The Science Behind Zombie Ants!

This picture shows Dr. William C. Beckerson and an Ophiocordyceps-infected zombie ant. The infected carpenter ant can be seen displaying the famous “death grip” behavioral manipulation that ensures the host is firmly attached to an elevated location for the fungus to emerge and spread new spores on the wind.

Dr. William

Beckerson postdoctoral research fellow at Utrecht University in the Netherlands seeking to understand the biomolecules involved in behavioral manipulation of zombie ants. His research utilizes model organisms to express fungal proteins and secondary metabolites and study their effect on the nervous system and animal behavior.