Could the last of us actually happen?

A fungus that takes over the brain of some insects mutates due to climate change, allowing it to survive in warmer conditions and ultimately spread to humans, turning them into "zombies." Some experts say the possibility of a future fungal pandemic can't be ruled out, but they note that is quite unlikely.

Could something like The Last of Us actually happen?

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.

Is The Last of Us virus realistic?

Yes.

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.

Is it possible for Cordyceps to infect humans?

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.

How scientifically accurate is The Last of Us?

The Biological Accuracy of The Last of Us

The Last of Us (TLOU) features the most accurate fictional depiction of an infection in the post-apocalyptic survival genre. In fact, it's so real that we see a version of it in the world today.

Could the Zombie Apocalypse From ‘The Last Of Us’ Actually Happen?

Are the infected still conscious in The Last of Us?

The Last of Us TV's early infected could be completely aware of what their bodies are doing but be unable to stop it, not unlike in the movie Get Out. The game confirms that the fungus grows over the brain, but whether it infiltrates it or not isn't specified.

What is the scariest infected in The Last of Us?

Rat King. Arguably the scariest and most dangerous type of infected, Rat Kings are a combination of Stalkers, Clickers, and Bloaters. Rat Kings reportedly take 25 years to develop and are the strongest type. Like Shamblers, Rat Kings didn't appear in the OG game, instead debuting in The Last of Us Part II.

What happens if a human eats Cordyceps?

Cordyceps does not typically infect other hosts through the mouth, for example, and the infected aren't connected to one another through a network. And, perhaps the most important: The fungus cannot infect humans.

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.

What caused the last of us virus?

The infection in the games is partially based on a Planet Earth episode that shows an ant becoming infected by Ophiocordyceps unilateralis and eventually dying. In The Last Of Us, the real-life Cordyceps infection has mutated, explaining why it can infect humans.

How did Ellie not get infected?

Ellie's immunity was a complete accident that occurred during her birth. Fans of the game had long theorized the cause of her immunity, but HBO's The Last of Us provided much-needed confirmation. Ellie's mother, Anna, had an encounter with an Infected while in labor.

Is anyone else immune in The Last of Us?

So far, there are no other immune survivors in the world of The Last of Us. Joel may have run away with humanity's only shot at a vaccine. Whether he was right or wrong to do so, well… That is up for the viewers to decide.

Who is immune in The Last of Us?

The Last of Us has finally revealed a scientific explanation behind Ellie's immunity, and why she was the only one capable of surviving a Cordyceps bite.

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.

How many years into the apocalypse is The Last of Us?

In the suburbs of Austin, Texas, Joel (Troy Baker) flees the chaos with his brother, Tommy (Jeffrey Pierce), and daughter, Sarah (Hana Hayes). As they flee, Sarah is shot by a soldier and dies in Joel's arms. Twenty years later, civilization has been decimated by the infection.

Is there a cure for Cordyceps?

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

Are Cordyceps illegal?

Cordyceps: Is It Legal or Illegal

This is the reason, all anti-doping authorities are having a tough time resolving this issue. As Cordyceps alone has been approved as herbal medicine, its cultivation and harvesting are legal but its trade is yet to be legalized in many parts of the world.

How does Cordyceps make you feel?

A stronger immune system, more energy, improved endurance, and better stamina … one ingredient promises all of that. Whether it's as an extract, a pill, or powdered into your coffee, the cordyceps fungus is promoted as a one-stop-shop to cure what ails you.

Does Cordyceps affect the brain?

Cordyceps have a neuroprotective function, helping to prevent damage and protect the brain. The benefit of Cordyceps to brain health can help to minimise the impact of ageing and so reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline, including the onset of conditions such as Dementia & Alzheimer's disease.

How do you get infected in the last of us?

Infection can be spread through biting a victim. The infection also spreads directly through contact with an Infected or via their corpse - that is, the infectious spores created by the Cordyceps and released from the host's body upon death. Spore development is the last stage in the life cycle of the Infected.

Is Cordyceps a mushroom or worm?

In the old days, Chinese people thought that the caterpillar fungus (Dong chong xiz cao) were worms. However, after years of study, it was found that it really is a fruiting body produced by the fungus, Cordyceps sinesis, on dead caterpillars of the moth Hepilus fabricius.

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.

What happens if you breathe in spores The Last of Us?

If you get hit by the spores, or inhale them enough Joel dies. He falls to to the floor, kinda like he fainted. It is not acidic,it's TOXIC.

Can infected see your flashlight in The Last of Us?

Infected cannot see your flashlight, so it is okay to use it - especially in areas that are super dark. WLF and Seraphites can see your flashlight though, so it is good to turn it off (if you can) around people to avoid being detected.