Short Wave The zombies living in our midst
Oct 25, 2021
Science writer Ed Yong from The Atlantic dives into the eerie world of real-life zombies in the animal kingdom. He discusses how parasitic fungi take control of cicadas and ants, transforming them into spore-dispersing 'zombies.' Yong reveals how these fungi manipulate their hosts' behavior, blurring the lines between life and death. He connects this phenomenon to our cultural fascination with fictional zombies, exploring the deeper fears of control and mortality that haunt us all. Get ready for a spine-chilling Halloween treat!
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Cicada Butt Fungus
- A fungus called Massospora infects cicadas, making their butts fall off.
- These cicadas, now full of spores, fly around spreading the fungus like "flying salt shakers of death."
Cicada’s Trippy Ride
- Massospora spores release psilocybin, the hallucinogenic compound in magic mushrooms.
- They also release cathinone, an amphetamine, making the cicadas hyperactive.
Zombie Ant Snipers
- The fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis infects ants, controlling their bodies.
- It forces them to climb plants, bite a leaf, and die, releasing spores onto other ants below.