Could the fungal pandemic in The Last of Us actually happen?

We put your questions to our fungi experts to find out if the fungal infection from the popular TV series and video game ‘The Last of Us’ could actually result in a worldwide zombie apocalypse.
#thelastofus #tlou #fungi #cordyceps
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Image attributions:
Cordyceps militaris, Image by Robert Luecking CC BY NC SA
Cordyceps militaris, Andreas Kunze CC BY-SA 3.0
Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, Nirajdude CC BY-SA 2.5
Ophiocordyceps dipterigena, Andreas Kay CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Amanita phalloides, Strobilomyces CC BY-SA 3.0
Penicillia on petri dish, Convallaria majalis CC BY-SA 4.0
Tolypocladium inflatum, Richard Tehan CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Isarias inclairii, Mike Dickison (Giantflightlessbirds) CC BY 4.0
Aspergillus terreus, Medmyco at English Wikipedia, CC0
Psilocybe semilanceata, Alan Rockefeller CC BY-SA 4.0
Oyster mushroom, NatureFriend, Pixabay
Laetiporus sulphureus, Lee collins, PD, via Wikimedia Commons
Trametes_versicolor, Jerzy Opioła, CC BY-SA 3.0
Jelly ear, Gemshots, Pixabay
Caloplaca marina, Mollerup CC BY-SA 3.0
Amanita muscaria, Bernard Spragg, PD, via Wikimedia Commons
Kew Shop, Image by Ines Stuart-Davidson, RBG Kew
Watering at Kew, Image by Steve Lancefield RBG Kew
Davies Alpine House in Winter, Image by Ines Stuart-Davidson RBG Kew
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Meet our experts
0:23 Is the fungus in The Last of Us Real?
0:51 How many species of Cordyceps are there?
1:36 Do you have any Cordyceps at Kew?
2:07 How do Cordyceps spread in real-life?
3:52 Is it true that with a temperature rise, it could affect people?
4:52 Should 'fungi' be pronounced "fun-gee" or "fun-guy"?
5:06 Could The Last of Us really happen?
6:46 How would the 'host' feel the infection?
7:37 What's the most dangerous fungus?
8:06 How does the real fungus not wipe out its hosts?
9:01 What is understood about medicinal products from fungi?
10:33 What's the most common fungus in the UK?
10:58 What's your favourite fungus?
11:35 If there was a Last of Us style apocalypse, what would you do?

[@kewgardens]

We'd love to hear if you have any more questions for our experts. Feel free to leave them below 👇

I find the real life Cordyceps so much more terrifying. Since they spread with spores in the wind, you can't hide and you can't see the "enemy", you might be infected already. And as she said, there's no escape. That to me, is a whole another level of horror, way beyond the classic zombie biting.

[@jigme800]

What an absolute pleasure to watch such an interview! Both are knowledgeable and with a sense of humour. Just loved it! 😊

[@olive5890]

More fungus videos please! Excellent video and great pairing of knowledge

[@birhanugizaw3068]

great to hear such vidio on insectivorous fungi , there are also many other in tropical area

[@samclarkelccm629]

"I remember your favourite was the fly agaric" "Yeah well I think on that day it was" *smirks* Ahaha I bet..! Great video

[@AndrewParry-ki4um]

That's all very well, but what about Triffids? Cool video though and great presenters.

[@Dynax85]

Oh Hi Lee, I know you!