The fungus zombies in The Last of Us are fictional, but real fungi can infect people, and they're becoming more resistantThere is a grain of truth in their yarn. Cordyceps infects mostly insects, taking control of their actions and causing them to help the fungus complete its reproductive cycle - finally sprouting through the body of the insect. Don't click the link unless you have a strong stomach.
Published: February 24, 2023 8.32am AEDT
Gerry Wright
Professor of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University
Many of the people watching The Last of Us are likely there for the zombies.
I love the zombies too, but I'm really there for the fungus.
I've been studying fungi since my PhD work in the 1980s, and I grow more fascinated by these amazing organisms with every passing year.
In the HBO series and the video game that inspired it, a parasitic fungus — a fictitious mutation of the very real cordyceps — jumps from insects to humans and quickly spreads around the world, rendering its victims helpless to control their thoughts and actions. Far-fetched fungal fear-mongering? It's definitely fictional, but maybe not as preposterous as it might seem.
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Read more: https://theconversation.com/the-fungus-zombies-in-the-last-of-us-are-fictional-but-real-fungi-can-infect-people-and-theyre-becoming-more-resistant-200224
Red alert issued as Mallorca hit by 20 inches of snow as Storm Juliette reaches Balearic Islands
The holiday island of Mallorca has been hit by a winter storm that brought with it 20 inches of snow and a rare red weather alert.
A further 15 inches of snow is expected to fall in the next 24 hours as Storm Juliette hit the island.
Spain's weather agency AEMET warned that coastal regions will be battered by 55mph winds and 26ft waves. A red alert has been issued with warnings of 15 more inches of snow on the island's north within 24 hours.
Temperatuers have plummeted to -2C.
The storm has caused power cuts and road closures due to icy conditions and floods.
Locals are being advised to stay indoors until conditions improve.
Mainland Spain has also been affected by the storm with cold weather alerts issued in 30 regions across the county and heavy snow in Barcelona.
Temperatures dropped to -18.6C in Lleida in Catalonia yesterday.
Comment: View video: Arizona desert covered in snow as winter storm brings plummeting temperatures