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In this epsiode I had the pleasure of talking with Chelsea Wood, an Associate Professor at the University of Washington and a dedicated parasitologist. We talk about her middle-grade book, Power to the Parasites. The book provides a comprehensive, scientifically rigorous look at the oft-misunderstood creatures living in, on, and around us. Wood shares how her academic focus shifted from marine conservation to parasitology after discovering the intricate and vital roles these organisms play in global ecosystems.

The core thesis of Wood’s book challenges the assumption that parasites are merely harmful anomalies; rather, they are ancient, ubiquitous, and integral to the natural order. Key insights from the conversation include the evolutionary logic behind complex, multi-host life cycles, the mechanisms by which parasites like Toxoplasma gondii actively manipulate host behavior, and the surprising reality that human-driven ecosystem changes are driving many parasite species toward extinction rather than proliferation.

Key Topics Discussed:

The true definition of parasitism and the evolutionary logic of the r-selection strategy
Complex, multi-host life cycles (e.g., the Lancet Liver Fluke’s journey from snails to ants to grazing animals)
Behavioral manipulation and "mind control" by parasites like Toxoplasma gondii
The unexpected role of parasites in ecosystem balance and wildlife conservation
The hidden crisis of parasite extinction driven by habitat loss and overfishing
Tracking historical parasite populations by dissecting century-old museum specimens

Find Chelsea Wood:

Book Science:

Website: https://www.trippcollins.com/podcast.html
Show notes & transcripts: https://www.trippcollins.com/show-notes
Check out the Book Science Book Shop on BookShop.org
Instagram: @booksciencepodcast

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