Season 2 of HBO’s The Last of Us has gripped viewers once again.
In it, a fungus turns humans into zombie-like creatures. But could such a horrifying scenario ever unfold in real life? The answer may be closer than you think.
Ants under mind control
While the show is fiction, nature already contains a chilling parallel.
A parasitic fungus called Ophiocordyceps unilateralis infects ants in tropical regions. Once inside the ant’s body, the fungus takes over its behavior.
The infected ant climbs vegetation and clamps onto a leaf or branch. There, the fungus grows out of the ant’s head and releases spores to infect others.
This bizarre process has earned the nickname “zombie ant fungus”. It’s real, it’s terrifying — but it only targets insects.
Humans aren’t invincible
Human brains have a powerful defense: the blood-brain barrier. This layer blocks harmful invaders, including many fungi.
Yet some fungal species have found ways to bypass this shield. One of them is Cryptococcus, which can hide inside immune cells.
Once it enters the brain, it can cause deadly meningitis. People with weakened immune systems are most at risk, but healthy individuals aren’t entirely safe.
Recent studies suggest fungi might even contribute to diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Although unconfirmed, the idea alone has researchers on high alert.
Global warming changes the rules
Fungi usually thrive at cooler temperatures — between 25 and 30°C. Human body temperature, at 37°C, makes it harder for most fungi to survive.
But climate change is shifting this balance. As global temperatures rise, fungi are evolving to withstand more heat.
This means more species could adapt to human body conditions. And the possibility of a contagious fungal outbreak grows as they do.
Still, our immune system is far from defenseless. Specialized cells in our brains and blood fight off many fungal invaders before they can cause harm.
So, could a real-life “The Last of Us” scenario happen tomorrow? Unlikely — but scientists warn that the natural world is full of surprises. And it’s always evolving.
This article is based on information from Illustreret Videnskab.