Fans of the video game turned popular TV series 鈥淭he Last of Us鈥 may want to sit down for this.
That terrifying fungus that takes over the world in the show is real. It鈥檚 called Cordyceps (), but lucky for us it only affects insects.
While thankfully, that particular fungus does not affect humans, it does however beg the question 鈥 could any of the naturally occurring apocalyptic scenarios popularized by shows like 鈥淭he Last of Us鈥 or movies like 鈥淛urassic Park鈥 and 鈥淐ontagion鈥 actually happen?
National Geographic sought out scientific experts like Kent State鈥檚 Tara C. Smith, Ph.D., professor, College of Public Health, for answers. Epidemiologists like Smith are sometimes hired to provide input into the accuracy of certain scientific aspects in films.
Smith told National Geographic that she applauded the way Season 1 of 鈥淭he Last of Us鈥 connected environmental modification to emerging transmittable illness breakouts, something she actually spoke about in a 2015 public health class. She shared her perspective on fact vs. fiction as portrayed in the pandemic outbreak film 鈥淐ontagion.鈥
鈥淭he pandemic went a little faster than you would anticipate in reality 鈥 absolutely no to practically all around the world in simply a couple of days,鈥 Smith told National Geographic. 鈥淰accine advancement was likewise extremely quick. It was more sensible as far as contagious illness motion pictures go.鈥
No need to panic however, the scientists interviewed for the piece agreed that, in general, sci-fi films may get the basic scientific facts correct, but those facts are then greatly exaggerated for entertainment鈥檚 sake.
The scientists interviewed also said they appreciated that the excitement of these scientific anomalies as portrayed in suspenseful films could also encourage movie-goers to perhaps visit a science center or nature museum and continue learning about the subject.
For now at least, it appears there鈥檚 no need to prepare for the zombie apocalypse.
The truth is out there 鈥 Just ask Tara Smith.
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