Why a zombie-inducing fungal apocalypse is unlikely—but not impossible
In short: The 'zombie' fungus in The Last of Us is based on Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, a real organism that hijacks ant behavior. While the jump to humans is scientifically unlikely today, experts warn that shifting climates could change the rules of fungal evolution and immunity.
The premise of The Last of Us centers on Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, a fungus that manipulates the behavior of its prey. In nature, this 'zombie-ant fungus' forces infected ants to climb to higher ground where their corpses can better disperse spores. While the show portrays a catastrophic human pandemic, the reality of fungal pathology is more nuanced. Most human-infecting fungi cannot overcome a healthy human immune system, and they rarely spread from person to person, typically being acquired from the environment through inhalation.
The primary barrier for fungi targeting humans is our internal body temperature. This serves as a natural defense against most fungal species. However, the scenario becomes more complex when considering environmental shifts. Some fungal species are already expanding their geographic range due to climate change. While there is currently no evidence that fungi are evolving to withstand higher temperatures, the core concern for mycologists is the potential for adaptation in a warming world.
While the show is fiction, the underlying science of fungal pathogenicity is a serious field of study. Fungi are not just pizza toppings; they are formidable pathogens for plants, insects, and amphibians. The transition from a 'harmless' organism to a significant threat often depends on environmental factors and the ability of the fungus to overcome specific biological barriers. For now, a rapid, contagious human 'zombie' outbreak remains a fantasy, but the study of fungal evolution remains a vital area of proactive research.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Could the fungal pandemic in The Last of Us actually happen?
- Also: The Last of Us: could it really happen?
- Also: Could a fungal pandemic be “The Last of Us?” with Arturo Casadevall
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