Sunday, August 12, 2007

Survival of the sickest

I just finished reading an excellent book. It was a page turner in the best mystery novel fashion.

The physiology of frogs that freeze solid during the winter, only to thaw out and hop away come spring, may give us a clue to why humans get diabetes. Why do people carry genetic disorders that make them sick? How did that contribute to our success as a species? Dr. Moalem weaves a spellbinding story of how genetic disorders have helped our species survive and thrive. A must read. On my list of all-time bests.

Survival of the sickest : A Medical Maverick Discovers Why We Need Disease by Sharon Moalem, with Jonathan Prince.

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