Zombie-ant Fungus: The Tale of Cordyceps

In a world increasingly shaped by advanced technologies, many worry that machines could one day control human minds and bodies. But nature has already written its own version of this dystopian story. Cordyceps fungi demonstrate how control over one’s body can be lost in the most bizarre and chilling ways. They take over their hosts, manipulating its muscles and even chemically altering the brain. 

Let’s explore more about this parasitic but also fascinating fungus…

Found predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions, Cordyceps specialize in parasitizing insects such as ants, caterpillars, and beetles. As the fungus spreads, it doesn’t simply feed off its victim. It takes control of its nervous system and bodily functions. Infected ants, for example, are compelled to leave the safety of their colonies and climb to a high spot on a plant. This behavior is not random but serves a critical purpose. By climbing to higher locations, the ant ensures that the fungus’s spores have the optimal point to disperse over a wide area when released. This maximizes the chances of infecting new hosts and continuing the Cordyceps’ lifecycle. The elevated position also exposes the ant’s body to environmental conditions that promote fungal growth and spore production such as more sunlight and better airflow. If you are interested in seeing how Cordyceps take control of insects, make sure to watch this video of National Geographic.

Cordyceps, though notorious for infecting other organisms, have a surprising reputation as healers. Traditional medicine, particularly in China, has long valued species like Cordyceps sinensis for their ability to boost energy and strengthen immunity. These fungi, often gathered directly from caterpillars in the wild, are so highly valued that they’re often referred to as “soft gold.” This article gives insights into the traditional use of cordyceps and its therapeutic applications. 

In recent years, scientists have taken a closer look at these claims. Research has revealed bioactive compounds in Cordyceps that might offer real health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and combating fatigue. (You can read this article to explore the potential health benefits associated with Cordyceps)

Cordyceps also play a role in popular culture. Their unsettling ability to control their hosts has inspired countless stories, perhaps most notably the post-apocalyptic world of The Last of Us, the new HBO series. In this fictional universe, a mutated Cordyceps-like fungus infects humans. While mind-controlling fungal infections are fictional and make for compelling television, there’s no need to panic, says Dr. Scott Roberts of Yale School of Medicine. However, he warns that fungi pose real and growing risks to human health.