Topic: Parasite

The parasitic New World screwworm fly lays eggs in the open wounds of animals, where the larvae then consume the host's flesh. While primarily a threat to livestock, the infestation can also affect pets and, in rare cases, humans. The current outbreak is traced to the movement of infested animals from South America through Mexico into the Laredo area.

Recent research suggests that the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, commonly found in cat feces, may be linked to increased aggression, impulsiveness, and schizophrenia in humans. The parasite is estimated to infect one-third of the global population. The discussion posits that the rise of house cats since the 1920s has led to widespread behavioral shifts, jokingly citing Howard Stern as a potential victim of the "Toxo Complex."

The New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, has reportedly returned to the United States after being held at bay for decades. Texas Slim and Governor Greg Abbott highlighted the threat to the cattle industry, noting that the sterile insect technique program was disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are claims that discussing the parasite's resurgence on social media platforms leads to account shadow-banning.

The discussion covers the revival of the Commodore 64 computer and a deep dive into Howard Stern's career decline. A theory is presented that Stern and his wife may be suffering from toxoplasmosis due to their extensive cat rescue work, affecting their cognitive behavior.

Research suggests that the vast majority of parasite species face high extinction rates due to climate change and the loss of their hosts. While parasites are often undervalued, they represent a significant portion of ecosystem biomass and play a critical regulatory role similar to predators. Scientists warn that the loss of these stabilizing organisms could lead to unpredictable outbreaks of wildlife and human diseases.

A review of recent cinema highlighted "1917" as a masterpiece of filmmaking art, contrasting it with the Oscar-winning "Parasite," which was described as a "one-trick pony." The hosts also defended Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" against critics, emphasizing their preference for high-production value and traditional storytelling over the political trends currently influencing Academy Award selections.

The CDC reported the first known human case of a parasitic eye worm infection typically found in cattle. An Oregon woman, Abby Beckley, discovered the tiny worms in her eye in 2016 and had to manually remove 14 of them over several weeks. Doctors were initially puzzled by the infection, which is spread by flies, and opted for manual removal rather than anti-parasitic medication to avoid leaving dead parasites in the eye tissue.

A report of a Fresno man pulling a five-foot tapeworm from his body after eating salmon sushi prompts a discussion on food safety. John Dvorak explains the traditional Japanese method of treating salmon with "sake lees" (fermented yeast goo) and smoking to kill parasites, warning against eating raw salmon prepared by non-specialists.

A "story of the day" involves a Marin County judge who allegedly contracted a parasite from contaminated sushi. According to the anecdote, during a dinner party, a small worm traveled up the judge's esophagus and exited through his nose while he was speaking to guests.

A study published in Science Advances warns that climate change is driving a mass extinction of parasites, which could destabilize global ecosystems. Researcher Colin Carlson from UC Berkeley explains that the loss of lice, fleas, and worms may lead to unpredictable health outcomes for humans. The hosts mock the "save the parasites" narrative, comparing it to a "Young Sheldon" plotline and questioning the necessity of protecting ticks.

A television advertisement for Trifexis, a monthly parasite preventative for dogs, is analyzed for using the same fear-based marketing tactics as human pharmaceuticals. The hosts discuss the rise of corporate veterinary chains and how pet insurance has contributed to the skyrocketing costs of basic animal healthcare.

The National Enquirer's claim that President Obama is suffering from stomach parasites contracted in Hawaii is discussed. The hosts mention Japanese creosote pills as a traditional remedy for such ailments while noting the president's visible weight loss in recent photos.

A study in the *American Naturalist* describes a fungus that takes control of carpenter ants' brains, turning them into "zombie ants" to optimize spore reproduction. In a separate item, a listener points out a creepy tip on smallsteps.gov suggesting adults "pace the sidelines at kids' athletic games" for exercise. The hosts joke that following such government advice could lead to an arrest.