The fungus famously uses a specific species of ant to complete its life cycle. The most cited infestor, Ophiocordyceps unilateralis (previsouly Cordyceps unilateralis), has captured public interest almost as much as zombies have. But some species of Cordyceps are indeed body snatchers–they have been making real zombies for millions of years. One of these fungi, Cordyceps subsessilis, has been used to derive immunosuppressive drugs used in organ transplants. A few species of Cordyceps have medicinal value. Not all of these parasites are the evil zombie-makers you might think. Out of the 400 species in the genus, all of these parasites make their homes inside the bodies of others-mostly in insects but some even in other fungi. In The Last of Us, 60 percent of humanity is wiped out by the genus of parasitic fungus Cordyceps. The Last of Us–a new videogame touted as a masterpiece–has the most scientific explanation for zombies yet, because it uses zombies that actually exist. In all the attempts to make the dead live again, science usually takes a back seat to the gore–at least until the latest popular iteration of zombies. Other times it’s a generic “zombie virus” as in The Walking Dead. Sometimes it’s a supernatural cause as in Dawn of the Dead. For how many times zombies have appeared, they rarely have a real scientific reason to. Pop culture is again in the quickly decaying grasp of a shambling horde.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |