Fungi in a Warming World

The popular TV series "The Last of Us" has viewers wondering about the real-life possibilities of a fungal apocalypse. The show features a fungus that turns people into zombies. This idea might seem crazy, but it's worth looking into how fungi could change as the planet warms up. Fungi are all around us. They help break down dead stuff in nature and even make some medicines. But some fungi can also cause problems. For example, there's a fungus that takes over ants and controls their actions. This fungus, called Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, is not something that can infect humans. Our bodies are too warm for it to survive. But this doesn't mean fungi can't cause trouble for us. Climate change is making the world warmer. This warmth could help some fungi spread to new places. One example is Valley fever. This illness comes from a fungus that lives in hot, dry areas. As the climate changes, this fungus is moving north, infecting more people. Scientists are keeping an eye on how fungi might adapt to these changes. Fungi aren't just a threat to people. They can also harm plants. As the climate changes, fungi that hurt crops might spread to new areas. This could make it harder to grow food and feed everyone. Fungi are already a big reason why crops fail. Climate change could make this problem even worse. Despite these risks, fungi also do a lot of good. They help recycle nutrients in the soil and even make some medicines. So, while a zombie apocalypse is just a story, the way fungi react to climate change is something to take seriously. Scientists are studying how warming temperatures might make some fungi stronger and more likely to cause infections. The TV show "The Last of Us" returns for its second season. Fans can enjoy the fictional story while scientists work on understanding the real-life impacts of fungi in a changing climate.