Zombies have long been a staple of science fiction, appearing in everything from horror movies to video games. While most people think of zombies as being purely fictional, there are actually several real science fiction theories about how a zombie outbreak could occur. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best zombie real science fiction theories and what makes them so intriguing.

1. Parasitic Fungi

One of the most interesting theories about how a zombie outbreak could occur involves parasitic fungi. There are several real-life fungi that can infect insects and take control of their behavior, essentially turning them into zombies. For example, the Ophiocordyceps unilateralis fungus infects ants and causes them to leave their colonies and climb to a high point before dying, at which point the fungus bursts out of their bodies and releases spores that can infect other ants.

While this type of fungus hasn’t been known to infect humans, there is a related fungus called Candida auris that has been known to cause zombie-like symptoms in humans, such as fever, chills, and disorientation. While Candida auris isn’t fatal, it’s not hard to imagine a more deadly strain of parasitic fungi causing a zombie outbreak.

Novel: “The Girl With All the Gifts” by M.R. Carey. This novel is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a parasitic fungus has turned most of humanity into “hungries,” zombie-like creatures who crave human flesh.

TV Series: “The Last of Us” (2022). This TV series is based on the video game of the same name and features a world where a fungal infection has turned most of humanity into zombie-like creatures called “infected.”

2. Neurotoxins

Another real science fiction theory about zombies involves neurotoxins. Certain neurotoxins can cause symptoms that are similar to those seen in zombie movies, such as loss of coordination, confusion, and aggression. For example, the neurotoxin found in pufferfish can cause paralysis and even death, but in small doses, it can cause hallucinations and other symptoms that could be mistaken for zombie-like behavior.

There are also some real-life examples of neurotoxins causing zombie-like behavior in animals. For example, the Australian paralysis tick can cause paralysis in dogs and other animals, which can make them appear to be “zombie dogs.” While there is no evidence that this type of neurotoxin could affect humans, it’s not hard to imagine a more potent neurotoxin causing a zombie outbreak.

Movie: “28 Days Later” (2002). This movie features a world where a virus known as “Rage” has turned most of humanity into zombie-like creatures who are highly aggressive and violent.

3. Viruses

Perhaps the most well-known real science fiction theory about zombies involves viruses. While there is no known virus that could cause someone to become a zombie, there are several real-life viruses that can cause symptoms that are similar to those seen in zombie movies, such as fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.

One of the most well-known examples of a zombie-like virus is the rabies virus. While rabies isn’t fatal in humans, it can cause symptoms such as aggression, confusion, and hallucinations, which could be mistaken for zombie-like behavior. There are also other viruses that could potentially cause a zombie outbreak, such as the H1N1 flu virus, which caused a global pandemic in 2009.

Novel: “The Passage” by Justin Cronin. This novel is set in a world where a virus has turned most of humanity into vampire-like creatures, but some people are immune to the virus and hold the key to humanity’s survival.

Movie: “I Am Legend” (2007). This movie stars Will Smith as the last survivor of a virus that has turned most of humanity into zombie-like creatures called “Darkseekers.” Smith’s character is trying to find a cure for the virus while also trying to survive in a world overrun by the infected.

The word “zombie” has its origins in Haitian Creole, a language spoken in Haiti. The word “zombi” is believed to have originally meant “spirit” or “ghost” in the West African languages brought over by slaves, and it was eventually incorporated into Haitian Creole. In Haiti, “zombi” came to refer to a person who had been brought back from the dead and was believed to be under the control of a sorcerer or bokor.

The concept of the zombie as an undead creature who rises from the dead and feeds on the flesh of the living was popularized in American culture through horror movies and literature in the 20th century, but its roots can be traced back to Haitian folklore and the beliefs of the Vodou religion. The Haitian zombie is a complex and multifaceted concept that encompasses themes of death, resurrection, and control, and it continues to be an important part of Haitian culture and mythology to this day.