"Welcome to Global Perspective, the show where we analyze the most pressing challenges facing humanity today. Today, we tackle a question that has many people concerned: what could cause the next great pandemic? To discuss this, we're joined by world-renowned epidemiologist Dr. Newman. Doctor, thank you for being with us." A charismatic host from the country's most famous talk show opened with what was likely his best introduction in years.
"Thank you for having me." Dr. Newman smiled politely at the host's animated tone.
"Let's start with the basics. In your opinion, what is the greatest threat to our species? What is your biggest fear?"
"Any kind of virus... Most likely something similar to the flu."
"Do you say that because of air travel?"
Dr. Newman smiled and replied, "Because of airborne transmission, yes. Coughing, sneezing…"
Not getting the answer he was hoping for, the interviewer clarified, "Sorry, I meant commercial flights, as you mention in your book. A new virus, for example, in Madagascar, could reach Chicago within weeks."
"Exactly. And if that happens, we're looking at a global pandemic. This means everything. That is, the entire world would fall ill at once."
"And Dr. Newman, as an epidemiologist… I assume a viral pandemic is one of your greatest concerns?"
"No."
"No?" The interviewer looked surprised.
But Dr. Newman was clear in his thoughts and answered again: "No."
The host, chuckling awkwardly, said, "Well... I guess that's all for today."
But Dr. Newman, knowing he was being heard by people who didn't understand even half of what was being discussed, insisted: "No, we're not done. You see, we've been at war with viruses since the beginning. Sometimes, just like in real wars, millions die. But in the end, we always find a way to defeat them."
"So, just to be clear… You do think microorganisms are a threat?" the host asked, trying to regain control of the conversation.
"Oh yes. A massive threat."
"Bacteria?"
"No."
"You like saying no, don't you?"
"A little, yes."
"Then if it's not viruses, and it's not bacteria… What is it?"
"Fungi." Dr. Newman's voice didn't waver on that word.
"Excuse me?" Not just the interviewer—everyone listening was caught off guard.
"That's the usual reaction. Fungi seem harmless… And sometimes, they are. But many are not. Some don't seek to kill. They seek to control."
"Control?"
"Let me ask you a question: Where does LSD come from?"
"I don't know… You tell me?" This turn in the conversation was something the interviewer hadn't expected.
"From ergot, a fungus. The same goes for psilocybin. Both alter the mind. There's a fungus that infects insects, like ants. It travels through their circulatory system to the brain, where it releases hallucinogens. It subjects the ant to its will." Dr. Newman explained with fascination.
"It controls it?"
"Yes. It turns the ant into its puppet. The fungus tells it where to go, what to do. And that's not the worst part. It needs to feed, so it starts devouring it from the inside, replacing its flesh with fungal tissue. But it doesn't let it die. It keeps the host alive, preventing decomposition."
"And all this happens only in insects?"
"For now. The reason fungi can't infect humans is because they can't survive our internal temperatures—above 34 degrees Celsius. But… what if the world were to warm up, even slightly?"
"Climate change?"
"Exactly. That would give them a reason to adapt. One mutated gene, and we could be facing an ascomycete, a candida, ergot, cordyceps, aspergillus… able to survive in our bodies. Not just survive: colonize our brains. Control them. Infect not thousands, but billions."
"And what would that fungus want?"
"A single goal: to spread. Infect every living human being. No matter the cost."
"And is there a treatment?"
"None. No vaccine. No cure. And maybe... there never will be."
The interviewer remained silent for a few seconds, savoring the tension in the room, then asked: "So... Humanity… would lose?"
"That's not the worst part…"
Most would think that imagining the end of the world is just a waste of time. Well, that might be true—if the person denying it is living in denial.
The truth is, it only takes the most powerful people in the world pressing a button… and everything could vanish.
And anyone who watches the news knows that could happen at any moment…
But no one—no one besides Dr. Newman—could have imagined that the end of the world would begin with a fungal virus.
Yes, a harmless-looking fungus.