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Scientists Discover a Virus That Changes the Brain To "Make Humans More Stupid"

concertina226 writes that researchers have found a virus that appears to reduce people’s thinking power and attention span. "Scientists at the Johns Hopkins Medical School and the University of Nebraska have discovered an algae virus that makes us more stupid by infecting our brains. The researchers were conducting a completely unrelated study into throat microbes when they realized that DNA in the throats of healthy people matched the DNA of a chlorovirus virus known as ATCV-1. ATCV-1 is a virus that infects the green algae found in freshwater lakes and ponds. It had previously been thought to be non-infectious to humans, but the scientists found that it actually affects cognitive functions in the brain by shortening attention span and causing a decrease in spatial awareness. For the first time ever, the researchers proved that microorganisms have the ability to trigger delicate physiological changes to the human body, without launching a full-blown attack on the human immune system."

10 of 275 comments (clear)

  1. Virus Name by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Fox News

    1. Re:Virus Name by ArcadeMan · · Score: 3, Funny

      I think a comment rating of "Redundant" is even funnier in this case.

    2. Re:Virus Name by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      The Palin Syndrome

      a.k.a "The Palindrome" :)

  2. Virus Name by stinkydog · · Score: 3, Funny

    That is an insult to Pond Scum everywhere.

    SD

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  3. So... by king+neckbeard · · Score: 5, Funny

    It looks like stupidity may be contagious after all.

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  4. it all makes sense now... by Karmashock · · Score: 3, Funny

    this explains why I need to stay in my hazmat bubble.

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  5. you can catch it over the internet by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    I think you can catch it from facebook.

  6. Yesterday by Rashdot · · Score: 4, Funny

    Yesterday I went swimming in a pond but now I can't fin.. Oh look, a tweet.

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    This is not the sig you're looking for.
  7. Re: All well and good, but... by gurps_npc · · Score: 4, Funny

    Where exactly does the water for the Capital building (Congress) come from? Has anyone checked into this?

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    excitingthingstodo.blogspot.com
  8. In related news by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    ...said virus was found to thrive in the american political system, notably congress.