Ideas worth spreading

Zombie roaches and other parasite tales

1,958,351 views | Ed Yong • TED2014

In this fascinating, hilarious and ever-so-slightly creepy talk, science writer Ed Yong tells the story of his favorite parasites -- animals and organisms that live on the bodies (and brains!) of other organisms, causing them to do their bidding. Do humans have them too? Maybe ...

In this fascinating, hilarious and ever-so-slightly creepy talk, science writer Ed Yong tells the story of his favorite parasites -- animals and organisms that live on the bodies (and brains!) of other organisms, causing them to do their bidding. Do humans have them too? Maybe ...

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

About the speaker

See speaker profile

Ed Yong blogs with a mission: to ignite excitement for science in everyone, regardless of their education or background.

Carl Zimmer | Atria Paperback, 2014 | Book

Parasite Rex

The best book on the disturbing, fascinating, grisly habits of parasites, including those that manipulate their hosts.

| Explore

Parasite of the Day

Tommy Leung's blog provides a daily dose of parasitic goodness for those who like to start their day off in the most revolting way possible.

Learn more

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.