Zombies are fiction - but the biology behind “zombie-like” behaviour is very real. In this lively, myth-busting webinar we’ll explore what would need to happen inside the brain and body for infection to change behaviour, and where Hollywood gets it surprisingly close (and wildly wrong). Using real examples from microbiology, neuroscience and public health - including brain inflammation, toxin effects, and infections that alter behaviour in animals - we’ll unpack how symptoms develop, how diseases spread, and how scientists investigate outbreaks.
The session is designed for anyone curious about the science behind the stories. You’ll come away with a clearer understanding of how the nervous and immune systems interact, why some illnesses can affect mood, judgement and movement, and how critical thinking helps us separate evidence from hype. Expect pop-culture references, real-world case studies, and plenty of time for questions.