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Indian Express
7 days ago
- Science
- Indian Express
The mystery of ‘zombie ants': How a mind-controlling fungus hijacks nature
A fascinating and eerily sophisticated biological puppet show unfolds deep in tropical forests worldwide. The star is Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, a parasitic fungus that transforms carpenter ants into 'zombies,' manipulating them with remarkable precision to ensure its survival. The process begins when an unsuspecting ant encounters a fungal spore. The spore penetrates the ant's protective exoskeleton using a combination of enzymes and pressure. Once inside, the fungus begins its insidious takeover, spreading throughout the ant's body while carefully avoiding its brain. What happens next is both fascinating and disturbing. The infected ant abandons its normal behaviour and colony responsibilities, entering what scientists call the 'zombie phase.' As reported by The Atlantic, the fungus compels the ant to climb 'exactly 25 centimeters above the forest floor, no more and no less' — a height that provides optimal conditions for fungal growth. The ant then clamps its jaws onto a leaf vein in a death grip, where it remains until its final moments. The fungus's manipulation of its host is extraordinarily precise despite its lack of a brain or nervous system. Recent research has revealed surprising insights into how this control is achieved. According to the Library of Congress, researchers discovered that rather than attacking the brain directly, the fungus appears to control the ant's muscles. The fungus grows around the brain while infiltrating every other part of the ant's body, suggesting a sophisticated method of behavioural control that scientists are still working to understand. A post shared by Inside History (@insidehistory) The Atlantic reports an even more remarkable finding: the fungal cells work cooperatively, forming a complex network within the ant's body. As Pennsylvania State University entomologist David Hughes's research revealed, the fungal cells connect through specialised tubes, allowing them to 'communicate and exchange nutrients.' This network essentially turns the fungus into a colonial organism, much like the ants it parasitises. The grand finale of this biological horror show occurs when a fungal stalk erupts from the dead ant's head, releasing spores onto unsuspecting ants below. This strategic positioning ensures the cycle continues, as the spores rain down on foraging trails used by the ant's former nestmates. Despite its terrifying efficiency in controlling ants, O. unilateralis faces its own challenges. The Library of Congress notes that this fungus has its own parasites — hyperparasites like Niveomyces coronatus and Torrubiellomyces zombiae that may help keep its lethal effects in check, preventing it from completely decimating ant populations.
Indian Express
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Man stays calm as king cobra slithers over him in viral video; the Internet reacts: ‘Cameraman never dies'
A jaw-dropping video that's gone viral on Instagram shows a man lying still as a massive king cobra slithers across a bed just inches away from him. His calmness in the face of a deadly threat has left viewers both shocked and divided. The clip, shared by the page Inside History, has already gained over 2.2 million views. It's believed to have been filmed in Uttarakhand, though the exact details and authenticity haven't been confirmed. In the video, a king cobra can be seen gliding slowly across a man's legs. What's striking is his reaction, or rather, lack of one. The man stays still showing remarkable calm as the snake slithers over him. It's clear he knows that any sudden movement could trigger a dangerous response from the highly venomous creature. The tension peaks when the snake creeps closer to his face, locking eyes with him in an intense stare. That's when everything changes. The man suddenly bolts upright in a jolt of panic. Meanwhile, the cobra remains perfectly still, showing no signs of hostility throughout the surreal encounter. A post shared by Inside History (@insidehistory) The video has sparked a flurry of reactions online. Some people were in awe of the man's composed behaviour, arguing that remaining calm may have prevented the cobra from feeling threatened. Others thought he was downright reckless for prioritising shooting a video over his safety. One viewer said, 'Cameraman never died,' while another wrote, 'Cobra was like yooo bruh you are recording?' Another popular comment read, 'He was brave until the cobra looked into his soul.' Some wondered aloud whether the snake might actually be his pet, given how calm he seemed. Others said they would have 'jumped out of the window' without hesitation.
Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
‘Nerves of steel': Man stays calm as king cobra slithers across his bed, internet reacts with shock
In a video that has gone viral on social media, a man's seemingly calm demeanour during a dangerous situation has left viewers both shocked and amazed. The footage, which has amassed more than 1.8 million views on Instagram, shows a massive king cobra slithering across a bed — with the man lying beside it, filming the reptile with apparent complete composure. (Also read: Man casually pets a giant cobra, internet stunned by his confidence: 'This is beyond fearless') The clip, shared by the Instagram page Inside History, is reported to have been filmed in Uttarakhand, though the exact date and authenticity of the incident remain unverified. What's unmistakably clear, however, is the danger that unfolded in the room. The video begins with the king cobra, one of the most venomous snakes in the world, curiously exploring the bed. The man, unfazed, records the reptile's movements without making any attempt to move away. It isn't until the snake slowly approaches his head and fixes its gaze on him that the man finally reacts. In a delayed response of panic, he bolts from the bed—while the cobra remains eerily still. Watch the clip here: A post shared by Inside History (@insidehistory) The video has sparked a debate on internet. Some viewers praised the man for his unusual calm, suggesting that staying composed in such a situation might have prevented provoking the snake. Others criticised him for not reacting sooner, arguing that he was reckless to film rather than immediately flee. (Also read: Man pets a frightened baby cobra barehanded in viral video: 'This is terrifying') One user remarked how 'nature doesn't give second chances,' while another commented, 'This is not bravery, it's foolishness.' A viewer noted the cobra's chilling calm, writing, 'The snake was more composed than the man!' Others questioned whether the snake was a pet or had wandered in from the wild, suggesting that either way, the situation was 'completely reckless.' Several viewers expressed disbelief, saying they would have 'jumped out of the window' if in the man's place. Another comment read, 'He was brave until the cobra looked into his soul.' Some applauded the man's courage, while others said the video gave them 'goosebumps just watching.'
News18
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
AI Or Real? Video Shows Giant Anaconda Slithering Through Stream In Amazon
Last Updated: Earlier in April, a never-before-seen species of anaconda was discovered in the Amazon rainforest during the shooting of a National Geographic series, hosted by Will Smith. An astonishing video has surfaced online, featuring a giant anaconda slithering through a stream in the Amazon rainforest. After the footage went viral, many raised questions regarding its authenticity. The clip, which appeared to have been shot from a helicopter, captured the massive snake moving through a water body surrounded by lush greenery. A user on X (formerly Twitter) posted the video online with the caption, 'Once again, a big anaconda snake was seen in the Amazon forests." While some viewers asked if the video was created with the help of artificial intelligence, others were just left stunned by the rare sighting. एक बार फिर से अमेजन के जंगलों में बड़े एनाकोंडा सांप को देखा गया। — Dr. Sheetal yadav (@Sheetal2242) May 8, 2025 Anacondas are generally found deep inside the Amazonian forests. They are known to be the largest and heaviest snake species in the world, weighing more than 90 kg. These colossal reptiles are non-venomous and can grow over 20 feet long. Anacondas mostly live in swamps, marshes and slow-moving streams. The snakes can easily kill their prey by coiling around them. Despite their reputation as a fearsome creature, Anacondas are generally shy in nature and avoid human contact. A few months ago, a video created a buzz on the internet where a group of tourists in Brazil was seen capturing photos and videos of an anaconda. The snake was seen moving slowly through the water, leaving onlookers both terrified and in awe. The clip was shared on Instagram by a page named Inside History. 'Tourists in Brazil recently spotted a giant anaconda slithering through a lake after having just eaten," read the caption of the post. Earlier in April, a never-before-seen species of anaconda was discovered in the depths of the Amazon rainforest during an expedition for the shooting of a National Geographic series, hosted by Will Smith. The event unfolded within the remote region of Bameno. Accompanied by indigenous Waorani hunters, a team of scientists, led by Professor Bryan Fry from the University of Queensland, had explored some untouched areas of the Amazon for 10 days. The anacondas were spotted in shallow waters– one of their preferred habitats. The Waorani hunters had a key role in the discovery as they assisted with their deep understanding of the land and its wildlife. First Published: May 08, 2025, 18:53 IST
