How a Viral Cure for Dementia Transformed the Earth into a Planet of the Apes

Join me as I describe the chilling science behind ALZ-113, the artificially-created retrovirus also known as the Simian Flu. I will reveal how this wonder of genetic engineering, originally designed to cure Alzheimer's, evolved into a highly contagious pathogen that would ultimately reshape our world entirely. How is it that this virus enhances ape intelligence, even granting them speech, while a mutated strain leaves the remnants of humanity in cognitive decline? We'll explore this question and more, as well as just how ALZ-113 served to replace humanity as the dominant species on Earth.

This video was edited by @CyanRameron, who does excellent work!

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Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction
2:50 - Sponsored Segment
4:55 - Simian Flu Explained
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Sources

[Goldenrod]

Thought Potato is an ape studying the post apocalypse confirmed ❤

[valentinkambushev]

Ironically, something that was meant to prevent humans from losing their humanity, was the thing that ultimately took it away, and gave it to our closest relatives.

[carythacker]

Babe wake up, new thought potato video just dropped

[shrmski]

Me after binging planet of the apes: I want to know the science
Thought Potato: *rolls sleeves up*

[primrosevale]

This begs two questions:

-1: Why did the initial scientists use a retrovirus, or a virus at all? Why not create micro-drones or something of the like?

-2: Are humans after the mutation in this case truly non-sapient? Language isn’t entirely speech-based, nor is the lack of speech itself an indication of lower intelligence, as many people today are nonspeaking but communicate through alternative means. Wouldn’t this just mean the remnants of humanity have a language essentially devoid of speech but are able to communicate through as sign language, via other gesture/posture based communication, or even just by writing?

After all these same humans after the mutation do have decently sophisticated clothing which I doubt the apes are making for them. Maybe the flame isn’t dimming out as much as finding a new kindling.

[te]

Man this is freaking awesome. Anything Planet of the Apes is an A+ in my book.

[KaptainOW]

Yes! The Simian Flu unintentionally had a huge impact on my interest In virology and viral gene therapy. I’m actually super happy that you put out this video lol

[GIJRock]

0:19 i served with "Admiral Goal" in 05...hell of sailor.

[Lesfaundez]

I like that some of these come with a story attached. I like that you have a fictional presenter that narrates their experiences. I can see a bit of an over arching story starting to take place and I enjoy that most of the episodes seem interconnected in some way. The science is definitely thrilling, but I also really enjoy hearing about the narrator’s struggles. I like that it’s subtle. Overall an excellent series.

[ananslator]

Here are some ideas for some lesser-known creatures for you to do Lusca (which I swear to God looks a lot like sharktopus don’t believe me look it up), Akhlut (a mammalian looking orca), Arabhar (a flying snake from the Arabian Sea region), Bies(a slavic demon that look a lot like the fiends from the Witcher), Bixi(A ginormous Chinese turtle dragon) Tatzelwurm(a stubby lizard with 2 to 6 feet, measuring from around 1 to 7 feet in length with a cat-like face) Cactus Cats(a bobcat-like creature, covered in hair-like thorns, with particularly long spines extending from the legs and its armored, branching tail)

[gavinkailey]

Please do another cryptid biology, please. I want to know how something as freaky as The Goatman or the Dover Demon would look and function in a real-life scenario

[remuslazar]

The apes look bigger in the movies than they actually are in real life

[PaleoAnalysis]

Dude! I was just thinking "Thought Potato should do an episode on the Simian Flu from PotA" ❤

[LouisaJam]

Could you please do a biology explained of Banshees or Fairies. Love your content. I can't even count the amount of times I've watched your Abyssal mermaid video.

[Elzziwsb]

I’d love it if you could do a HLV HVV co-infection “study”

Edit: ever since I first watched the movie Underworld, I’ve loved the concept of a werewolf vampire hybrid

[TheDinoMan]

Never knew I’d want this video so much but now it’s here and I’m glad it is

[offtheshelfET]

The way that these movies took this goofy concept from a 70’s movie and thought it through this much is impressive

[beebeelicious]

I just adore the intelligence in your videos.

[birdup]

for any Fallout fans, with the release of the Fallout show I'd be surprised if Thought Potato didn't make a video on the effects of ghoulification, but I think it would be much cooler to create a super mutant FEV video

[areomorales]

just finished the TPOTA trilogy and now I’m OBSESSED with this