In the second of a two part series on zombies, this week we go deeper in the dark world of the undead. In part one we managed, through a combination of drugs, to create zombie-like creatures who were sluggish and largely brain-dead. This week we have a shot at recreating the zombies of films such as I am Legend - creatures created through the transmission of a virus, who are filled with rage and enjoy the taste of brains. Topics covered include:- Mad cow disease and the use of prions to transmit disease,
- Chimpanzees who eat brains,
- Methamphetamines for the creation of rage,
- Mathematical modelling a zombie pandemic and how the zombies could do this sustainably.
In the podcast we use a few songs, all licensed under a Attribution Noncommercial (3.0)
I As We by Speck
Big John by copperhead
What It All Boils Down To by texasradiofish
Above image from ABC Open Wide Bay
This discussion explores the science behind fictional zombie outbreaks by examining real-world biological and neurological concepts. It looks at how diseases such as mad cow disease, caused by prions, can affect brain function and behavior, while also considering the role of viruses in popular zombie stories like I Am Legend. The topic further examines aggressive behavior through the lens of substances such as methamphetamines and references animal behavior studies, including chimpanzees that consume brain tissue. Finally, it uses mathematical models to explore how a hypothetical zombie pandemic might spread and what conditions would be necessary for such a population to sustain itself over time. The result is an engaging blend of science, medicine, and speculative fiction that encourages critical thinking about the plausibility of zombie-related scenarios.
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