This research reveals how a parasitic fungus takes control of carpenter ants by creating complex networks throughout the ant’s body, but surprisingly not in the brain. Using advanced microscopy and artificial intelligence, scientists discovered that the fungus forms interconnected cellular networks that surround the ant’s muscles, potentially allowing the fungus to coordinate its attack and share resources. This finding changes our understanding of how parasites can control host behavior. Impacts on everyday life: • Provides new insights into how parasites can control host behavior, which could help develop treatments for parasitic infections • Demonstrates novel applications of artificial intelligence in biological research • Advances our understanding of how organisms can work collectively to achieve complex tasks • Could lead to new strategies for pest control in agriculture • Helps explain natural phenomena that people might observe in their environment, such as infected ants attached to vegetation