This book approaches the past, present, and future of human physiology and diseases from the perspective of Darwin’s evolutionary theory. In addition to natural, sexual, and artificial selection, the book emphasizes the maladaptation of human physiology and resultant modern diseases, including pandemics, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. It highlights the role of evolutionary genomics in the discovery of hormones and signaling molecules that can act as new drugs and the use of bionics in medical tool design. Tumor formation, metastasis, and therapies are also explained through evolutionary principles. In addition, cultural meme mutations and selection explain the evolution of language, fashion, religion, and more.
The Hepatitis E Virus
Describing an English doctor’s contribution to the discovery of the hepatitis E virus’ (HEV) impact in humans, this account includes stories from an increasingly under pressure health service and puts the dubious practices of the meat production industry under the spotlight.
