HBO's "The Last of Us" Season 2, premiering April 13th, sparks discussion on the reality of a fungal pandemic. While the show depicts cordyceps infecting humans, scientists confirm this is unlikely due to human body temperature and immunity. However, climate change is increasing concerns about fungal infections. Rising temperatures allow fungi like Coccidioides (Valley fever) to spread, impacting human health and agriculture. Scientists emphasize the serious threat of climate change's effect on fungal adaptation and its potential consequences for both human and plant life.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.