Parasite cats causes the business spirit in humans

Denver (USA) .- Persons infected by a parasite common in cats are more likely to entrepreneurship and to be entrepreneurs ] as revealed a study of the University of Colorado (CU) published today.

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The study, which was based on some 1500 students from this American university and included data compiled in 42 countries during Last 25 years, concluded that parasite Toxoplasma gondii increases the chances that a person will study a professional career or open his own business.

More specifically, compared to those who did not contract the parasite, people with T. gondii are 1.4 times more likely to pursue a professional career during from their university studies, 1.7 to reach executive positions and 1.8 to own their own businesses, according to the survey.

As an undesirable effect, the parasite, estimated at about 2 billion inhabitants of the planet, is badociated with "impulsive and at-risk behaviors", including cases of rabies at birth. flying, neurosis, drug abuse, suicide and mental health issues.

On how a parasite can propel someone into business, Stefanie K. Johnson, also a professor at CU-Boulder and author of the research, points out that T. gondii reduces "rational fear" and thus reduces the "fear of failure".

"We humans like to think that we control our actions, but emerging research reveals that the microorganisms we encounter in our daily lives have the potential to significantly influence their guests," he says. he in a note. from the study center Pieter Johnson, professor at CU-Boulder and co-author of the research.

Johnson noted that there are other examples of microorganisms that alter human behavior, such as intestinal bacteria that have been linked to changes in mood, diet or immune functions.

The study claims that this situation is both "disturbing and fascinating" because it removes the rational aspect of human decisions and questions the fact that people carefully evaluate the benefits and risks before making a decision. decision, or that, when they decide, they do so in their best interests.

In this case, the study suggests, the best interest and the greatest benefit is for the parasite.

If this hypothesis is true, the current economic theories should be revised, Johnson to include "our fellow microscopic".