The study says that a parasite in cats causes entrepreneurship in their homeowners

People infected with a common parasite in cats are more prone to entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship, according to a study from the University of Colorado (UC) released today. .

The study, which was based on about 1,500 students at this university and included data compiled in 42 countries over the last 25 years, concluded that the contraction of the parasite Toxoplasma gondii increases the chances of 39; a person studying business careers or opening their own business.

In particular, compared to people with T. gondii are 1.4 times more likely to pursue a professional career during their university years, 1.7 to reach managerial positions and 1.8 to own their own company, according to the research.

As an undesirable effect, the parasite, estimated at about 2 billion inhabitants of the planet, is badociated with "impulsive behavior" and risk, "including cases of road rage. , neurosis, substance abuse, suicide and mental health issues.

On how a parasite can propel someone into business, Stefanie K. Johnson, also a professor at CU-Boulder, author of the research, points out that T. gondii reduces the "rational fear" and that it's not a problem. is why the "fear of failure" is reduced.

"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 hosts, "says Pieter Johnson, a CU-Boulder professor and co-author of the research, in a note. from the study center.

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 immunological functions.

The study indicates that it is a situation both "disturbing and intriguing", because it removes the rational aspect of human decisions and because it challenges the fact that people carefully evaluate the benefits and risks before making a decision or that they decide to do so in their best interest.

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

If this hypothesis is proven, according to Johnson, it would be necessary to review the current economic theories to incorporate "our fellow microscopic".