Host manipulation Memes

The statistical distribution of scientific accuracy! On the left, we have the "viruses create zombies" crowd who clearly binged too many B-movies instead of biology textbooks. In the middle, our frustrated scientist is having an aneurysm trying to explain that no, viruses don't create zombies—that's just Hollywood nonsense. Meanwhile, on the right, the high-IQ crowd correctly identifies that parasites (including certain fungi, protozoa, and yes, some viruses) can indeed manipulate host behavior. Nature's mind control exists—just look at Ophiocordyceps unilateralis turning ants into fungal puppets or Toxoplasma gondii making rodents attracted to cat urine. The bell curve of knowledge strikes again: the ignorant and the expert sometimes reach similar conclusions, but only one understands why they're right!

Nothing says "biological warfare" quite like a parasitic barnacle that chemically transitions male crabs. Sacculina injects itself into a crab, takes over its reproductive system, and basically says "you're a lady now." The crab starts developing female characteristics and behaviors—all so the parasite can reproduce better. Nature's version of identity theft comes with hormonal changes. Scientists study this while secretly wondering if the barnacles have a tiny evil laugh.