- Spiders infected with a fungus that turns them into “zombies” are now being discovered worldwide, with sightings reported in North America, Europe, and New Zealand.
- The fungus, named Gibellula attenboroughii after David Attenborough, was initially found four years ago in an abandoned gunpowder store in Northern Ireland.
- This fungus manipulates the spiders' behavior, causing them to act strangely, such as moving into open areas to die, which aids the spread of its spores.
- Homeowners globally are reporting unsettling encounters with these “zombie” arachnids, finding them in sheds, cellars, and under decks.
- While reminiscent of fictional fungi that infect humans, this spider fungus cannot infect people, though research into its mechanisms could offer insights into human brain health and degenerative diseases.
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