@ClubNeon: I hadn't heard about the toxo issue, but the web links I found after you brought it up were fascinating. In rats, it appears that this parasite changes the behavior of the host so as to further propogate itself. Amazing, mind-blowing stuff.

@CatBrat: that stinks about your brother. Chronic severe mental illness is no joke, I agree.

Hey, on a lighter note (avatar puns are fun), I found your cartoon stash online and thought this one was interesting:

There are quite a few brain parasites which do that. They excrete various neurochemicals and alter behavior in a way which makes it more likely for them to get passed on. This is probably the freakiest: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWB_COSUXMw

Have to check it out at home - working for the man means no video at work. If they ever shut off access to the boards, I'll have to quit.

Nature is so disturbing. You're making it even harder to leave the house.

Where as my job description includes the monitoring of technology related forums to keep abreast of developing trends.

I shouldn't bring this up, but... One of the suspected symptoms of human males infected with toxoplasmosis is introvertedness, and agoraphobia. On the other hand, human females become extroverted and sexually promiscuous.

I'm opposed to "nature" but I know it's a losing battle.

I was just about to post this same comic, when I noticed that you had already done it. Now, I'm going to have to find a new source of comics.

Duuuude....JP is, like, ALWAYS getting into the stash.

Hmmm. I clean the litterbox every night, and have for probably 5, 6 years. I'm very introverted, and am generally starting to categorize myself as a misanthrope. Hrm.