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
Largest sea on Saturn’s Titan over 1,000 ft deep, not 115 ft: Scientists
UK university scientists finalise nasal spray that blocks out COVID-19: Report
Krafton to launch two new games by 2022
‘Vaccinated people may still transmit Covid-19’
2 species of rare ant genus discovered in Kerala, Tamil Nadu
MUST WATCH
Mithun Shetty Hebri | Banana Farming information Guide for Beginners
Violators who set fire to crop and disconnected the power from pump set! | Udayavani
Swimming in Padmasana Posture | Gangadhar G Kadekar sets Record
The lorry driver’s disaster on the national highway: Hundreds of lives saved | Udayavani
Compol appeals people to share info regarding any untoward developments through Whatsapp
Latest Additions
Baloch activist buried in Pak amid tight security
ASI Prakash from Udupi awarded President’s Police Medal
Largest sea on Saturn’s Titan over 1,000 ft deep, not 115 ft: Scientists
Mangaluru: BJP government’s policies are anti-farmer, says Ivan D’souza
Amarinder lays foundation stone of Jallianwala Bagh Centenary Memorial park