The Fungal Threat: Beyond 'The Last of Us' with Dr. Arturo Casadevall

What if The Last of Us could actually come true? In this episode, we dive into the unsettling world of fungal pathogens, using the hit TV show as a jumping-off point to explore real scientific concerns. Could a mutated cordyceps fungus really pose a threat to humans? We turn to one of the foremost experts in the field: Prof. Arturo Casadevall, professor of microbiology and immunology at Johns Hopkins’ Bloomberg School of Public Health and author of the new book What If Fungi Win?

Casadevall explains how human body temperature has historically protected us from most fungal infections—but warns that rising global temperatures may be helping fungi adapt in dangerous new ways. We also explore the increasing threats fungi pose to ecosystems, agriculture, and public health. And while these risks are growing, fungal diseases remain critically overlooked in the medical world. According to Casadevall and others, it’s time for a major shift in awareness—and action.

Arturo Casadevall, MD, PhD:
https://publichealth.jhu.edu/faculty/...

John Hopkins Press Book Link: https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/autho...

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