“The Last of Us” series awakens curiosity for cordyceps while scientists flag that fungi threat may lurk

14 Mar 2023 — The apocalypse series “The Last of Us” about cordyceps fungi turning humans into zombies has brought fungi interest to a general audience. The series has been described as being, to some extent, realistic, and with a recent study finding fungi infections might thrive in increased temperature, scientists confirm that fungi infections are a potential threat if global warming continues. 

Still, it won’t turn people into zombies, experts stress. Meanwhile, cordyceps are receiving attention for their potential health benefits.