Why a Zombie Apocalypse Will Happen

Inevitably, a zombie apocalypse could occur in the future if human civilization persists long enough for evolutionary processes to take their course. In the popular game The Last of Us, a devastating fungal infection wreaks havoc on the world, turning humans into zombie-like creatures driven solely by the goal of spreading the infection. The terrifying aspect is that this fictional scenario has real scientific foundations, and an actual fungus could potentially infect humans, with Gwyneth Paltrow ironically being linked to the end of the world.

The specific fungus in question is Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, commonly known as cordyceps or zombie-ant fungus. Unlike other fungi that primarily consume decaying matter, cordyceps has evolved a more sinister approach. It targets ants and spiders, attaching to them and slowly draining their vital fluids and nutrients. What makes this fungus truly horrifying is its intelligence. Ants, being relatively clean creatures, dispose of their dead in designated areas within their nests, which are rich in other fungi and bacteria that combat harmful organisms. Some ant colonies can even detect individuals infected with various pathogens and remove them far away from the colony to prevent further infections.

However, cordyceps has outsmarted the ants. It realizes that it is unlikely to infect many ants if it kills them outright and leaves their bodies to decompose in the nest. This fungus has developed the ability to take control of its host's mind, compelling the infected ant to climb to a high location near other ants, such as a tree trunk, and wait there. Furthermore, the fungus manipulates the host to seek out a humid environment, ideal for its own growth. Once it has drained the ant of nutrients, the fungus bursts out of the ant's body, releasing infectious spores that rain down on unsuspecting insects below.

Recent scientific discoveries have uncovered a chilling revelation: cordyceps may not actually control the minds of its hosts. While researchers initially expected the fungus to penetrate deep into the ant's brain for mind control, they found minimal presence within the brain. Instead, the fungus infiltrates the ant's limbs extensively. This implies that rather than controlling the ant's mind, the fungus hijacks its body, leaving the ant fully aware as the fungus spreads throughout its tissues, unable to resist its commands. This suggests that the zombies portrayed in The Last of Us may not be mindless creatures, but conscious beings aware of their actions as they attack and bite others.

While cordyceps cannot currently infect humans due to several factors, including our higher body temperature and specialized immune system, evolution is a powerful force that can lead to unexpected outcomes. The world is warming due to human-induced climate change, and as temperatures rise, organisms must adapt or face extinction. This includes diseases and parasites that were once limited to specific regions but are now expanding their ranges. Mosquitoes, for instance, are spreading diseases like malaria and dengue fever to new areas. Similarly, fungal infections are also on the rise, aided by factors such as the widespread use of antibiotics and the destruction of natural habitats as cities encroach upon wilderness areas.

One example of a real fungal threat is Candida auris, a fungus that thrives in warm temperatures and causes severe bloodstream infections in humans. This aggressive fungus can spread easily between individuals, leading to widespread outbreaks. Unfortunately, C. auris is resistant to many drugs, and treatment options are limited. The funding for research on fungal infections is also insufficient, leaving medical professionals with few tools to combat these emerging threats.

While the chances of fungal infections spreading directly from human to human are relatively low, as seen in the need for cordyceps to explode from its host to release spores, the failure to contain the spread of real fungal infections like C. auris raises concerns. Fungal infections pose unique challenges for treatment because the same drugs that can kill the fungi may also harm healthy human cells. Pharmaceutical companies have little financial incentive to invest in treatments for such limited markets. Moreover, fungi are genetically closer to humans than viruses or bacteria, making it difficult to target them without damaging our own cells.

In conclusion, while the current likelihood of a zombie-like fungal apocalypse is low, the evolution of pathogens and the impact of climate change pose potential risks. The interconnected nature of our world, the spread of diseases to new areas, and the rise of drug-resistant infections underscore the importance of continued research and vigilance in combating emerging fungal threats.