Evolution is the single most important idea in
modern biology, shedding light on virtually every
biological question, from the shape of orchid blossoms
to the distribution of species across the planet. Until
recently, however, the theory has had little impact on
medical research or practice. Evolutionary Medicine
shows how this is beginning to change. Collecting work
from leaders in the field, this volume describes an
array of new and innovative approaches to human health
that are based on an appreciation of our long
evolutionary history. For example, it shows how
evolution helps to explain the complex relationship
between our immune systems and the virulence and
transmission of human viruses. It also shows how
comparisons between how we live today and how our
hunter-gatherer ancestors lived thousands of years ago
illuminate a variety of contemporary ills, including
obesity, lower-back pain, and insomnia. Evolutionary
Medicine covers issues at every stage of life, from
infancy (colic, jaundice, SIDS, parent-infant sleep
struggles, ear infections, breast-feeding, asthma) to
adulthood (sexually transmitted diseases, depression,
overeating, addictions, child abuse, cardiovascular
disease, breast and ovarian cancer) to old age
(osteoporosis, geriatric sleep problems). Written for a
wide range of students and researchers in medicine,
anthropology, and psychology , it is an invaluable guide
to this rapidly developing field.
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