Killer Fungus Among Us

I was going through my Twitter feed the other day and I came across an article that was quite disturbing. The picture alone about gave me the heeby geebies. I mean I'm serious, this was the picture of nightmares. What it showed was a tarantula that had been infected by a fungus. The fungus, called Cordyceps, infects the host and eventually replaces the host tissue with its own.

Fortunately, this stuff only attacks insects or arthropods. It would be horrible if this stuff could infect a person or the family pet.

The article that I read also stated that there are some species of the fungus that have "...mind-control capabilities, convincing the host to travel to a place where the fungus will find optimal growth conditions before the host dies." WHAT!? Yep I double checked and that is what the article said. I found a site that had a video showing the infection process in an ant. They don't come out and say "mind-control" but it seems to indicate that it drives the ant to some degree. (Click here for the video It's at the bottom)

From what I've read, this stuff isn't out to get us humans yet.... But man the thought is the stuff horror stories are made of.

I leave you with the picture that sent me scouting out this crazy fungus. Also you can click here to go to Wikipedia to read more about this killer fungus.

-Red

www.jeffjake.com

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Facebook / Tweet Responsibly

I spend a fair amount of time on Facebook and Twitter every day. I admit that I'm somewhat addicted and yes, I like to post pictures of food, my dog, me, family, etc. I enjoy looking at other peoples post of the same. Social media has allowed me to connect with long lost friends, as well as stay in touch those friends. It's great for families. My parents live almost two hours away. However, through Facebook, they can keep up on what's going on with my family via post and pics.

I am a strong advocate for social media. That said, it does have its faults. I'm not going to get into all that today. What I do want to say is if you're going to repost a warning about something. PLEASE CHECK ITS AUTHENTICITY FIRST.

This morning I see a picture of this spider on my Facebook:

Along with the picture is this horrifying story of how five women have died from this spider. It goes on to say that this spiders favorite place to hide is on the bottom of your toilet seat. BEWARE of the toilet seat! You may have already seen this post.

Interestingly enough, this urban legend actually started as an email forward. Remember back in the day when there wasn't a Facebook, so people would forward warning emails like this.

Here is the link to Snopes.com and the article on this spider:
http://www.snopes.com/horrors/insects/telamonia.asp

So, before you click like, share, favorite, or re-tweet a warning, quote, statement, etc.... Be sure you check first to see if it's legit. There is enough scary stuff in the world already. I don't need to be worried about going to the bathroom on top of all the other stuff that can get me.

Potty with confidence today.

-Red


You can also follow Jeff at:
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His book, Assassin's Retribution can be purchased at Amazon.com

In the future, technology is the new currency. Assassins are used by companies to stop or steal the latest cybernetic designs. Natasha is one of the best in the business. However, a nemesis from her past has found her, and now she must hunt him down or be killed.

 

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