Question: I’ve seen fungi that have taken control of ant brains, are there fungi that can do that to humans ?

Katie Fala answered on 13 Nov 2019:

Awesome question, I’ve seen the videos about the zombie ants and have wondered this too. As far as I know they figured out that the fungus (Ophiocordyceps unilateralis) targets the muscles around the ants jaws more so than their brain to force them to latch onto a leaf/twig and await their death while the fungus feasts on the decaying matter of the corpse. As far a I know there has never been a human case of infection by this fungus reported in the medical literature (although I can keep an open mind in regards!)

But, on a related note, did you know that there is a theory that the bacteria in your gut are be communicating with your brain? Some scientists think that the microbes in our guts may control what we eat – there is some evidence that they can affect our cravings and food choices by producing mood-affecting toxins, modifying our taste receptors and even producing neurotransmitters that travel to our brains via the vagus nerve. Further study is definitely needed, but I think about this a lot when I’m craving junk food!