A special lecture by: THE MIT ZOMBIE DEFENSE INITIATIVE ZDI.002: Intermediate TOPICS IN ZOMBIE DEFENSE
Dec 20, 2015
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
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: rabiesMoves 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
VectorAlmost 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
VectorSpores 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
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