19.8.11

Scientific Theory? What's That?

A scientific theory is an explanation or model used to explain observations or experimental results about an observed phenomenon.




"Zombies are a popular figure in pop culture/entertainment and they are usually portrayed as being brought about through an outbreak or epidemic. Consequently, we model a zombie attack, using biological assumptions based on popular zombie movies. We introduce a basic model for zombie infection, determine equilibria and their stability, and illustrate the outcome with numerical solutions. We then refine the model to introduce a latent period of zombification, whereby humans are infected, but not infectious, before becoming undead. We then modify the model to include the effects of possible quarantine or a cure. Finally, we examine the impact of regular, impulsive reductions in the number of zombies and derive conditions under which eradication can occur. We show that only quick, aggressive attacks can stave off the doomsday scenario: the collapse of society as zombies overtake us all."-

Philip Munz

Ioan Hudea
Joe Imad
Robert J. Smith
(1)

Zombie research has been done, no doubt about it;and we're not talking about some college kids making up something for a class, we're talking REAL professors in REAL universities. They're using their math and science mumbo-jumbo to make us feel ignorant and give us the creeps. I've scoured around and found some interesting information, not to mention I'll be translating for all of you non-geeks out there.
"Boomer."




For those of you who don't know, Zombie-Science (or 'ZS' for short) has always been discussed. Surprising, really, considering that not a lot of people think about where the history originates from. A lot of religions have linked the 'undead' with their practices or stories; Voodoo and things like that. Christianity also referances it with Jesus coming back from the dead. It's not really a surprise; the human mind has always been curious, and with religions coming in to stir it around, it becomes a lot more serious than just another Blockbuster hit.

'In ancient Sumer The Epic of Gilgamesh features the undead. The vengeful god Ishtar demands:

" Father give me the Bull of Heaven,
So he can kill Gilgamesh in his dwelling.
If you do not give me the Bull of Heaven,
I will knock down the Gates of the Netherworld,
I will smash the doorposts, and leave the doors flat down,
And will let the dead go up to eat the living!
And the dead will outnumber the living!"'
(2)



'ZS' is merely all slap-stick, although, considering that there aren't any real zombies to test on (and I still thank the world for that). All hypotheses are all made-up; meaning that the scientist who came up with said hypothesis had to calculate in his OWN version of an apocalypse (types of zombies, rate of infection, etc.). If anything, these works have cause speculation on the other half of the science tier, probably questioning the sanity of the other wing.
Some cities have even taken the steps to mention what to do in a 'Zombie Apocalypse'; mentioned in the 'LA Times', NY Times, and probably any other heavily populated city that doesn't stand a chance.
The fact is, it's OUT there. There's no doubt, it all depends on which side you wish to dance on: the one that's prepared? Or the one that doesn't gives a rat's ass and will probably get eaten?

Enough with debates, let's bring in some SCIENCE!

So uh, this graph probably applies to swinging your government wildly between republican and democrat. but no one reads the alt text.
'The worst thing that people can do in a zombie epidemic is to pick up a gun and fight.
As we see in this totally awesome graph of human and zombie populations: there is an enthusiastic enlistment in the militia every time the zombie population grows. As we also see, the human population is dwindling. The second graph tells the story: too many people in the militia means not enough people finding supplies. Before too long, supplies dwindle and everyone has to go back to work. Further analysis shows that a small (sustainable) and well trained militia is far more efficient at culling the zombie population.' (3)
The author of this graph and site also goes on to mention how being in the city would be a greater advantage other than being in the country. He goes on to explain how being in an apocalypse in the country would be slow and agonizing, taking time and probably lives as you try and find supplies.
But like I said before, each scenario is drawn out differently; you do what you feel is best, and hopefully you have the common-sense to back it up.


(1)
Now this graph is based on mathamatical modelling, meaning there are a lot of numbers and things I really don't wish to discuss. The above picture shows what would happen if ever a cure was found. Unfortunately, science is not biased. Even through quarantine and carriers, the level of zombies will rise; effectively letting the human race level out into a small population. Mind you again, although, that this is based off of what these Professors believe would happen, rather than an actual fact. There is quite a possibility that the cure would go un-bound, and the level of humans and zombies would reverse.

I've included the resources I pulled the graphs and comments from if you ever want to take the time to actually read them, they're pretty interesting and I'm hoping you will understand and enjoy them.
Just be sure to always remember that even if it could happen, some things don't follow typical laws (no matter what the movies say). A Zombie Apocalypse is something that has been around, and the only reason it is still around is because of people interested in the 'what ifs'.

And if you ever want to read something that puts down all scientific theories on zombies, click here. The writer even compares how a zombie hypothesis wouldn't work with volcanoes. Don't ask me, they wrote it.
I got lost when they started talking about magma within a zombie article.

So stay alive, and remember:
COMMON SENSE.



 
 
(brain)
 
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