Unexplained Zombie Outbreak?

[Kehan Wann]

Is this a game of charades?
I'm guessing..... TEXAS!

well everything is bigger there... but i dont think its this big

 

[the monopoly guy]

I need a TUMS

 

[Brett Alex]

*Chuckles heartily* Oh ho ho ho. Zombies? Ba ha ha *chortles* Ah my friend you have much to learn.
No, that is clearly not a zombie outbreak at all, no not in the slightest. I think it is foolish to have reached such a conclusion when it is plainly evident that you are dealing with a Squad of Robotic Super Soldiers Controlled by a Sentient AI. Yes, I said it a S.R.S.S.C.S.A.I.

Because nothing's more useless against hordes of slow-moving unarmed corpses then a vehicle that can both fly just above their reach and unleash hundreds of thousands of 20mm rounds and dozens of rockets into the mass.
How could that possibly beat a static line of soldiers?

Exactly, if the government were testing zombies in combat against their own (unknowing) troops they would in no way have helicopters stationed nearby in because until they reach epidemic proportions zombies can do nothing against helicopters. Robot Super Soldiers on the other hand are able to dispatch helicopters effectively if they get the jump on them, sometimes through use of some kind of energy weapon or a jetpack.
This is both good and bad, it means there will be less hostiles than with zombies and they will also not multiply like zombies. However, they will be faster, more strategic and intelligent and despite being artificial have a disdain for humanity. Another con is that they are more durable than zombies, the most effective way of killing them is luring them into a smelting factory after a high speed car chase.
Either way, good luck.

 

[hem dazon 90]

If it's fake, you have a future as a writer. If not, go to the nearest Barnes&Noble, and buy The Zombie Survival Guide NOW.

i love that book

 

[Calobi]

OKay know what. Before comment again with links I am gonna make sure to read the fineprints and labels like dates and genre. I will find proof. Even if I have to create the first zombies and release them into a mega city(10 million+ people). Have fun you non-believing bastards! wow that is sorta evil. maybe just kill grif.

Didn't you say early that the crazy side of females isn't psychotic? Or is this the psychotic side, because if it is I would love to see the crazy one, too. Seriously, threatening to start a zombie in a populated city just to prove a point, that's my kind of crazy.

 

[rottenbutter]

I really don't care if it's zombies or not, just as long as it's some type of horror/sci-fi creature that could possibly lead to a apocalyptic-scenario.

 

[Calobi]

I really don't care if it's zombies or not, just as long as it's some type of horror/sci-fi creature that could possibly lead to a apocalyptic-scenario.

You mean like an army of Montauk Monsters?!? Run for your lives, it's a hideous mutant!

 

[The Blue Mongoose]

i liked HG Wells' war of the worlds... it was hilarious when it was read out over the radio and people went bonkers... ahhhh... good times...

science is fun - and as much as i'm sure you believe in zombies, you might want to look into those articles posted... um... there is nothing there that points to any actual evidence that zombification is possible or even plausible...

you probably do have a chance at being i writer... i mean that kid who wrote eragon got his book published...

lets not forget the book "Where's the Green Sheep".

i like Pirates

 

[kiltmanfortywo]

I seriously am hoping you don't think this is real, Scarlet, b/c if you do are are either legally insane or know next to nothing in regards to life and the sciences that make it go. Zombies do not, cannot, and will not exist. That list you found on cracked is pointing out diseases or ailments, yes real, but don't do exactly what they play it out to. Cracked is, first and foremost, a humor site and should not be taken as a leading authority on reanimation of the dead.

The puffer fish venom that was discussed earlier is related to a whole stream of perception altering drugs. The so called "truth serum" does exist but is more of making the person not give a shit so much that they spill their guts(whiskey was used before this came out) and while chemicals exist that allow for a human to be more obedient and less strong willed, that is it; they do not make the person an automaton(robot for Scarlet) that will kill on command.

The idea of a zombie is plan absurd; the body requires oxygen to operate and all of the books that claim to be experts on the subject of zombies do not explain away that little tidbit of information. Suppose the lungs do continue to operate, but if the person has died the blood will congeal(gel up) and won't flow. Therefore no oxygen will reach the muscles or brain and your zombie is dead in the water.(just one of many, many reasons why this is impossible)

Kiltman

P.S. Cowboys are far cooler and better than pirates/ninjas. Who would win in a fight; Clint Eastwood's "Man with no Name" or Jack Sparrow? Obviously Eastwood.

 

[Scarletmarine]

Hey kitmanfortywo, you don't have to be a fucking douche. Well at least you didn't try to sugar coat it. BTW everyone has a stupid belief... Okay I just want it to be real for kicks. One thing your right about is Eastwood.

 

[Silver Patriot]

There's a strain of malaria with a 100% kill rate that "zombifies" its victims for 2 hours after death. In this state the victims exhibit high levels of violence.

Thanks for trying to support me. But think if there was a more powerful virus that keeps them reanimated untill their brains are destroyed. It's possible. It's not really a matter of "if" it's going to happen but "when" it's going to happen. OMG I read more the link and they are already messing with life expansion! I give it 1-2 years before a class three zombie out breaks and 2 and 1/2 before it reachs a class 4.

Damn, I was hoping for at least another 10 years. I need more time to set up my way out in case of a Class 4 Zombie outbreak.

 

[Silver Patriot]

The idea of a zombie is plan absurd; the body requires oxygen to operate and all of the books that claim to be experts on the subject of zombies do not explain away that little tidbit of information. Suppose the lungs do continue to operate, but if the person has died the blood will congeal(gel up) and won't flow. Therefore no oxygen will reach the muscles or brain and your zombie is dead in the water.(just one of many, many reasons why this is impossible)

Just for the sake of argument, what about the "Resident Evil" Zombie type? I am not talking about the Tyrants or the Lickers just the Zombie's,

The T-Virus is built like many viruses, but not all. It is a protein crystal with an RNA core. As the crystal makes contact with a cell's membrane, it inserts its RNA into the cell. The cell absorbs the viral genome into its own DNA, which takes over the cell's functions. The cell begins to produce offspring of the original virus. The new viruses are then released from the host cell and infect the neighboring cells, which starts the process all over again.

The T-Virus kills and replaces the dead mitochondrial organelles with a replica of itself. The virus then combines with other cells to produce energy. The energy produced is just enough to power the motor neurons and the basic lower brain functions. Not only that, but this bypasses the entire circulatory system, which makes the heart and lungs redundant systems that can be disposed of. The reanimated host body is then left with the intense need to feed in order to replenish energy supplies without having to sacrifice its own tissue. Actions taken by the host in this time period greatly resemble that of "zombies" depicted in horror movies, and are thus dubbed by that name.

However, the T-Virus can only properly function by consuming the cell in order to produce its energy and to divide via mitosis to spread around the body. This slow breakdown of cells leads to the gradual breakdown of the host, causing necrosis. The virus incorporates itself into the host's DNA, which substantially alters it. This is why creatures, such as bees and spiders, only have very minor mutation, such as increased size, when compared to the human mutation caused by the virus.

Should the human host be alive at the time of T-Virus infection, all higher brain functions are destroyed. This leaves only the telencephalon, better known as the cerebrum, to govern behavior. This leaves the infected host with a very animalistic behavior. As the virus spreads, it damages the hypothalamus. This produces a massive flood of neurotransmitters, enzymes, and hormones such as norepinephrine and dopamine. These effects, combined with the painful symptoms of the infection, induce a psychotic rage, persistent hunger, and increased aggressiveness in those infected.

Should the human host be dead at the time of infection, only enough energy is produced to power the lower brain functions. These functions are responsible for the most primal instincts, such as walking and eating.

In either case, their late-stage appearance and behavior are characteristics of their name-sake, a zombie.

I always thought this description would most resemble how a Zombie virus would work. It's also why I believe the theory that only humans would be infected is complete bull. (I do want it to be noted that do not believe in Crimson Heads, Lickers, or any of that stuff in Resident Evil, I just think that the T Virus explanation would be closest to how a real Zombie outbreak would occur.)

 

[Flicken]

I honestly don't think either sides got any true foothold over the otherside...

Zombies, in the purest sense of the word, are the Living dead, or Undead, creature's that have died and been reanimated. In my opinion, this is magic and well, hopefully fiction cause if it's not, they left me out and I want my Magic Missiles...

The one's explained by Science aren't really the living dead, but versions reproduced to have the same effects, behaviors, etc, as actual Zombies...

A true Zombie IMO is a still decaying body, risen through some kind of power/force, to generally do the bidding of it's creator/reanimator. If it exists in this form, please, someone give me the dummies guide to Necromancy, otherwise, keep dreaming you (sick) dreams...

The science explanations are kinda close to home and rather scary... Time to stock up on those shotty shells...

 

[the_tralfalmadorian]

I honestly don't think either sides got any true foothold over the otherside...

Zombies, in the purest sense of the word, are the Living dead, or Undead, creature's that have died and been reanimated. In my opinion, this is magic and well, hopefully fiction cause if it's not, they left me out and I want my Magic Missiles...

The one's explained by Science aren't really the living dead, but versions reproduced to have the same effects, behaviors, etc, as actual Zombies...

A true Zombie IMO is a still decaying body, risen through some kind of power/force, to generally do the bidding of it's creator/reanimator. If it exists in this form, please, someone give me the dummies guide to Necromancy, otherwise, keep dreaming you (sick) dreams...

The science explanations are kinda close to home and rather scary... Time to stock up on those shotty shells...

you'd really be better off with a rifle, because it has better range and destroying the brain is the only way to kill a zombie anyways. Lots of damage isn't necessary, just accuracy. Personally, i'm stickin to by beloved Ruger 10/.22. I'm a good shot with it at a large distance, and it has a ten round clip. i could do some damage during a zombie outbreak.

 

[Flicken]

Yeah, lucky for you, all I could get a hold of is a BB gun, or a Shotty... Beside, if they can't move, they're easier to splatter the head with something large and heavy...

 

[Khedive Rex]

I'm sorry but I F*CKING LOVE THIS THREAD!!!

We've gotten into a real debate about the existance of zombies. ZOMBIES! I hadn't thought it was possible. Zombies are a pretty regular theme on the escapist but an actual debate?! Thank you all so very much. You've made my life.

Alright, my policy is to beleive in anything that can make a decent argument for itself. Theres lots of evidence that there isn't a Big Foot. If you really research it though, theres lots of evidence that there is a Big Foot. In situations like this I give Big Foot the benefit of the doubt and just assume they're hard to find. Lets apply this logic to zombies.

Do I think it's possible to reanimate the dead? Perhaps under very limited circumstances. It will happen on occasion in hospitals that a patient will be medically dead but able to be revived. Perhaps there really is someway to revive the recently dead (provided it's very recently) but even in that case, the revivee is perfectly sentient, not desiring of brains and certainly not decomposing; so no. Zombification through reanimation is obviously a crock.

The next question then becomes, zombification through the aquisition of some manner of illness. The T virus explination if you will. When disscussing this my mind immiediatly jumps to the rabies virus. From what little experience I've had with this disease (almost none admittedly), I understand that in it's early stages it makes animals shamble around mostly ignoring stimuli and in it's later stages it inspires violence. This disease is communicable to humans and (in fact) often imbues in it's human victims a desire to bite as an expression of violence. Of course, the bite will transfer the disease.

There are countless diseases which result in a weakening of the muscular tissue, and many more that result in a discoloration of the skin. You add side effects in the dimentia strain of illnesses (confusion, loss of awareness, memory loss) and some effects in the strain of late onset rabies and what do you get? A weak, shambling person with skin which could easily be mistaken for a deceased complexion (whether that means simple pale or even light green) wandering around without purpose, possibly moaning, with a strong desire to bite living creatures. Sounds a lot like a zombie to me. You add some gangreenous symptoms to the mix and you could even justify the decomposing bit though that is unnessacary.

Obviously, if this is the method of zombie creation we can denounce some zombie mythology as simply myth. Will continue to live as long as it's brain is intact? Certainly not. superhuman strength? Certainly not. By the same token, if we encountered a person with symptoms like this, I believe the vast majority of us would classify it as a zombie.

Would the government want to keep something like this quiet? I personally don't intend to postulate the exact reason but yes, I could see the government attempting to conceal something like this.

Is there a disease like this already present? Personally, I'm not sure. A lot of people on this thread though have gone to the trouble of relaying their own research into the matter and seem convinced. As I said, if something can make a decent argument for itself, I give it the benefit of the doubt.

So, summary: Zombies? Sure, why not. They're within the realm of possibility. In your woods? Honestly, I doubt it. I don't dissmiss it, but it seems incredably unlikely. Sorry scarlet, but it's probably just a convict escaped from prison (how many topics can you say something like that in? It's just an escaped and very dangerous criminal.)

 

[Scarletmarine]

Thanks Rex. And to all the believers(sounds like a cult: HA) out there. I still have to say this. The incident I wrote at the beginning didn't happen to me! Some different incident happened to me that makes me believe. I was just researching when I found that story. From this form I think we can agree that the recently dead can be brought back. But the longer term dead cannot become alive. But for all you science lovers out there there is a possible(highly unlikely) chance that a new virus, super virus or combined virus could create a zombie like creature. Anything not viral related couldn't be a zombie. The only matter left is Heart and Brain. Before I post my opion I still want to hear yours.
xoxo

P.S- You've all got to admit that killing a Zombie would be alittle fun(more so if it's someone you hate... like an ex or rival).

 

[DARKLARK]

if only if only....
sure hope it happens in so damn bored with whats going on in my life right now and i think the world needs some sort of ultimate disaster just to put everyone back to zero.

 

[the monopoly guy]

...all you need is alkoid chemicals. Once the cortex is shut down, all that leaves is the stem which controls basic functions like feeding and all that. Get rid of the cortex, and you have a zombie.

 

[Scarletmarine]

...all you need is alkoid chemicals. Once the cortex is shut down, all that leaves is the stem which controls basic functions like feeding and all that. Get rid of the cortex, and you have a zombie.

Acutally not quite. There are three layers to the human brain first there is the Cortex which makes up 80% of the brain. Only human have it. Next there's the mamillim brain. It makes up the basic emotions and few reasoning skills. Basicly also part that has trail and error. Finally, the Reptiallian Brain. The most basic and primal instinces. Even zombies have very few parts of this brain level. Zombies are dumber then a roach.