The zombie apocalypse. We've seen it in movies, read about it in books, and played it in video games. But could it *actually* happen? While the traditional undead scenario is highly unlikely (sorry, no re-animating corpses... probably), the core fear – a rapidly spreading, devastating pandemic that fundamentally alters human behavior – is definitely worth exploring.
What's more plausible than risen corpses? Highly contagious pathogens that induce aggression, cognitive impairment, or loss of control. Think rabies on steroids, or a genetically engineered virus with unforeseen consequences. Such a scenario, while not creating shambling undead, could still overwhelm societal structures and lead to chaos reminiscent of zombie films.
So, a *classic* zombie apocalypse? Probably not. A catastrophic pandemic with zombie-like *effects*? Worth considering. Let's hope our scientists are researching preventative measures, just in case!