A Tale of Two Zombies

Hello Zombiology Students,

We recently received two interesting questions from you Zombiology fans and decided to share them in today’s ZomBlog.

The first is from Vicki who emailed asking ‘would it be possible for zombies to be made from a natural mutation of a dual-infection? My idea is that the fer-de-lance snake and a vampire bat causing rabies, both in Panama, could both infect someone, possibly mutate and cause a zombie apocalypse.’

The Bothrops atrox aka fer-de-lance, is a venomous snake, ‘regarded as the most dangerous snake in the Panamanian jungles, chiefly because it is the commonest of the vipers’ (Elton 1999). The snake bite releases venom which contains a substance called a haemotoxin.  In the human body this kills red blood cells, stops blood clots forming and can cause tissue damage.    

Fig 47# Fer-de-lance (with snake)

Vampire bats can refer to three species of bat whose diet consists of blood. Contrary to popular belief they do not suck blood through their teeth, but rather create a wound and lap the blood up. As with all bats they have the possibility of transmitting Rabies, however in reality only a small percentage of the population carry it.

Fig 420# The Vampire Bat (aha ha, gosh I pee'd a little there)

Now we know some basics let’s turn to our resident viral expert, Dr. Katie White for more details, ‘the damage caused by fer-de-lance snake bite isn’t caused by an infection.  Infections are caused by the presence or growth of a biological agent (e.g. bacteria, virus) within the host body.  As an infectious agent grows and multiplies within the host body, the host can then pass on the infection to other people/animals.  The snake venom is not an infectious agent, so the host won’t start producing more of the toxin and won’t have enough inside them to pass it on to anyone else. The snake bite won’t pass on any genes to the host, so there is no genetic material to mutate or combine with that of the Rabies virus.  

As it affects the brain, the Rabies virus does cause some zombie like symptoms and yes it could possibly mutate to cause a more zombie like disease.  However, the Rabies virus is only really transferred between animals and people through bites, as infected hosts produce the Rabies virus in their saliva.  A zombie would have to produce a very large amount of saliva to infect a town’s water supply at a high enough level to actually cause disease.  The Rabies virus normally enters the body through the wound caused by the bite and then it travels along the nervous system to the brain.  If it was drunk in water instead, the virus would probably be destroyed in the stomach and would have no way of actually reaching the nervous system and brain.’

We would advise that any zombies found drooling in your local dam be guided away, and of course never share a drink with a zombie.

No matter how tempting it may be...

Our ZITS colleague Dr. Kevin O’Dell, a senior lecturer in Genetics at the University of Glasgow, kindly explained more about virus mutation, ‘any virus can and does mutate. Usually this leads to a mutant virus that doesn't function at all so doesn't infect and doesn't replicate. Very occasionally a mutation makes a virus more virulent (more infective). The snake venom would only make this more likely if it actively damaged virus DNA, but as Katie says, it doesn't.

If the snake bite occurs first and causes tissue damage then you might be able to argue that a subsequent bite by a zombie bat is more likely to happen as (a) the previously damaged host may not be able to run away as fast so is an easier target and/or (b) a zombie bat may be able to actively detect a compromised host (although I’m not 100% that they have that ability).’

Dr. Kevin O'Dell, he puts the 'S' in 'Necrosis'

Of course you’d have to be having a really bad day to be both bitten by a fer-de-lance snake and a vampire bat in short succession. Or for the optimists out there, a really lucky day, as apparently you are more likely to be struck by lightning than bitten by a fer-de-lance.

So to conclude Vicki, it would seem your theory of dual-infection, whilst creative, is thankfully a long way from causing the zombie apocalypse.

Our next question came from Lydia who asked, ‘could you please answer a zombie conundrum me and some zombie enthusiast friends are having over the Walking Dead TV series. In Season One we see the policeman dude and his new pals in the city covering themselves with blood and guts so that the walkers wouldn't sniff them out. And yet, one of my eagle eyed friends noticed they didn't do that when hiding under the cars from the zombie swarm in Season Two - the zombies never got so much as a whiff of them. And yet the redneck dude covered up the other dude who cut his arm in dead bodies so that the walkers wouldn't smell his blood. So what's that all about? Is this a TV continuity error? And could zombies really smell us living folk? Do they smell us if we are cut; like sharks can 'smell' blood? What's going on?’

 I feel I should start by pointing out that the Walking Dead zombie disease is very different from the condition we investigate in our research. Certain aspects, like being ‘undead’ are not possible at present, and having continual decomposition of skin and organs, would be a lot different than they portray. Regular visitors will know that I love the Walking Dead in its many formats but at the end of the day it is fictional, and so shouldn’t be criticised for its scientific inaccuracies.

My ex-wife used to say this all the time

However your smell question is still a good one, and I will endeavour to give you an answer all the same.

Those who have attended my lectures or read my book will know I believe a new type of prion disease, similar to Mad Cow Disease (vCJD), may be responsible for delivering Zombieism in the future. This type of disease occurs when our natural prion protein (PrP) is forced to change shape by a Rogue form, possibly by ingesting the Rogue through an infected food source, as occurred with cow meat and vCJD (note; this is not the only way to get a Prion disease). Scientists are still unclear as to what function the normal PrP has in our bodies. Many studies to determine an answer have involved mice who had this PrP gene removed or ‘knocked out’. Recent work has shown that mice without the gene perform badly in smell tests, failing to find hidden cookies, amongst other things. Therefore it is likely a Prion diseased zombie would have a poor sense of smell.

If we took the Walking Dead zombies as being real (ignoring the obvious inaccuracies) I would say that they would also have a poor sense of smell and restricted sight. If their bodies are decomposing their eyes would too, getting worse over time. The same would apply to their sense of smell. This means that in Season One using camouflage should work, depending on how long the zombies around them have been decomposing. Any recently turned zombie would have better senses compared with a longer term sufferer. In Season Two, what might be happening is an example of the disease giving rise to low zombie intelligence. Some of them may smell blood or humans, but are not smart enough to think to look beneath a car to find one.  

     

With regard to sharks, they smell around 10,000 times better than humans. A zombie, due to being gradually reduced in operating capacity by the disease, is definitely going to have a worse sense of smell than you or I, or a shark.

But if it's a zombie shark... oh dear

Double oh dear if it's a zombie land shark (although I don't know if I believe Google Images on this one...)

Finally, on the question of TV continuity, it is worth noting that Frank Darabont was the showrunner during Season One, and was replaced by Glen Mazzara for Season Two. You can read various reasons for this online, and I daren’t wade into the debate.

   

Ultimately I think we should all take something from Ron Moore’s First Law when creating the show Battlestar Galactica. When describing questions people asked about the real science of its content he advised taking the mantra, ‘it’s just a show, I should really just relax’. 

We do hope you are both satisfied with your answers. If you want to know anything further, or someone else has a question, do get in touch on info@zombiescience.co.uk.

Very best wishes,

Doctor Austin

Doctor Austin ZITS BSz MSz DPep, is a Theoretical Zombiologist and Head of the Zombie Institute for Theoretical Studies at the University of Glasgow, Scotland UK.  

For even more Zombie Science pick up the official Zombie Science book on Amazon now. 

Bibliography 

Elton, N. (1999, September 27). The Venomous Snakes of Panama from http://www.czbrats.com/Facts/snakes.htm

Walking Dead Rise of the Governor: Competition Winners

Greetings Zombiology Students,

The big moment is here, time to announce the winners of the Walking Dead competition. It wasn’t easy, picking just four out of all your wonderful entries. Well some were wonderful, some were down right terrifying, the things you people would do in this event, my word!

It was somewhat disappointing that nearly every entry came down on the side of violence. In fact no one at all suggested finding a cure. At least I know good old Hershel is with me on this. Well maybe not after last week’s episode!

I realize she doesn't look like my wife anymore, but the sex is still the same

So without further ado, here they are:

‘Naturally, knee capping my partner ala Shane to buy me time would certainly be an easy/quick option. However, since it's early in the outbreak I would look for the nearest manhole cover to secure my hasty retreat!’

HW

‘If I found myself surrounded by zombies closing in during the outbreak in Atlanta, I would first pop open the trunk (boot) to the nearest vehicle(s) and grab a tire iron. It should be the most common to find hardened implement in a street setting to defend myself with and also is a handy tool. It can be used with leverage to force open padlocks or chains on locked gates, and to smash windows for access to vehicles and buildings.  I'd also grab a flashlight being another common item in a car, and essential to my initial escape plan. Lacking that, I'd use a lighter or matches.  I'm now minimally equipped with two items- tool/weapon and light source (potential for fire).

Given a downtown scenario in a large metropolitan area, I doubt I'd last long in the streets and nearby buildings would be likely to house more zombies or potentially dangerous panicked civilians. My hunch would be that at the onset of an outbreak, the least likely place to encounter zombies or other folks would be in the sewer system. If I could access a manhole cover with advance time, I'd use the tire iron for leverage and to help close the lid when descending.  The most important thing at this point would be to get my bearings straight so that I know what street direction I'm facing and to align myself as closely as possible to the direction of the assumed "safe" house. If I do encounter zombies in tunnel, the slight advantage I have is being able to defend myself without being quickly outnumbered and surrounded as I would be on the streets above.

Of course in the unlikely event that I'm outnumbered by zombies in both directions of a tunnel, I'm pretty much done for. But you can't live by giving up, so I would fight to the next manhole access and work on a plan B, by skipping across the tops of car rooftops. I'd also do this given no time to get tools or access to a sewer manhole. Zombies would likely be on the street itself, not as agile to quickly climb up a vehicle and would not be found posing across the tops of engine hoods like Tawny Kitaen in a Whitesnake video. Moving across the top of vehicles where possible would also provide better visibility and help identify an escape path.

Once safe from the immediate threat of large numbers of zombies in downtown Atlanta, I'd seek the long term needs such as food, water, medical supplies, better weapons, and transportation.’

ML

‘As it is likely to be taking place during the day (people would be less inclined to venture out in the dark), I can assume that the outbreak has attracted the attention of the emergency services, at first to secure the area, and latterly to evacuate the survivors. Knowing this would also indicate that some emergency servicemen have fallen to the horde; police officers, ambulance workers and fireman to name but a few.

With this in mind, my first instinct would be to find the nearest police squad car, always careful that there isn't any infected officers nearby, or worse; an infected prisoner inside. As with all US Police Squad cars, they come standard equipped with a Police Scanner, a GPS, and a 12 Gauge Shotgun in the trunk. Upon hatching the trunk and freeing the shotgun from its hold, I would now be armed and, whether I had to hotwire the car or was lucky enough to find the keys nearby, I would have my escape vehicle.

I guess this stuff is practical, but I was really hoping for a crispy cream 

After clearing the surrounding area of any infected, I would drive to a nearby safe spot, not the Safe House suggested. From here I'd be close enough to hold back for any survivors, but far away from the immediate danger of the Zombie Horde. Using the Police Scanner/CB Radio, I would track and locate any potential safe zone, and/or confirm just how safe the aforementioned safe house actually is. With this information, and any potential survivors I have come across/saved in the interim, I would head to a nearby store for supplies.

At the store, shotgun in hand, I would grab some emergency supplies; tinned food, bottled water, first aid kits being the primary targets. Once supplied, I would return to the car and base my next destination on my earlier investigation; NOT on the impulsive suggestions of any would be heroes now attached to my convoy. 

If I was challenged by any of my fellow survivors, I would ram the butt of my gun into the naysayer's face, breaking their nose and firmly establishing who was in charge. Now, with the survivors knowing I am calling the shots, we could retreat to my desired destination with a vehicle, weapon and supplies.’  

GR

‘I wouldn’t try to escape but rather get bitten and become one with my zombie family, embracing the zombieness for its benefits; no more concern about appearance, bills or the stress of the daily grind. Why are zombie’s always the bad guys, they are neither good nor bad, they just are.’

KB  

A brand new copy of the book is winging its way to you all now.

Don’t forget to also pick up the official Zombie Sciencebook on Amazon now. 

I really wanted a bike, but thanks anyway honey

What better gift to give a loved one this Christmas than the gift of survival.  

Best wishes,

Doctor Austin

Doctor Austin ZITS BSz MSz DPep, is a Theoretical Zombiologist and Head of the Zombie Institute for Theoretical Studies at the University of Glasgow, Scotland UK. 

The Walking Dead Rise of the Governor: Book Review & Competition

Happy Halloween Zombiology Students,

For a wee treat I'm taking a break from the science journals to review an exciting new novel from Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman. He's teamed up with acclaimed thriller writer Jay Bonansinga to tell us the back story of infamous comic book character, the Governor.

They've certainly set themselves a challenge. Can a notoriously nasty man like Philip Blake find his way into reader's hearts?

Rise of the Governor takes us back to the start of zombie outbreak where we find Philip, his daughter Penny, brother Brian and two high school friends fighting for survival.

During the story our band of survivors take a terrifying trip across the country trying to reach Atlanta and the supposed safety of refugee camps. But in true Walking Dead style, anything, and everything, gets in their way.

Personally I adore the Walking Dead world, and would go as far as to say it's the best imagining of a zombie world since my old pal Georgey Romero created Night of the Living Dead. Kirkman has even given the nod that Romero was his inspiration in forming the world.

As a scientist I too think it's better that little is said about the biological cause of the Zombieism in the Walking Dead. It allows you to theorise with your imagination instead of nit picking your way through reams of illogical made up science. Yes, it might not be possible at present for people to rise from the dead, but, maybe it will happen in future...

If you're a fan of the comic books and the epic, movie style-esque dramatic imagery - don't worry, Rise of the Governor doesn't disappoint. The authors have given careful consideration to mis-en-scene with every blow, slice, stab and shot colourfully described from 'a mop head slapping the floor' to 'the two bodies are launched in a cloud of pink mist.'

An ensemble of characters emerge across the journey. A favourite for me was the Chalmers Family Band, led by Father David and his two daughters, Tara and April. The latter of whom forms an almost romantic relationship with Philip. Here Kirkman does what he does best,  give us real hope, only to snatch it away and leave us lower than ever before.

The tale ends with an unexpected twist, one I of course won't reveal here. I read many reviews that have strong feelings on this, but personally, I have no opinion on it. It's the creative path they choose to follow and I was happy with where it led. No doubt these talented writers could write their way down any avenue they want to explore. In part, the ending does help to answer the question I posed at the outset.

The ending does feel like a hard stop, but this novel is but the first of a trilogy from this new deadly duo, something I for one will be eagerly awaiting. So rather than the end, it's more of a to be continued...

Overall The Walking Dead Rise of the Governor successfully brings the concept to its third medium, and unlike it's screen and graphic incarnations the fact it's purely text lets the reader create the visuals. It's fast paced, addictive and often amusing. For me it's essence is summed up by an elderly gentleman met towards the end of the novel:

It ain't the dead things you gotta be mindful of around here...it's the living.

Pan MacMillan have very kindly given us several copies of The Walking Dead Rise of the Governor for you to win. For your chance to get one send an email to info@zombiescience.co.uk with your name, postal address and answer to this question:

You find yourself alone and unarmed on an Atlanta street during the Walking Dead zombie outbreak. Zombie's close in from all sides. The safe house is still a few blocks away. How would you escape?

Whilst this plan might allow you to pull, it might also cost you your face

The most creative answers win, closing date Monday 28th November 2011, at midday.

Good luck and I hope tonight brings you more treats than tricks,

Doctor Austin

Doctor Austin ZITS BSz MSz DPep, is a Theoretical Zombiologist and Head of the Zombie Institute for Theoretical Studies at the University of Glasgow, Scotland UK.

Get your copy of Doctor Austin’s Zombie Science 1Z textbook on Amazon now

Can Zombies Love?

Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening (delete as applicable) Zombiology Students,

This was the most non-explicit image I could find, and I don't recommend typing 'zombie love' into Google Images.

Today's blog is based on a question from John Burns. He asks, 'can zombies fall in love?' I take this to mean with each other, rather than with him, or at least that's what I hope.

This is by no means an easy question. Scientists have been trying for decades to unlock the mysteries of love and, with the exception of Doctor Rohynpnol (whose work is better left unmentioned), they haven't had much luck.

Excluding my ex-wife, the human brain is the most complex thing currently known of in our universe.

Doctor Austin with his ex-wife Mrs Doctor Austin

Many people say it functions like a powerful computer, but even this isn't an accurate comparison, because we can't yet build a computer that works like our brains.

Similarly it is hard to say that one part of the brain is responsible for just one function. Movement for example is controlled and regulated by many different parts of the brain, not just one.

Recent studies of people going through different types of love seems to bear this out as well.

'Brain regions with decidedly unromantic names, like the dorsolateral middle frontal gyrus and the anterior cingulate, as well chemicals like nerve growth factor, dopamine and oxytocin, are all involved in orchestrating these feelings of love.' (Dobson, 2010)

The human brain in love, or playing Call of Duty, I get diagrams easily confused

Dopamine, a neurotransmitter I've nicknamed 'Brain Crack', is thought to be prime player in love. Known for producing a variety of positive feelings dopamine has shown some interesting qualities during animal tests.  

'When a female prairie vole was paired with a male, dopamine levels went up 50 per cent. Levels of oxytocin, (the so-called "cuddle hormone", released in response to stimuli including skin-to-skin contact) likewise go up, as do levels of vasopressin, both promoting relationship bonding. When the female vole was injected with a drug that blocks the activity of dopamine, she lost interest in him.' (Dobson, 2010)

Now we know a little more about what love is doing in the brain, let's apply it to our zombies. Here at the Institute we think zombies will most likely be caused by a new type of prion disease, similar to human mad cow disease (vCJD). All prion diseases cause a unique form of 'spongiform' damage to the brain giving it the appearance of a sponge, or block of Swiss cheese. We also predict that Zombieism prion disease will cause a loss of memory and human personality, giving zombies their trademark absentminded attitude and vacant persona.

Spongiformity in the brain, looks like an Aero, but my gosh it doesn't taste like one.

If we combine these assertions together it doesn't paint a very promising picture for zombies falling in love with each other. Ultimately they won't remember what love is nor have the capacity to make it.

So the answer to John's question, 'can zombies fall in love' is no. No they cannot.

The android Data, from Star Trek, also cannot love. Well except in that one episode, but I never saw it.

Rather than leave on a negative I'll instead share with you some more hopeful lyric's from the Zombie Institute's resident songwriter, Aaron Stoquert:

''cause I don't care, I don't care what you look like tonight
I don't care, I don't care, what you feel like tonight
I don't care, I don't care if we're alive tonight
can you stay here throughout the night--be right next to me?' - (Stoquert, 2011)    

Do check out all of Aaron's songs about zombies and the feelings they might have.

Thanks again for your question John, and everyone else keep yours coming in to: info@zombiescience.co.uk  

Best wishes,

Doctor Austin

Doctor Austin ZITS BSz MSz DPep, is a Theoretical Zombiologist and Head of the Zombie Institute for Theoretical Studies at the University of Glasgow, Scotland UK.

Get your copy of Doctor Austin’s Zombie Science 1Z textbook on Amazon now

See the Zombie Science 1Z lecture live at:

Manchester Science Festival 2011

Tuesday 25th October 2011

International Anthony Burgess Foundation, Engine House, 3 Cambridge St, Manchester, M1 5BY

Times: 11:00, 14:00, 16:00 (11/2/4pm)

Price: Free (must be booked in advance) Ages 13+

Booking Link: http://msf11zombie.eventbrite.com/

Blackwell's Bookshop Oxford

Wednesday 26th October 2011

Info: Doctor Austin will be delivering a public lecture before signing copies of his book alongside Zombie Handbook UK author Sean T Page.

Blackwells Bookshop, Broad St, Oxford, England, OX1 3BQ

Times: 1900 (7pm) Ages 13+

Price: £2 - Click here for booking information

British & European Society for Gene Therapy Conference - Public Engagement Day

Thursday 27th October 2011

Info: Doctor Austin delivers an all new Zombie Science 1G: Gene Therapy lecture on genetics and gene therapy.

The Brighton Centre, Brighton, England

Times: 1300 (1pm)

Price: Free (Just turn up) Ages 13+

Dundee Science Festival 2011

Saturday 29th October 2011

Venue: 13+ Show: Dalhousie Building,          

             University of Dundee, DD1 4HN

             18+ Show: Dundee University              

             Students Union, Carnegie Suite,

             Airlie Place, DD1 4HP

Times: 13+ Show: 1400 (2pm)

            18+ Show: 1900 (7pm)

Price: Free (must be booked in advance)

Click here for the official Festival website & Click here for the Official Site or call (01382) 38 44 13

London Horror Festival 2011

Tuesday 15^th November – Thursday 17^th November 1930 (7.30pm)

The Courtyard Studio, Bowling Green Walk, 40 Pitfield Street, London, N1 6EU

£12/10

Book online at: http://www.thecourtyard.org.uk/whatson/212/zombie-science-1z   

Booking line:  +44 (0) 844 477 1000

Bibliography:

Anon. (2011) Dopamine, Psychology Today, http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/dopamine accessed on 02/10/2011

Dobson, Roger. (2010) Love on the Brain, Independent on Sunday, http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/love-on-the-brain-2096672.html accessed on 02/10/2011

Fischetti, Mark. (2011) Your Brain in Love, Scientific American, http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=your-brain-in-love-graphsci accessed on 02/10/2011

Fisher, Helen. (2004) Biology: Your Brain in Love, Time Magazine, http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,993160-1,00.html accessed on 02/10/2011

Ortigue, Stephanie, et al. (2010) Neuroimaging of Love: fMRI Meta-Analysis Evidence toward New Perspectives in Sexual Medicine, The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Volume 7, Issue 11, p.3541 - 3552, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.01999.x/abstract

Stoquert, Aaron. (2011) I'll See You Again, Run for your Life EP, FiveOhfour Entertainment,  [Music Recording]

Zombie Romance

Hello there Zombiology Students,

Despite the title of today’s ZomBlog we’re not going to be informing you about safe sexual practice with zombies! I actually had the pleasure of being contacted by a Seattle based band, the Little Black Bottles, who have just released their second album, Let Them Eat Red Velvet Cake, which features some zombie related songs. 

Myke & Jackie Fedyk, I particularly love Myke's glasses!

Although usually reviewing research papers, today I’m taking time out to give my opinion on these musical musings on Zombieism.

The first track, Letter to Miguel, is based on one of the classic zombie films, Day of the Dead. Here I think we get an insight into the issue of science versus violence with regard to zombies. The lines, “Logan's gone insane, he thinks he's found a way they can be tamed, he's given one a name, and he keeps it in his lab on the end of a chain” shows that it’s hard to be a scientist during a zombie outbreak without everyone thinking you’re crazy. All because Dr. Logan is trying to make friends with Bub, a lovely young zombie and conducting important experiments with the zombified remains of some soldiers he is accused of going too far and is executed. 

Even Bub loves 'Letter to Miguel', well either that or Dr.Logan is conducting a probe...

Further through the song we start to get some brilliant advice for when the zombies truly arrive. “Well we all know there's no cure, and we gotta get out of this cave, and there's no way to fight it for sure, we gotta find an island that's safe.” Lots of sound advice here, as I always say, “you can always make new friends but there’s no cure for Zombieism”, until a cure is found don’t hesitate to use your friends as potential bait to allow you to escape. If you are unsure of the order to sacrifice them, start with the least famous, this is how they do it in Hollywood. The next line provides more sage advice, never trap yourself in a confined environment when zombies attack, it never ends well. A more open space, like the island suggested next, is far better. This way you can see zombies coming, as well as clear the area of them when you first arrive.

Overall I enjoy the cheeky and energetic tone of ‘Letter to Miguel’, the vocal styling’s of Myke Fedyk sound to me like a cross between an Irish folk song & 1970s punk, and like the zombie disease itself ‘Letter to Miguel’ is extremely catchy.

But our favourite track here at the Zombie Institute is by far, Zombie Romance. It deals beautifully with the tragic tale of someone left behind after their partner is turned into a zombie. The beautiful voice of singer, Jackie Fedyk, sets up the atmosphere of a sorrowful siren bringing a seriousness that adds to the humour.

But they are covering a pertinent ethical issue often overlooked during a zombie outbreak. How would you feel if you’re soul mate succumbed to the zombie disease? What would you do in the name of love? ‘Zombie Romance’ forces you to consider this. “Now you are lost to me a flesh eating zombie, in my dreams you chase me every night.”

Singer Jackie Fedyk brings a magnificent eeriness to 'Zombie Romance'

 Our protagonist then contemplates a severe course of action, “this plague killed your brain but does it kill your heart, if I'm a zombie too we won't have to be apart.” Becoming a zombie to join the one you love, it has such a tragic nobility to it all. More importantly this song illustrates why research and development into Zombieism cures is so crucial, people should never have to suffer the circumstances described in ‘Zombie Romance.’

Fans of the Marvel Zombies will be all too aware of how these issues affected Peter Parker, much to our annoyance.

Being a Zombiologist and not a fully qualified music critic I’ve stuck to the zombie-based tracks here, but the rest of the album is a lovely series of songs in the horror/sci-fi themed folk/pop/rock music genres and a great listen. 

Let Them Eat Red Velvet Cake Album Cover

You should definitely head over to the Little Black Bottles Official site (http://www.thelittleblackbottles.com/) and have a listen to their other work at their Bandcamp home as well. (http://thelittleblackbottles.bandcamp.com/album/let-them-eat-red-velvet-cake)                

Best wishes,

Doctor Austin

Doctor Austin ZITS BSz MSz DPep is head of the Zombie Institute for Theoretical Studies and Zombiologist Royal to Her Majesty the Queen

Get your copy of Doctor Austin’s Zombie Science 1Z textbook on Amazon now