TED Talks Daily An evolutionary perspective on human health and disease | Lara Durgavich
Apr 20, 2020
Lara Durgavich, a biological anthropologist, dives into the captivating world of evolutionary medicine. She shares her personal journey of discovering her carrier status for Tay-Sachs disease, linking it to her Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. The discussion highlights how certain genetic mutations, once advantageous for survival, can shape health and disease today. Durgavich emphasizes the importance of understanding our evolutionary past to inform our present and future health decisions, showcasing how history and environment intertwine with our biology.
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Tay-Sachs Discovery
- Lara Durgavich learned she was a carrier for Tay-Sachs disease during pregnancy.
- This prompted her to explore evolutionary medicine.
Evolutionary Medicine
- Evolutionary medicine explains why humans are vulnerable to diseases.
- Natural selection doesn't always optimize for better health.
Heterozygote Advantage
- Tay-Sachs carriers might have had advantages in the past, like TB resistance.
- This is similar to sickle cell anemia carriers having malaria resistance.