4 ms·
> The researchers looked at how infection in a wolf affected its decision to disperse and its assumption of leadership roles. Toxoplasmosis proved to be a stron
by neogodless 4y ago
> The researchers looked at how infection in a wolf affected its decision to disperse and its assumption of leadership roles. Toxoplasmosis proved to be a strong predictor for both actions.
Toxoplasma gondii never ceases to amaze and scare me. I'm one of the many humans with an identified infection of it (over 25 years ago.)
Also super interesting part of this article:
> “We found that even more important than pack size was whether a pack had an old individual, male or female,” she said. At six years old, a Yellowstone wolf is considered an elder—only about one in five lives to that age. “If they have one or two older individuals, they are more likely to win—which was not what we’d expected to find.”
- colechristensen 4y agoI’m interested in some recent research that shows a blood pressure drug, guanabenz, which helps clear latent taxo infections.
- saghm 4y ago> “If they have one or two older individuals, they are more likely to win—which was not what we’d expected to find.” This doesn't sound that crazy; maybe the ones able to live that are the ones in packs that are strong enough to win all the time.
- thechao 4y agoCohen the Barbarian style, I guess? An old barbarian is a deadly barbarian!
- naikrovek 4y ago> Cohen the Barbarian this example of autocorrect made me laugh out loud for the first time in days. please do not correct it.
- libraryatnight 4y agohttps://discworld.fandom.com/wiki/Cohen https://discworld.fandom.com/wiki/Cohen If you want more laughs, check out the books ;)
- hardlianotion 4y agoI think it was intended?
- LBJsPNS 4y ago"a man who does for a living what Cohen does and nevertheless survives to such an age must be very good at it indeed." Beware of the old. We've survived. There is a reason the phrase is "Age and treachery will always defeat youth and skill."