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Added on the 07/02/2022 16:02:23 - Copyright : France 24 EN
The common parasite Toxoplasma gondii is spread to people through undercooked pork and occasionally domestic cats. Chronic T. gondii infections are linked to an increased risk of schizophrenia, lowered cognition, and behavioral changes like more risk-taking and aggression. Now, scientists say the parasite might have more insidious health effects than previously suspected. Gizmodo reports new research suggests a link between Toxoplasma gondii infection and an increased risk of gliomas, the most common form of brain cancer. The US sees 24,000 new cases of brain cancer annually, while 11% of Americans over age six carry T. gondii--upwards of 30 million people. So even if the connection is real, the chances of getting brain cancer as a result of chronic T. gondii infection are very low on an individual level.
Gizmodo reports certain bacteria spread by cat scratches and other animal exposures can sometimes have a dramatic impact on the brain. A new study profiles a group of patients with psychiatric illness who simultaneously showed signs of infection from bacteria called Bartonella. Bartonella bacteria aren’t usually linked to serious illness in people. But certain groups, like those immunocompromised, might be more vulnerable generally. The rod-shaped Bartonella bacteria can survive and replicate inside other cells, much like viruses. This ability allows them to evade conventional tests for detecting infection and makes it harder for antibiotics to kill them. Bartonella henselae is the most commonly seen infection in humans and causes cat scratch disease--also called cat scratch fever. Despite the name, B. henselae and other disease-causing Bartonella can be spread through dogs and other mammals, and parasites like ticks, fleas, and lice. I
An 11-year-old boy in Naples, Italy, took his own life by jumping off a balcony at his family's home. According to Newser, his suicide has been linked to a possible online 'horror challenge' enticing children to take their own lives. However, it's in dispute whether such challenges by the 'man in the black hood' actually exist. One theory says the 'man in the black hood" is really the online character Jonathan Galindo, who wears a creepy dog mask. Galindo entices children to complete tasks that appear mild at first—like 'watch a scary film'—but grow ever-dangerous, culminating in death.
Technology is moving at such a rapid pace that it can be quite hard to keep up with all the new inventions. Drone have become a mainstay in popular culture in the last few years, but some scientists and engineers from Russia's Voronezh State University may have just invented a new way to pilot them. This drone prototype is designed to be flown with the help of augmented reality glasses that allow the wearer to guide the motion of the quadcopter simply by looking in the direction that he or she wants the drone to go. The team began working on the product began seven years ago but have only now reached the point of testing out their prototype model. With the success of their prototype, the team is now working on improving usability and design, with the hope of exporting their product abroad.
Scientists identify the first known example of fossilised brain tissue from a dinosaur, and say it resembles the brains of modern-day crocodiles and birds. Matthew Stock reports.
Microscopic analysis has shown, for the first time, tiny magnetic particles from air pollution lodged in human brains. Researchers believe the large volume of magnetite particles found in brain samples suggest a possible link with Alzheimer's disease. Jim Drury reports.
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