The Chilling Reality Behind 'The Last of Us' Fungi

With the highly anticipated Season 2 of HBO's 'The Last of Us' set to premiere on April 13, fans are once again grappling with the terrifying premise of a fungal pandemic that morphs humans into zombies. But just how grounded is this nightmarish storyline in reality?

The Science of Cordyceps and its Human Connection

In the series, the story pivots around cordyceps, a genuine fungus that infects insects, evolving into a dangerous pathogen for humans, all thanks to climate change. The real-life version, known as the ‘zombie-ant fungus’ or Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, actually manipulates carpenter ants into a trance, leading them to their demise.

Dr. Jim Kronstad, a microbiologist at the University of British Columbia, debunks the myth: cordyceps cannot adapt from insects to humans due to our body temperature and immune systems, both of which make it nearly impossible for these fungi to survive within us.

Fungal Evolution and Airborne Infection

In Season 1 of the hit show, the cordyceps zombies utilize tentacles to spread the infection. However, Season 2 promises a new twist, revealing the fungi evolving to spread through airborne spores. 'This aligns more closely with how humans actually contract fungal infections,' says Kronstad.

Climate Change: A Rising Threat

The show's narrative kicks off in 1968 with an epidemiologist speculating that climate change could unleash a fungal outbreak leading to a zombie apocalypse. Today, scientists echo these concerns, noting that a warming climate may heighten the risk of fungal infections in humans.

As global temperatures soar, certain fungi could adapt to more hospitable conditions, intensifying their potential to infect humans. A real-world example is Valley fever, caused by the Coccidioides fungus, which flourishes in the hot, arid regions of the southwestern United States. Experts warn that disturbances in soil can release spores into the air, leading to respiratory infections that can escalate into severe illness.

The Increase of Valley Fever Infections

Just last year, California witnessed a surge in valley fever cases. While traditionally concentrated in the Central Valley, warming temperatures are pushing the fungus northward, now affecting places like Sacramento. Scientists attribute this alarming trend directly to changes in climate.

Fungi: Threats to Health and Agriculture!

Fungi pose dangers not just to human health but also to our food supply. Plant-pathogenic fungi, which can damage crops, may begin infiltrating new areas due to shifting climates, potentially jeopardizing global food security.

Dr. Kronstad stresses, 'Fungi are among the leading causes of crop loss, and climate change could exacerbate these issues as they expand into regions where they were previously non-threatening.'

The Dual Nature of Fungi

Despite their frightening depiction in popular culture, fungi play crucial roles in our ecosystems. They aid in decomposing organic material and serve as essential carbon sinks.

Kronstad highlights their importance: 'Fungi have had incredible benefits for humanity.' They are integral to pharmaceuticals, food production, and ecosystem nutrient recycling.

Is a Zombie Apocalypse Coming?

While the notion of a zombie apocalypse, as illustrated in 'The Last of Us,' remains firmly in the realm of fiction, the genuine concern about how climate change might bolster the resilience and adaptability of some fungi remains a critical issue for scientists. They are closely observing the implications of rising temperatures on fungal behavior and its potential impacts on human health and agriculture.

Don't Miss Out!

Catch the return of 'The Last of Us' for its second season on Sunday, April 13, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and Max, plunging back into a world ravaged by atrocious fungal infections.