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JESSICA JONES’ Mind Control Already Exists in Nature

Watch the video above until it’s over. Now subscribe to the rest of Because Science. Did that work? Did you just get Kilgraved like the unfortunate victims in Jessica Jones? Because that kind of thing happens all the time in nature.

In my latest Because Science, we’re tracking down nature’s Kilgraves. They come in all forms—parasites that turn insects into kamikazes, fungi that turn ants into mindless corpses, wasps that use cockroaches as obedient surgery subjects. Mind control in nature is far from rare. For some animals, it is how they survive and thrive. (And that emerald cockroach wasp is pretty stylish.)

But for Kilgrave-style mind control, we have to get more specific. [Mild spoilers incoming for Jessica Jones.] In the Marvel series, Kilgrave emits a virus that is presumably inhaled by those around him, infecting them and making them subject to his whims. Are there examples of viruses that mind control their hosts? Yep. There’s is even one virus that may be controlling us…

Oh, and if you need to Kilgrave-proof yourself, I’ve got some science-based tips for you. The HEPA filter should be easy enough to get, but the crossbow and HAZMAT suit might be more difficult. Important information here on Because Science.

Check out my last video on whether or not you could be sucked through a hole and into space like death butter, subscribe to this playlist to stay current with the show, buy a Because Science shirt (you know why), and follow me on Twitter to give me a suggestion for the next episode!

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