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Zombie Fungi: The Science Behind Fungal Infections of Insects and Other Animals

Zombie Fungi: The Science Behind Fungal Infections of Insects and Other Animals

Date:
Monday, June 2, 2025
Time:
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Location:
South Meeting Room
Location:
South Regional Library (4505 S. Alston Ave)
Audience:
  Adult     Emerging Adult: 18-24 Year Olds     High School     Senior Citizen     Teen  
Categories:
  Environmental     Other  
Registration has closed.

Curious about the fungal infection from HBO's The Last of Us? Distinguish between fungal fact and fiction with Dr. Rytas Vilgalys, a mycologist and professor at Duke University and member of the Triangle Mycological Society. We’ll explore the real-world fungi like Ophiocordyceps unilateralis that infect ants and other insects, taking over their bodies and behaviors. Learn what scientists know (and are still discovering) about these “zombie fungi,” how they actually work, and whether a fungal pandemic is possible (spoiler: probably not… yet).

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