Hey guys!

Welcome back to the So Cultured Podcast! We're kicking off our brand new series with a bang. This season, we want to expose the science from your favourite tv shows and movies. In episode 1 we will be delving into the science that is the driving force behind The Last of Us. How realistic is the show? Could climate change really affect which creatures the cordyceps fungus infects? Could we really become zombies? Listen in to find out!

And don't forget, we always serve every episode with a side of the hottest laboraTEA. This week we have a juicy listener story all about some rumours about her and her PI, can you relate??

We are so excited for you guys to listen to not only this episode, but this entire season, because we had so much fun making it!

Please let us know what you thought of the episode in the comments. If you love following our podcast, please do give us a rating and a follow! :)

The winner of the season 2 giveaway is @beccajacobs, congratulations! Please dm us on Instagram to claim your prizes!

Qiagen’s FREE dPCR course- sign up here: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4632346/05C98C97B4025F3CBC200FECFB72EBDE/5555107?partnerref=CM_GLS_dPCR_LearnandGrow_0924_OTHERS_Other_podcast_cultured

Please remember that this podcast is intended for mature audiences only, as we occasionally delve into subjects that may not be suitable for younger listeners.

To learn more about the science:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuKjBIBBAL8

https://www.npr.org/2023/02/17/1157842018/the-science-that-spawned-fungal-fears-in-hbos-the-last-of-us

https://screenrant.com/last-us-outbreak-cordyceps-infection-origins-spores-real/#:~:text=The%20origin%20of%20the%20Cordyceps,became%20infected%20in%20South%20America.

https://thelastofus.fandom.com/wiki/Cordyceps_brain_infection

https://screenrant.com/last-of-us-show-jakarta-infection-outbreak-origin-change/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBi8ah1ku_s

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/15/world/cicada-fungus-zombie-scn/index.html

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