A spore-producing organism (scientifically its full name is Ophiocordyceps unilateralis) that can invade the brains of ants and other insects, causing strange behaviors like a “zombie” walk. The fungus was made famous in the popular 2023 HBO Max television show called, “The Last of Us.” In the show this fungus invades human brains and turns them into zombies. In real life, the cordyceps fungus is no threat to humans. However, other kinds of fungi are known to cause infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems such as those who are hospitalized or living with an immune disease. Usually, these infections can be treated with antimicrobial drugs, but an increasing number of fungal diseases are becoming resistant to drugs.
