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m.io9.com...
We know that fungi can infect humans. We also know that fungal networks exist in most of the world's forests. These mycorrhizal networks have a symbiotic relationship with trees and other plants in the forest, exchanging nutrients for mutual benefit. These networks can be quite large, and there are studies that demonstrate the potential for chemical signals to be transmitted from one plant to another via the mycorrhizal network. That, in turn, means that fungal filaments could perform both vascular and neural functions within a corpse.
This leads us to the following scenario: microscopic spores are inhaled, ingested, or transmitted via zombie bite. The spores are eventually dispersed throughout the body via the bloodstream. Then they lie dormant. When the host dies, chemical signals (or, more accurately, the absence of chemical signals) within the body that occur upon death trigger the spores to activate, and begin growing. The ensuing fungal network carries nutrients to muscles in the absence of respiration or normal metabolism.
Originally posted by Jay-morris
Zombies seem to be everywhere at the moment. We have
world war z coming out next year, and we also have the
walking dead series. I am reading world war z at the moment,
and i am really enjoying the book because its a unique way of
looking at the zombie apocalypse.
The book has got me thinking. Is it possible that something like
this could happen?
I came across this interesting article
I have quoted some of it below. Its all about fungi. Its quite an
interesting read
m.io9.com...
We know that fungi can infect humans. We also know that fungal networks exist in most of the world's forests. These mycorrhizal networks have a symbiotic relationship with trees and other plants in the forest, exchanging nutrients for mutual benefit. These networks can be quite large, and there are studies that demonstrate the potential for chemical signals to be transmitted from one plant to another via the mycorrhizal network. That, in turn, means that fungal filaments could perform both vascular and neural functions within a corpse.
This leads us to the following scenario: microscopic spores are inhaled, ingested, or transmitted via zombie bite. The spores are eventually dispersed throughout the body via the bloodstream. Then they lie dormant. When the host dies, chemical signals (or, more accurately, the absence of chemical signals) within the body that occur upon death trigger the spores to activate, and begin growing. The ensuing fungal network carries nutrients to muscles in the absence of respiration or normal metabolism.
Im not saying this is science fact. But interesting read non the less
The modus operandi of the Cordyceps fungi is the stuff of nightmares. These parasites grow inside their insect hosts by feeding off the non-vital organs, and manipulate the hosts' behaviour so that they can reproduce. When it is ready to produce spores, the fungus grows into the brain and releases chemicals that make the host climb a plant then attach itself near the top. It then kills its host by devouring its brain, before sprouting a mushroom from the top of its head, which disperses its spores as widely as possible. Cordyceps fungi can decimate entire ant colonies, but some colonies can keep an infestation at bay and survive for long periods of time. A new study now reveals how they do so. It turns out that the zombie-ant fungus is itself parasitized by another fungus, which limits its ability to reproduce and prevents it from overwhelming the colony. This microbial defence system allows the two species to stably co-exist and ensures the long-term survival of the colony despite a high rate of infection. Cordyceps manipulate worker ants to leave their nest and march off to a nearby site where they will eventually meet their fate. These sites are mass graves littered with the bodies of nest-mates that have succumbed to the fungus. They can persist in the same location for years, growing steadily as ants arrive one by one to die.
Originally posted by AguyAndAgirl
If there is some strain of whatever out there that can turn a human into a viscous blood thirsty madman like in 28 days later we are all going to have a tough time... I would rather the walkers like on the walking dead, at least they are slow and clumsy
Originally posted by Meldionne1
Ok..heres a question.......when we die, ...doesn't the coroner fill you body with formaldehyde ??? If that's the case, how can any fungus live and grow in that.........and on a weird note...maybe that is why morticians started to use formaldehyde ...to kill the zombies! they knew something way back then , that we did not!,
Originally posted by OccamsRazor04
There is some science behind this. Whoever said it has happened with humans is wrong. That has never happened. It does happen with ants though.
"Zombie" Ants Found With New Mind-Control Fungi
Originally posted by Jay-morris
Originally posted by OccamsRazor04
There is some science behind this. Whoever said it has happened with humans is wrong. That has never happened. It does happen with ants though.
"Zombie" Ants Found With New Mind-Control Fungi
Yeah we know what happens when a certain fungi infects an ant. A
human being, now, that seems less likely. But what if the fungi
mutated? I guess its possible.
If fungi can do that to an insect, then in theory, i guess a mutated, or
not yet discovered fungi could do the same to a human. But like the
insects, maybe the time to the fungi will be limited. I do find it hard to
believe that the fungi could control a human to a point where the human
feels the need to attack, or eat a human.