A parasite found in cat poop can reduce fear in humans, study finds

Although more research is needed, they found correlations. it is also likely that other participants started their own business, while students who picked up the bug were 1.4 times more likely to do business.

The study, led by Professor Stefanie Johnson, was published Wednesday in the Royal Society B.

T. Gondii has been linked to increased risks of "car accidents, mental illness, neurosis, drug addiction and suicide," the researchers wrote, according to NBC News. Previous studies suggest that it changes the chemistry and behavior of the brain, particularly around dopamine, the chemical substance related to pleasure.

More than 60 million people in the United States can carry the parasite, said the Centers for Disease Control, often after contact with raw meat or cat feces. It is often imperceptible because human immune systems usually prevent symptoms.

In rodents with the parasite, the lack of fear around cats makes them more likely to be eaten. It works well for the parasite, which breeds once inside the cat.

So what could it do in humans? The researchers tested about 1500 students and about 200 business event participants to determine if they had worn T. gondii. Twenty-two percent tested positive in all cases, notes NBC News.

The researchers also dipped into databases from 42 different countries, according to Sky News. Comparing the data on infection with entrepreneurial activity, they concluded that "the prevalence of infection was a positive and consistent predictor of entrepreneurial activity" at the national level [19659005] For more information: What's going on? a toilet seat cover?

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