Big Brains
Could A Fungal Pandemic Be “The Last of Us?", with Arturo Casadevall
Jan 9, 2025
Arturo Casadevall, a microbiology professor at Johns Hopkins, warns of a looming fungal pandemic similar to the one in 'The Last of Us.' He discusses how climate change is enabling fungi to adapt and resist treatments, posing a serious public health threat. Casadevall emphasizes the need for preparedness through awareness, vaccines, and innovative pharmaceuticals. He also highlights the unique roles that fungi play in our ecosystem, including their potential for sustainable technologies, and stresses the urgency of addressing fungal resistance before it's too late.
26:53
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Quick takeaways
- Climate change is enabling fungi to thrive at human body temperatures, raising concerns about the potential for future pandemics.
- While fungi pose significant health risks, they also offer numerous benefits across industries, emphasizing the need for balanced research.
Deep dives
The Potential Threat of Fungal Pathogens
Fungi, often perceived as benign, could pose significant health risks if they adapt to higher temperatures due to climate change. Research indicates that as global warming progresses, certain fungi may develop the capability to thrive at human body temperatures, potentially leading to pandemic scenarios. Key examples include the cordyceps fungus, which has been fictionalized in media but mirrors real scientific concerns about fungi evolving new pathogenic capabilities. This adaptation raises alarms about the potential for a future fungal pandemic, highlighting the importance of preparing for such unexpected health threats.
