Could a dangerous parasite help us fight cancer?

In 10 seconds? Researchers have discovered that dangerous parasite, called Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) could be used to make some tumors more sensitive to treatment.

Toxoplasma? Isn’t that a cat disease? You’re thinking of toxoplasmosis, and yes – it does take its name from this parasite, which is commonly found in cats’ feces. The bad news is that this feline disease can also occur in humans. Toxoplasmosis happens when the parasitic protozoan T. gondii infects a host and triggers an immune response. The good news is that, although T. gondii infections are extremely common worldwide, healthy humans (and cats) do not usually show any symptoms of toxoplasmosis.