Can the last of us happen in real life?

The hit series is science fiction, but could a pandemic caused by fungi happen in real life? Not in the way “The Last of Us” portrays it, with a fungus that currently infects only insects mutating into a threat for humans when it learns to survive in higher temperatures, experts say.

Would the last of us happen in real life?

There are some species that can cause disease in humans, not the Cordyceps, but there are others.” Most of the science community is saying that a Cordyceps-related apocalypse is extremely unlikely for a multitude of reasons. Shapiro told the Mike Farwell Show why she doesn't see it happening.

Can humans be infected by Cordyceps?

Although cordyceps does not infect humans, it does infect many insects. While experts say humans will not turn into zombies from the fungus, the World Health Organization says fungal threat to human health is growing.

Is The Last of Us Scientifically accurate?

Although “The Last of Us” may be more fiction than fact, Roberts says there's a sentiment of gratitude among infectious disease specialists for the rise in awareness of fungal infections. “The show might not be realistic, but pathogens like Candida auris are likely going to get more press now,” he says.

Is a fungal pandemic possible?

There has not been a pandemic in humans caused by a fungal infection and experts told Forbes the prospect was unlikely.

Could The Last Of Us Happen IRL? Surgeon Reacts To Cordyceps Infection & Zombie Fungus

What caused The Last of Us virus?

The fungus from The Last of Us is based on a real fungus that exists in nature today and is called Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, or cordyceps. Cordyceps is often referred to as the “zombie-ant fungus” because it primarily infects ants and other insects such as spiders.

How close are humans to fungi?

Stamets explains that humans share nearly 50 percent of their DNA with fungi, and we contract many of the same viruses as fungi.

What is the zombie virus in The Last of Us in real life?

The characters in the show reference Cordyceps, also known as Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, a real fungal parasite that's been called the “Zombie-Ant Fungus” because it infects insects and spiders.

Are the infected still conscious in The Last of Us?

What's not talked about as much in The Last of Us is the fact that these infected Runners are still fully conscious people — they still feel all the pain inflicted to them and the pain of the fungus growing inside them; living in constant misery until the fungus fully takes over.

How far into the apocalypse is The Last of Us?

The original The Last of Us game takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where society crumbled after a pandemic turned people into vicious zombie-like creatures. In the game's chronology, the pandemics erupt in 2013, with the main events of The Last of Us happening twenty years later, in 2023.

Who should avoid Cordyceps?

Cordyceps is generally safe, but it may cause upset stomach, nausea, and dry mouth in some people. Risks. Don't take Cordyceps if you have cancer, diabetes, or a bleeding disorder. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children should avoid Cordyceps.

How is Ellie immune?

Ellie's Immunity Comes From Cordyceps Already In Her System

Whenever Cordyceps has entered Ellie's system - such as the bites shown in The Last of Us episodes 2 and 7 - the Cordyceps already in her system make the new fungi entering her body think she is already infected, rendering her immune from its effects.

Does Cordyceps infect the brain?

No. Because they are so specialized, individual species of Ophiocordyceps fungi only infect a limited range of insects and do not infect humans at all. (In fact, Cordyceps supplements are sold as a health food, despite a lack of scientific evidence for their supposed health benefits.)

Is there no cure for cordyceps?

“There are no treatments for this,” he says. “No preventatives, no cures.”

Could the plot of The Last of Us happen?

A widespread fungal pandemic is unlikely, based on how fungal infections tend to spread in humans, according to Dimitrios Kontoyiannis, deputy head in the division of internal medicine at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and the leader of its Medical Mycology Research Center.

What parasite is in The Last of Us real life?

Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, otherwise known as cordyceps or zombie-ant fungus, infects insects such as ants or spiders. Like other parasites, cordyceps drains its host completely of nutrients before filling its body with spores that will let the fungus reproduce.

How long does it take to become a Bloater?

Bloaters have been infected for an extremely long time, as it takes about 10 to 15 years to become a bloater. At this stage in the infection, the host is completely covered in fungal armor plating, still uses a form of echolocation to find its pray, and is capable of throwing bombs of spores at their opponents.

Are runners still human in The Last of Us?

Since the eyes are first targeted by the fungus, runners have poor eyesight, but maintain most of their human characteristics. For example, their moans are still human, just like their overall appearance. They are notably fast and agile. Runners stand in a hunched position when motionless, unlike normal survivors.

Is There A Cure For The Last of Us?

In short: no, no cure is developed in The Last Of Us Part (and Season) 2 for the cordyceps infection that changed the world.

What is the closest virus to zombie?

As already emphasized, conventional Zombies, as depicted in comics and movies (23), share some similar behaviours with patients infected by Rabies virus. Both undergo a variable degree of consciousness deterioration, which tends to be almost identical in the last stages of rabies disease.

Are zombies coming in 2024?

Treyarch's Two Studios Are Both Working On Zombies for 2024 Game.

Do zombie viruses exist?

Researchers recently unfroze the dormant amoeba virus that had turned into a Zombie virus after being trapped for 48,500 years. As per studies, ancient frozen viruses that come to life after being dormant for years can threaten public health.

What has the closest DNA to humans?

Chimpanzee: 96 percent identical

By studying the genomes of chimps (which after bonobos are our closest living ancestors), researchers are hoping to understand what makes us uniquely human.

How much DNA do humans share with lettuce?

More startling is an even newer discovery: we share 99% of our DNA with lettuce.

How close is human DNA to bananas?

We do in fact share about 50% of our genes with plants – including bananas.” “Bananas have 44.1% of genetic makeup in common with humans.”