health

Probing the pathogens that afflicted ancient humanity

In the first part of a review of pathogens in human origins, I examine a sampling of infectious diseases in people today and their diverse origins.

Jan 19, 2023 •

Have human lifespans been constant for the last 2000 years?

Maximum lifespan is hard to assess in past populations. The data suggest that lifespan has been increasing over time.

Aug 25, 2009 •

HIV susceptibility locus protects against an extinct virus

The TRIM5α protein in humans doesn't resist HIV very well but may have once protected us from another ape virus.

Jun 24, 2007 •

High adult mortality in some contemporary hunter-gatherers

A brief review of a paper describing the causes of high mortality among young adults of the Hiwi people.

Feb 28, 2007 •

How research into the causes of health disparities matters to cancer

Science writer Jennifer Couzin has an important profile of cancer researcher Olufunmilayo Olopade.

Feb 7, 2007 •

A case study of race and medicine: the BiDil trial

I review news coverage of a drug marketed to African-American cardiology patients, and think about the impact of ancestry on health.

Jun 27, 2005 •

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