Though I am sorry to tell you that the whole dead-coming-back-to-life theory, or in more scientific terms, reanimation, has no scientific basis, other aspects of the living dead have been found to be probable. Zombies have become a part of popular media, but is it possible that they could become more than just a fantasy and part of our reality? The following 3 scientists and studies find that it could very well be possible. All this information may turn out to just be a zombie-killer-in-training’s wet dream, but nonetheless it is an interesting theory to explore and think about.
1. RABIES MUTATION
National Geographic, in their documentary, The Truth Behind Zombies, explored the science behind a zombie outbreak. One of the main highlights is the idea that a genetic mutation of the rabies virus could cause zombie-like behavior and symptoms. If, for instance, the rabies virus combined with the flu virus, it could possibly become airborne and infect more individuals. Though the body wouldn’t be reanimated, an enhanced, more efficient rabies virus would be able to cause anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, and paralysis in the inflicted. This theory can be likened to the “rage virus” in 28 Days Later. Though there is a lot that still needs to be proven, we all have seen how rabies affects animals and humans. If it could manage to keep it’s host alive and find an easier way of transmission, this mutation could very well zombify many of the world with disillusion and rage.
2. ZOMBIE VIRUS
Another popular theory being explored is the possibility of a zombie virus. According to Kartik Chandran, an immunologist and microbiologist at Albert Einstein College who studies the Ebola virus, it could be possible due to viral genetics. “But there’s another way that a mutant virus can arise: if there’s a glitch in the genetic copying machinery of an existing virus. Sometimes, one of these mutations confers an advantage to the virus that allows the mutated strain to outcompete others and quickly take over the world. Called a “selective sweep,” this usually happens frequently with influenza.” Basically, a zombie virus could be created by selective sweeping, which would allow a virus to virtually pick it’s symptoms and affects on the human body. This could very well create a World War Z situation where a widespread virus infects the brains and takes over the bodies of millions of people.
3. NEUROTOXINS
Certain neurotoxins have been proven to put individuals in a zombie-like state. Though the rage and cannabalism aspect haven’t been researched much, the ability for people to appear “dead” has. According to Mysterious Universe and ethnobotanist, Wade Davis, ““Zombie powders” contained a powerful neurotoxin such as that derived from puffer fish called tetrodotoxin. He theorized that the resulting toxic powder could then be delivered to the target in a variety of ways such as in their food, applied as a paste to skin, or even inhaled as an airborne dust. In non-lethal doses, tetrodotoxin produces paralysis and can induce a death-like state characterized by a low body temperature, extremely reduced rate of breathing, and a very slow and faint, almost imperceptible heartbeat.” I may have said that there isn’t much support in the living-dead theory, but it is possible that the right neurotoxin could lead to the creation of the zombies we all know from old films like Dawn of the Dead.
These studies and bits of scientific information have basis, but they still need to be evaluated and proven. Though we know that viruses and neurotoxins could create zombie-like affects, is it possible for them to mutate and advance enough to cause a wide-spread zombie outbreak? A lot of people think it’s possible, but for now you zombie killers are just going to have to keep preparing for the unknown and all the other citizens of the world can continue watching their popular zombie films feeling safe in the fantasy of it all. At the least, all these studies and outlooks provide proof that popular horror and science fiction films can influence the scientific community and that’s pretty cool.
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