Why a Zombie Apocolyps is highy un-likely

A zombie apocalypse may be an inevitable eventuality if humanity lives long enough for evolution to take its course. In the popular video game, "The Last of Us," the world is devastated by a fungal infection that turns humans into brain-dead pseudo-zombies, driven solely to spread the infection. Surprisingly, this scenario has a scientific basis, and the real fungus responsible could potentially infect humans. This fungus is known as Ophiocordyceps unilateralis or cordyceps, also referred to as the zombie-ant fungus.

Cordyceps is not like other fungi that feed on dead matter; instead, it actively accelerates the death process. It has evolved to target ants and spiders, attaching itself to them and gradually draining them of their life-sustaining fluids and nutrients. What's terrifying is the fungus's intelligence; it knows that leaving its host to die in random locations would be less effective for its spread. To counteract the ants' disposal system, cordyceps takes control of their minds, compelling them to climb to high places where they can be easily found by other ants. This mind control ensures that the fungus can disperse its spores effectively and infect other hosts.

Recent discoveries have shown that cordyceps may not actually control the minds of its hosts. Instead, it infiltrates deep into the host's limbs, leaving the brain largely unaffected. This suggests that the fungus is hijacking the host's body rather than directly controlling its actions. The implications of this are terrifying, as the infected host may be fully aware of what is happening but unable to stop the fungal invasion.

Cordyceps is highly specialized and typically infects specific species of ants or other insects. However, with the world warming due to climate change, these fungi may adapt to new environments and pose a threat to a broader range of hosts. Additionally, the widespread use of antibiotics and the increasing global travel could facilitate the spread of fungal infections among humans. While a fungal infection transmitted from human to human may be unlikely, the rise of real-world fungal infections, like Candida auris, raises concerns. These infections can be difficult to treat due to resistance to drugs and lack of sufficient research funding.

In conclusion, while a true zombie apocalypse caused by a fungal infection is improbable, the rise of real-world fungal infections is a growing concern. The interactions between climate change, human activity, and fungal evolution pose potential risks to human health, and addressing these issues requires increased research and awareness.