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Survival of the Sickest

The Surprising Connections Between Disease and Longevity (P.S.)
in: Biology
Summary:

The book explores the counterintuitive concept that certain diseases which are harmful in the modern world may have historically provided evolutionary advantages to our ancestors. It delves into the genetic legacy of these conditions, examining how traits linked to diseases like hemochromatosis or diabetes played a role in human survival and adaptation to different environments.

Key points:

1. Disease Evolution: The book discusses how some diseases may have evolved for human survival, like the sickle cell gene providing malaria immunity.

2. Hemochromatosis and Plague: Hemochromatosis, causing excessive iron absorption, is linked to bubonic plague resistance, suggesting it evolved for survival during plague outbreaks.

3. Diabetes and Ice Age: The authors theorize that Type 2 diabetes, causing fat storage, evolved to help ancestors survive cold Ice Age climates.

4. Cholesterol and UV Protection: High cholesterol may have been beneficial to ancestors by protecting against UV radiation and aiding in Vitamin D production.

5. Epigenetics: The book explores epigenetics, where environmental factors influence gene expression, potentially causing hereditary diseases.

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