Sat Aug 15, 2009 — by Glenn Hauman

'When Zombies Are The Subject Of Mathematics Papers!'

The title is a killer: When zombies attack!: Mathematical modelling of an outbreak of zombie infection (Infectious Disease Modelling Research Progress 2009, in: J.M. Tchuenche and C. Chiyaka, eds, pp133-150).

Abstract:

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.

Kudos to Philip Munz, Ioan Hudea, Joe Imad, and Robert J. Smith? (yes, his last name is Smith? with the question mark) for doing the hard work. So when the zombies come and the cops don't warn us, we know we'll have to act quickly. Don't listen if they say they're not unreasonable.

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