A special lecture by: THE MIT ZOMBIE DEFENSE INITIATIVE

A special lecture by:THE MIT ZOMBIE DEFENSE INITIATIVE

ZDI.002: Intermediate TOPICS IN ZOMBIE DEFENSE

Intermediate Topics: purpose

1) Provide students with scientific tools and knowledge necessary to carry out Survival Strategy

2) Teach biology to better assess thy enemy

3) Teach social dynamics to better assess thy friend

ASSESS THY ENEMY

Practical concerns Vectors Infection timeline

Incubation periodSymptoms timelineSymptom-to-death delay

Infection & casualty rates treatment

Etiology (cause) Informs practical factors Not immediately obvious Likely Culprits

VirusesFungi

Runners-upOther parasitesBacteriaDesigned factors

viruses Most known neuro-virus: rabies

Moves up sensory nerves to spinal cord then brain○ Bite proximity affects incubation!

Neurological damage behavioral change○ Recovered victims have permanent damage

Positive id as virus difficult under disaster conditions○ If no signs of fungus or parasite, virus more

likely than bacteria

Virus implications Vector

Almost certainly bodily fluidsIf infected coughing probably

airborne Treatment (prevention-

oriented)Antivirals expensive, hard to obtainAs soon as symptoms show, person is casualty

Fungi Parasitic fungi can modify host behavior Cordyceps sp. Uses insects

Germinates on surface of host, moves through tracheae○ Proximity to target affects incubation

Mycelia penetrate brain, release neurotransmitters, alter behavior○ Alteration may not be permanent

Id as fungus:Visible fruiting bodies, rashes (weak)

Fungi implications Vector

Spores are airborne!Cover all mucous membranesCover skin, check for rashesParasitic fungi often species-specific

animal vector less likelySimple exposure bigger problem than bites

TreatmentOTC topical antifungals availableOral antifungals exist, but hard to find

questions

Assess thy friend

Social Dynamics in Anarchy Without state, social consent is law You can do and get away with what

others (with power) will let you get away with

Key to survival in groups

Handling idiots Idiots are dangerous Appeal first to rationality If you cannot remove idiot, consider

removing yourself Make sure social approval comes

before any attempt to “force” idiot Avoid violence if at all possible; bad

precedent

More on idiots If weak:

Be mercifulHarshness upon the weak will hurt you sociallyCommunicate with those close to idiot

If armed:Make sure to “Force” only with overwhelming powerBeware power parity—unstable equilibrium

If in charge:If group is loyal to leader, leave!Give leader a peaceful “out” after any coupWin group approval before coupMake sure power vacuum does not emerge

Friends: Assessing you want valuable friends Must contribute more than take Need good teamwork Bigger group not always better

Friends: How to befriend All friendships are deals to survive Appeal to self-interest Respect bargaining power in

negotiating Make them comfortable/ confident

in your loyalty

Friends: how to lead Respect: create buy-in, don’t force don’t abuse your power Seek group consent for decisions You’re in charge only as long as those

following you continue to think it’s better to follow you

Don’t become the idiot in charge

Disclaimer: Ethics Ethics change in the apocalypse Allow yourself to reconsider ethics

in new context… don’t tread on ethics of others Group consent > principled code

questions