Science Café Cleveland presents
Why We Can (Sometimes) Get Along:
Parasites, pathogens, and human evolution
JULY 10, 2017
FEATURING:
Scott M. Williams, PhD
Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Case Western Reserve University
EVENT INFORMATION:
When people hear the words parasite and pathogen, the immediate reaction is to view them as hostile entities, seeking to advance their own existence at the expense of their host organisms such as humans. And yet some human populations have long co-existed with potential disease-causing microbes, suggesting that they co-evolved to arrive at some kind of benign co-existence.
A classic example of this is the pathogen Helicobacter pylori that can cause ulcers and gastric cancer. Many different strains exist throughout the world and there is evidence that populations that have lived with particular varieties of these pathogens for long periods of time have less severe forms of those diseases, and sometimes no disease at all, than those that did not. For example, if H. pylori strains from Africa infect people from the New World, then the Amerindians get much sicker than Africans infected with the same strain.
LINKS OF INTEREST:
What Is H. Pylori? WebMD | Medical Reference | Digetive Disorders
Coevolution Understanding Evolution | Evolution 101
Coevolution between humans, bacteria reduces gastric cancer risk, research suggests ScienceDaily | Science News | January 15, 2014
Human-Pathogen Coevolution TheScientist | News & Opinion | Daily News | January 13, 2014
CLEVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOK PICKS:
If the discussion topic for this month's Science Cafe has the gears turning and you are interested in continuing your quest for information, click here to view just a small sample of what's available at Cleveland Public Library on the subject and/or related topics.
EVENT DETAILS:
WHERE:
The Music Box Supper Club - Concert Hall
1148 Main Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44113
WHEN:
July 10, 2017
Doors will be open 5:30 - 9:00 PM (Last call at 8:45PM). Presentation and discussion is 7:00 - 8:00 PM. The Concert Hall will also host a limited menu before and during the event. Not to mention a full bar! (Click here to view menu). Come early, get a good seat, grab a bite and a beverage and enjoy the discussion!
WHO:
Sponsored by Case Western Reserve University chapter of Sigma Xi, WCPN ideastream, and the Music Box Supper Club.
Click here for an event flyer (.pdf)
