Why Halloween Bites

In a little under half hour it will become October 31st 2010. 

As a student of Zombiology you will no doubt anticipate that this is a good day for Zombies. The equivalent of Christmas. But images of a Zombie Santa stuffing tasty brains into stockings made from severed human appendages aside Halloween might scientifically be the prime moment for a Zombieism outbreak.

Most Zombies pass on Zombieism by biting, much like Rabies. Repulsive as this may seem it is not a particularly good way to pass on a virus or disease. If Zombieism could be passed through the air a sneezing zombie would be far more daunting than a biting one. 

Because it would be easy to identify the human carrying Zombieism (i.e. the pale bloke biting random passers by) stemming an outbreak would be quite simple (i.e. kill them, kill them all.)

However under the cover of All Hallows Eve someone infected with Zombieism might succeed in biting more unsuspecting victims before they realise it isn't part of the evenings scheduled entertainment. 

So Doctor Austin says, "remember kids don't let zombies be the trick in your treat on Halloween. Always carry a weapon capable of easily bludgeoning the human skull."

Happy Horror-Days!

Doctor Austin Z.I.T.S is chair of the Zombie Institute for Theoretical Studies and a world renowned Zombiologist 

Why your unlikely to be pursued by a severed Zombie Appendage

It has no doubt crossed your mind that if bitten on a limb by a Zombie the best solution to prevent yourself contracting Zombieism is to remove that appendage with the nearest chainsaw.  

If it worked in Evil Dead 2 or Idle Hands then it's bound to work for you,but it has a downside. In both of these films the limb then reanimated and pursued it's previous owner and friends with a murderous vengeance. (It might also take time out to cup some boobies, according to Idle Hands.)

However the latest research here at the Zombie Institute for Theoretical Studies indicates otherwise. In most animals, including humans, motor functions are controlled by the brain. It is the command centre sending signals down the spine. There is no replacement or substitute part within the human body. Without creating new motor control areas (brains) within the severed appendages there is no possibility of them becoming ‘alive’ independent of the body. 

It should be noted that if a zombie’s head is severed from its body and the brain is not destroyed the head will still pose a risk. 

Our tests are ongoing but for the moment it seems you are free to lop off body parts safe in the knowledge they won't return to brutally murder you later (or feel up your girlfriend).

Doctor Austin Z.I.T.S is chair of the Zombie Institute for Theoretical Studies and a world renowned Zombiologist 
 

Evil Dead 2 Clip - 'Give Me Back My Hand'

Idle Hands Trailer