Survival of the Sickest: A Medical Maverick Discovers Why We Need Disease.SURVIVAL OF THE SICKEST: A Medical Maverick Discovers Why We Need Disease. SHARON MOALEM Can sunbathing reduce cholesterol levels? Did diabetes help humans survive the ice age? Moalem investigates these questions and others surrounding common illnesses. He explains why many diseases that plague us today, including sickle-cell anemia sickle-cell anemia Blood disorder (see hemoglobinopathy) seen mainly in persons of Sub-Saharan African ancestry and their descendants and in those from the Middle East, the Mediterranean area, and India. and hemochromatosis Hemochromatosis Definition Hemochromatosis is an inherited blood disorder that causes the body to retain excessive amounts of iron. This iron overload can lead to serious health consequences, most notably cirrhosis of the liver. , actually helped our ancestors survive. He explores whether our DNA DNA: see nucleic acid. DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid One of two types of nucleic acid (the other is RNA); a complex organic compound found in all living cells and many viruses. It is the chemical substance of genes. can be changed by our environment. Readers learn how certain microbes can affect human behavior and how a woman's diet in early pregnancy early pregnancy Obstetrics First trimester of pregnancy can affect her child's weight. The author also delves into a controversial theory that humans were once aquatic animals. Moalem provides an unorthodox take on disease. Morrow, 2007, 267 p., hardcover, $25.95. |
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