Imperial College is on a roll today, with the second press release appearing within seconds of the news reported in my earlier posting.
Now, IC scientists reckon they have found new evidence of link between cat faeces and schizophrenia. Sounds bizarre, but apparently invasion or replication of the parasite Toxoplasma gondii in rats can be inhibited by using the anti-psychotic or mood-stabilising drugs commonly prescribed for schizophrenia. T gondii is found in infected cat faeces and can be present in undercooked meat.
Joanne Webster and her colleagues reckon the activity of these drugs against the parasite suggests a role for it in causing mental problems in some patients.
At a time when the UK government is soon to back peddle on its lowering of the cannabis classification in law because of suspicions prolonged use can cause mental health problems, this finding could provide just the evidence the pro-pot lobby is after. Bird lovers too are provided with new evidence for an attack on their nemesis – the cat.