including foreign-made revolvers seized by CBI in Sandeshkhali raids
24 Indian Fishermen Released from Sri Lankan Detention, Repatriated to India
Deep-tech drives growing patenting patterns in India; highest filings in Tamil Nadu: Study