...in the show, The Last of Us. Cordyceps are species specific. So the cordyceps species matches with an insect (or human) and they evolve together. They take over the brain, like a literal zombie fungus. It follows the natural cycle of the species it infects.
I was so surprised when I learned that the “mushroom” (the part we see) is only the fruiting body of it. What goes down under the soil can be best described as a “world of communication between mushrooms, bacteria, trees, and all living organisms”.
Mushrooms have thousands of years of therapeutic use traditional cultures; however, today, the literature is starting to emerge on both their mechanisms and full range of applications. While much of the research has focused on their (a) antioxidant content; (b) ability to regulate the immune system; and (c) ability to combat cancer; they may also play roles in (d) reducing inflammation; (e) combating metabolic syndrome, including diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease; (f) combating pathogenic bacteria, viruses, parasites and other fungi; (g) improving mood, cognitive function and reducing neurodegeneration; and (h) improving organ function.
