Fungus that causes world apocalypse in The Last of US generates strange behavior in ants – but never affected humans
Adaptation of the homonymous game of Naughty Dog, The Last of Us It portrays the consequences of a zombie apocalypse – a common history in pop culture productions. However, the infection does not happen because of a virus or with the dead that relive and leave their pits. In the game and in the series of HBOthe fungus Cordyceps It is responsible for the emergence of creatures.
As scary as it may seem, the fungus is not a fictional creation and exists in nature. As pointed out by the biology teacher VANESSA DOS SANTOSon the website Brazil schoolthe main victims are insects – and ants have the most notable cases of infection.
The behavior of an infected ant resembles that of a zombie, which may have served inspiration to Bruce Straley and Neil Druckmanncreators of the acclaimed game, considered by Rolling Stone as the fifth largest game of all time. In addition to tremors, the insect is disoriented and moves differently from the usual. Muscle structures are consumed to maintain the Cordyceps alive.
The fungus infects arthropods to complete its reproductive cycle. Since the sexual phase of the cycle is complete, its host dies. After death, there is the release of spores for the infection of other organisms. In the game, the same happens with humans. In the final stages of the life of an inn, the human is taken to a dark corner, where he is until he dies and release spores, as pointed out by the Scientific American.
Despite the macabre aspect of the infection, the Cordyceps It can bring benefits to humans. In the form of tea or soup, it can help in cases of low immunity and anemia.
I was never afraid before you appeared #Thelastofus
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– Max Brasil (@streammaxbr) April 11, 2025
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Source: Rollingstone
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