PBS Space Time Season 2015 Episode 11 Could NASA Start the Zombie Apocalypse?

The PBS Space Time Season 2015 Episode 11 is titled "Could NASA Start the Zombie Apocalypse?" In this episode, the hosts explore the feasibility and likelihood of a zombie apocalypse starting as a result of NASA's experiments or space missions. The hosts delve into popular zombie culture and theories surrounding zombie viruses and how they might spread.

The hosts start by acknowledging the absurdity of the idea of zombies and how it has become a popular culture phenomenon. They mention that while the image of zombies seems like a fantastic concept that originates in horror movies, it's grounded in real scientific theories, such as infectious diseases and genetic mutations.

The hosts bring attention to the fact that NASA has carried out various experiments that have previously been mocked and ridiculed by public opinion. For instance, when NASA recently announced that it discovered evidence of water on Mars, many social media users asked, "Can't they just leave it alone?" The show notes that the notion of NASA tampering with new environments and species is potentially dangerous and could result in unexpected mutations that could lead to new types of infectious diseases.

The hosts also discuss the possibility of NASA finding extra-terrestrial life with microbial organisms that could be harmful to humans if brought to Earth. They explain that despite NASA's safety protocols, there's always the chance that a pathogen could genetically or chemically combine and result in a deadly and highly contagious infection.

The hosts also explore different modes of infection, such as airborne viruses, direct contact, and animal transmission, that could result in a zombie apocalypse. They explain how a virus could sweep through society, causing people to die and become reanimated as zombies. The hosts also theorize that a virus could evolve gradually over time and become a dangerous threat.

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts conclude that a zombie apocalypse that starts through NASA's experiments or space missions is highly unlikely, but not impossible. They mention how much we don't know about the universe, and no one can predict with absolute certainty what will happen.

Overall, "Could NASA Start the Zombie Apocalypse?" is an engaging and informative episode that explores the plausibility of a zombie apocalypse and raises important questions about the potential risks of experiments carried out by NASA. The show offers an insightful analysis of the various factors that could result in a zombie apocalypse and addresses the science behind the popular culture phenomenon of zombies.