Heather Secrest Poet Prose

Fire Ant Mind Control

Everyone says the government will be the first to develop mind control, (or that they already have) but it seems as if a species of fire ant (Solenopsis geminate) has beaten them to it. Entomologist Anastasia McKay noticed that animals tended to avoid Solenopsis geminate nests; this made her wonder, what causes the animals to stay away? After studying the chemical releases of the ants she found that they continuously release small amounts of epinephrine and norepinephrine; the chemicals that create a fight or flight response often known as fear in most animals’ brains, including ours. When the animal’s brain registers the chemicals they will veer away from their path, causing them to completely avoid the fire ants’ nest. “This form of natural protection is ingenious and unheard of.” McKay says. So, the next time you feel an unnatural fear you know that either the government has finally developed mind control, or you have come across a Solenopsis geminate nest.

7/7/13

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Line Gauthier May 13, 2020 at 1:26 PM Fun piece of prose, Heather.

Karl Marszalowicz September 21, 2015 at 6:22 AM this is not a style I often come across but I do like it for the "punch through science" and everything except for the phrase (So the next time) just say IF, otherwise Fire Ant Mind Control should get more praise than this does. Heather Secrest September 22, 2015 at 5:09 AM Thank you for the praise! I wrote it for a contest and the goal was to make it sound as real as possible, while being totally false, so the if would have given me away, but I see where you are going with it, and if I go this way again I'll keep it in mind.

Michael Miers June 3, 2015 at 12:17 PM trippy off-beat cool.

Debbie Guzzi July 8, 2013 at 6:37 AM crazy has totally lost its meaning LOL if you are functional you are not crazy, crazy is psychotic NOT neurotic/fanciful is what we are. Light & Love

Heather Secrest July 7, 2013 at 6:41 PM let me note, this is a MADE UP fact. Let me repeat FAKE FACT!!!! I did the reaserch for the chemical names, and the scientific name of the ant. Other than that EVERYTHING is made up....even the scientist.