Algernon

A semi-communicable physiological reaction in the human brain that leads to unusual behavior and ultimately death. Afflicted individuals give rise to a mysterious substance similar to a fruit or seed upon death.

It is postulated that Algernon occurs when humans are confronted with obstacles they believe to be insurmountable, as the substance given off by the afflicted can be consumed by a Somnium to gain power to face such a threat.

Algernon infections (if Algernon is indeed an infection) began to crescendo after Second Impact, reaching their all-time peak during the Gryps Conflict and First Neo Zeon Conflict; they started to fall afterward, and eventually became vanishingly uncommon after the Axis Shock.