Simple Math may Solve Longstanding Problem of Parasite Energetics

July 2, 2013
Hymenolepsis diminuta, more commonly known as the rat tapeworm. Credit: Todd Huspeni
Hymenolepsis diminuta, more commonly known as the rat tapeworm. Credit: Todd Huspeni

Feeling faint from the flu? Is your cold causing you to collapse? Your infection is the most likely cause, and, according to a new study by UC Santa Barbara research scientist Ryan Hechinger, it may be possible to know just how much energy your bugs are taking from you. His findings are published in a recent issue of The American Naturalist.