Field photo of Wade Davis, anthropologist, author, and National Geographic Explorer in Residence. In seeking the natural drug associated with zombification, Davis came to understand Vodou (or Voodoo) as a combination of Haitian folk beliefs and West African religious traditions, far beyond its popular depictions in Western culture. Used with permission by Wade Davis.
Original artwork depicting a “Zombie” at twilight, in a field of cane sugar in Haïti. By the artist, Jean-Noël Lafargue. Retrieved from Wikimedia Commons.
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A lost island, a mad doctor, foreign spies, and zombies!
"Scientific" cause depicted: Hypnosis and a Voodoo ceremony.
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Photo of Clairvius Narcisse in the graveyard where he was buried. Prior to being admitted to the hospital, and before being declared dead, his symptoms included fever, body aches, and general malaise. He also had begun coughing up blood. Doctors noted that he was suffering from digestive disorders, pulmonary edema, hypothermia, respiratory diffuculties, hypotension, various paresthesias, and blue-tinged lips. Photo taken by Wade Davis. Used with permission.
Puffer Fish. Pufferfish (Family Tetraodontidae) are generally considered one of the most poisonous vertebrates in the world after the golden dart frog (Phyllobates terribilis). Some of its organs, including the liver and skin, may be highly toxic when eaten. However, in some cultures it is considered a delicacy, especially in Japan where it is known as “fugu,” and must be prepared by specially trained chefs. Photo retrieved from Wikimedia Commons.
Structure Diagram of Tetrodotoxin Molecule. Tetrodotoxin is a powerful neurotoxin with no known antidote, and is nearly 100 times more poisonous than potassium cyanide. The toxin can enter the body by ingestion, injection, inhalation and through abraded skin, and causes paralysis of voluntary muscles, including the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, problems breathing, the loss of vagal regulation of heart rate, and the loss of sensation. Photo retrieved from Wikimedia Commons.
