Virus that 'makes humans more stupid' discovered

[webfact]

Virus that 'makes humans more stupid' discovered
BEN TUFFT

LONDON: -- A virus that infects human brains and makes us more stupid has been discovered, according to scientists in the US.

The algae virus, never before observed in healthy people, was found to affect cognitive functions including visual processing and spatial awareness.

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medical School and the University of Nebraska stumbled upon the discovery when they were undertaking an unrelated study into throat microbes.

Surprisingly, the researchers found DNA in the throats of healthy individuals that matched the DNA of a virus known to infect green algae.

Dr Robert Yolken, a virologist who led the original study, said: “This is a striking example showing that the ‘innocuous’ microorganisms we carry can affect behaviour and cognition.

“Many physiological differences between person A and person B are encoded in the set of genes each inherits from parents, yet some of these differences are fuelled by the various microorganisms we harbour and the way they interact with our genes.”

Full story: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/virus-that-makes-humans-more-stupid-discovered-9849920.html

-- THE INDEPENDENT 2014-11-11

[ThaidDown]

At last, an explanation of many posts made on this forum.

ps....yes, I may be infected as well.

[apetley]

Known as the 'Fox Virus'.

[shirtless]

It was first contracted by politicians and is slowly spreading through society.

[jpinx]

note "...more-stupid..." -- implying that we're all stupid to start with

[Soutpeel]

goes a long way explaining some TV's members then and the things they write...

one wonders if you catch this from eating Somtam or consuming Nam pla ?....

[Costas2008]

I can assure you that NO, TVF member has been infected by this virus.

[daveAustin]

"The algae virus, never before observed in healthy people, was found to affect cognitive functions including visual processing and spatial awareness"

If that's the case, I'd say all Thais must already have it.

[smedly]

When reading the headline on this thread I am so stupid I actually thought for a moment it was April 1st

[ABCer]

WEBFACT, thankyou, thankyou, thankyou.

Now I can die at peace with myself knowing it was not my fault!

P.S. Is the disease in question curable?

I used to believe that if you haven't got it (brains) - you can't get it from the Chemist.

Maybe I was wrong all my life? Or talking to the wrong Chemist?

Edited November 11, 2014 by ABCer

[NeverSure]

Known as the 'Fox Virus'.

Known as the "liberal virus" aka the "left wing virus."

Edited November 11, 2014 by NeverSure

[whatawonderfulday]

You must be mad to believe this story, April 1st yet ?

[webfact]

Study shows throat virus may affect human brain function

FEELING unusually stupid? You may have a virus. A recent study by US scientists has revealed a bug that saps your mental processing powers.

Researchers from the John Hopkins Medical School and the University of Nebraska made the unexpected discovery while studying throat infections.

When they found the unfamiliar virus, they decided to run a check on its DNA.

It was found to match chlorovirus ATCV1 — a virus previously thought only infecting green algae in lakes and waterways.

They did not expect to find it in 40 of the 90 people they were studying for sore throats.

Full story: http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/study-shows-throat-virus-may-affect-human-brain-function/story-fneuzlbd-1227118099421


-- News.com.au 2014-11-11

[meatboy]

At last, an explanation of many posts made on this forum.

ps....yes, I may be infected as well.

i posted last week about this so its not news.IDIOTITUS it shuts down the brain but keeps the mouth talking.its been around a long time.

OH SHUT UP the wife keeps telling me.

[Zonka]

Is there a name for this virus? - Thainess perhaps?

[Seastallion]

40 out of 90 subjects. About 44%. That's quite high, but not as high as I would expect.

It's a bit scary that you can get infected, not appear ill, just become stupid.

Having recently suffered some pointless bickering from a chap who I suspect has his mental faculties affected by age, this article makes me wonder if there is a link to dementia. Logically, the longer you are around, the higher your chance of becoming infected.

Mind you, this is not the first microbe that has been shown to affect behaviour. Toxoplasmosis, or crazy cat lady disease was one found many years ago.

Wiki;'Crazy cat lady syndrome' is a term coined by news organizations to describe scientific findings that link the parasite Toxoplasma gondii to several mental disorders and behavioral problems.

[willyumiii]

Been around a long, long time....

Some call it love....

I call it Breeder's Fever.

[Tywais]

When reading the headline on this thread I am so stupid I actually thought for a moment it was April 1st

I actually glanced down at the source link to see if it was from notthenation.com.

[me313]

Will this new virus be covertly inserted into various sectors of the child population in the guise of mandatory vaccination through some sort of nano technology? It's just unbelievable the misuse of scientific research and the real-world application thereof. Don't doubt such a scenario is not possible.

[jacko45k]

I am not surprised it was discovered in the US..........

[phantomfiddler]

And it can be purchased in any bar for about $2 a bottle

[Yhimlamai]

OMG!
So this is the virus that is wreaking havoc with the South African government
Scary!

[MexicanFarang]

I prefer the parasite in cat poop that makes men stupid and women more promiscuous:

http://www.viewzone.com/toxo.html

[StefanBBK]

No more sushi or miso soup then.

[oztaurus]

note "...more-stupid..." -- implying that we're all stupid to start with

in the immortal words of George Carlin:

[Thaiready]

Its called "LIBERALISM"

[boike]

Known as the 'Fox Virus'.

Known as the "liberal virus" aka the "left wing virus."

ann coulter, nuf said about you

Sent from my S4 LTE

[klauskunkel]

I was supposed to be a genius...and then this virus eff'd it all up.

[mrtoad]

I can assure you that NO, TVF member has been infected by this virus.

Costas, I believe that Badgers carry an extra strong form of this virus

[WitawatWatawit]

"Tilac cha. Buffalo sick, need money fix ploblem."

"Oh really? How much. Cough .... cough, cough .... cough"