TORONTO, October 29, 2014 – What are the chances of a potential zombie attack? How would it spread? What are the benefits in studying zombies?
York University mathematics professor Jane Heffernan and chemistry professor Derek Wilson are available to speak with media about how mathematical modelling can help predict the unpredictable – like zombie attacks – and be used to fight diseases.
They are the authors of “The undead: A plague on humanity or a powerful new tool for epidemiological research?”, a chapter in the forthcoming book, Mathematical Modelling of Zombies – a compilation of modelling techniques that show how mathematics can be used to study processes of infectious diseases in an amusing way.
Heffernan’s lab uses mathematical models to study processes of infectious diseases, such as HIV, tuberculosis, and influenza.
“Mathematical models track changes in susceptibility, infection recovery, or death of individuals, to identify ‘infection’ characteristics,” says Heffernan. “Using similar techniques we can determine whether we should expect the unfortunate demise of the human race, coexistence of humans and the undead, or the elimination of the undead altogether.”
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Media Contact: Robin Heron, Media Relations, York University, 416 736 2100 ext. 22097 / rheron@yorku.ca
