Skip to content

Can We Become Zombies After Death?

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on linkedin
LinkedIn

Alexanderhili

Leucochloridium paradoxum sp.
Leucochloridium paradoxum sp.

Yes, hypothetically we can be transformed into brain loving zombies. A scary answer to a scary question.However, before going out to buy a chainsaw to cut those zombies in half please be aware that a human zombie has never existed.
The rest of the animal kingdom isn’t so lucky. Different types of fungi, parasites, and pathogens have altered the life of other organisms and transformed them into zombies. One of the most graphic examples is Leucochloridium paradoxum, a tapeworm which has been observed to infect and take control of snails. After inserting itself into the snail’s body, the tapeworm slowly spreads and concentrates in its eye stalks making these look like tasty green caterpillars. In turn this makes the snail more eye-catching for hungry birds that are an intermediate host for this parasite. If that is not gory enough just wait for the zombie part.

The flatworm makes the snail do its bidding by exposing itself during daylight. By staying on the highest leaves pulsing the eye stalks making them look like tasty morsels ready for the picking by the hungry birds above.
This case is not unique. There are other species which are known to be zombified: ants, flies, crickets, and others. At the time of writing no fungus, parasite, bacteria, or virus has been found to infect and transform humans. Till then there is no need to get your zombie-proof chainsaw and sawn-off shotgun. •

Author

More to Explore

Can We Change the Contraceptive Pill?

60 years ago, the contraceptive pill triggered a social revolution by allowing women to take charge over their reproductive health. Yet, hefty side effects threaten these same rights. THINK analyses what science has been doing to overcome these side effects.

Food Security in Malta: Is it Possible?

It is unlikely that Malta can ever become self-sufficient when it comes to food. The next best thing for the island is to guarantee sustainable food security. THINK sits with 4 experts to see how this could be possible.

Il-Baqra Tinbieh Kollha: A Journey Towards Abattoir Self-Sufficiency and Sustainability

While plant-based food is gaining popularity, the majority of the world’s population still consumes meat. “Il-baqra tinbieħ kollha” (every part of the cow can be sold), a Maltese saying, emphasises that every part of harvested livestock is used. It is imperative that the meat industry develop sustainable practices to reduce its environmental impact, such as utilising every part of the slaughtered animal.

No comment yet, add your voice below!


Add a Comment