The Fungus from The Last of Us Could Help Fight Cancer

The Last of Us, HBO’s videogame-inspired zombie TV epic, opened to rave reviews last month. This drama, led by Game of Thrones stars Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, shows a post-apocalyptic world that has been ravaged by the corydceps fungus after the fungus adapts for survival in the human body. Scarily enough, the fungus from The Last of Us is very, very real, and it’s turned many more casual eyes to the world of mycology. Should people give the cordyceps fungus the horror treatment, though?

Cordyceps’ claim to fame isn’t off base; some species of the fungus are known to infect insects and basically, turn them into zombies. Interest in the series has raised questions of whether a cordyceps-fueled pandemic can actually threaten humanity. Experts in the field of mycology say it is highly improbable and would require major genetic changes, which would probably develop over the course of millions of years.

Although the fungus may be terrifying for invertebrates, outside of The Last of Us’s lore, cordyceps is actually quite useful for humans. It is a widely used ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine, and recent research shows it may even have anti-cancerous properties. So as media consumers clamor for cordyceps content, how is the science community approaching research around the zombie fungus? Leslie Samuel, founder of Interactive Biology, a Master’s in Neurobiology holder, and an experienced science educator, breaks down some of the most recent research surrounding the fungus from The Last of Us.

Leslie’s Thoughts:

“In the field of mycology, which is the study of fungi, there’s been a lot of interest in the cordyceps fungus. That’s the same type of fungus that the show, The Last of Us, is based on. We know that certain species of that fungus can infect ants, turning them into zombies, and when they get infected, those ants will climb up a tree and bite into it, basically committing suicide as the fungus takes over their bodies and [causes] them to release more spores so that they can infect more ants. And the cycle continues like in The Last of Us, but with ants.

But there are also studies that show that certain species of the cordyceps fungus have potential anti-cancer effects. They’ve demonstrated that certain extracts from some species of the cordyceps fungus seems to inhibit the growth of liver cancer. And other studies suggest that there are specific substances in some species that inhibit the inflammatory response in certain immune system cells in mice. Now, there’s still a lot more research that needs to be done to confirm that these effects can actually help in therapies in the future. But this entire field of mycology is fascinating, with these fungi having both harmful and potentially life-saving properties.”

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

rankings
Krow Knows: How Fair Are the College Football Playoff Rankings?
November 22, 2024

The college football playoff rankings generate intense debate as the sport undergoes significant shifts due to conference realignments, NIL deals, and transfer portal dynamics. The dominance of the SEC and Big Ten raises questions about fairness, while committee inconsistencies frustrate fans and analysts. For instance, four of the top five ranked teams hail from…

Read More
OEM in the AV Industry
The Role of OEM in the AV Industry: Shaping Innovation, Quality, and Market Competition
November 22, 2024

As technology reshapes the AV industry, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are emerging as critical partners for businesses seeking tailored solutions. Whether it’s bespoke LED displays or high-end audio systems, OEM in the AV industry is redefining how companies innovate, differentiate, and meet market demands. This raises a crucial question for professionals navigating this space—how…

Read More
Staying Competitive in a Changing Parcel Landscape
Staying Competitive in a Changing Parcel Landscape
November 20, 2024

In the latest episode of On Time in Full, host Gabrielle Bejarano welcomes Satyen Pathak, a Senior Account Executive at Designed Conveyor Systems (DCS), to discuss trends shaping the parcel market and strategies for companies to remain competitive. With over 20 years of industry experience, Pathak shares his insights into the evolving needs within supply…

Read More
blue collar
Building Efficient and Engaged Blue-Collar Workforces Begins with Leadership Rooted in Personal Development
November 20, 2024

According to a study by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute, over 2.1 million manufacturing jobs could remain unfilled by 2030 due to a lack of skilled talent. This workforce shortage reveals a critical gap in leadership within blue-collar industries. Without strong leadership to develop teams and foster growth, businesses face inefficiencies, low morale, and…

Read More