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The Tenth lecture of the 210th Lecture Series
Wednesday 22nd February 7.30pm
Professor Dorothy H Crawford
Microbes have inhabited planet Earth for over 4 billion years and during this time they have adapted to occupy every available niche including the most inhospitable hot springs, deep ocean trenches, acid lakes and polar ice caps. In contrast modern man only evolved some 200,000 years ago and we are still learning to live in harmony with microbes; the invisible enemy.
By colonising our bodies microbes have profoundly influenced our evolution and by causing epidemics and pandemics they have helped to shape our history. But despite our detailed knowledge of their makeup, and an armament of weapons to fight them, microbes are still responsible for 14 million deaths a year. And presently they are emerging at an increasing rate.
In this talk I will explore the links between the emergence of microbes and the cultural evolution of the human race. I will contrast the infectious diseases suffered by our hunter gatherer, farmer and city-dwelling ancestors as man’s lifestyle has changed through the ages, and show how microbes have exploited every opportunity to infect and reproduce, thereby ensuring their own future. Finally we will take a look at modern times with our present problems, and I will pose the question: are we better off today than our ancient ancestors were?
Emeritus Professor of Medical Microbiology and Assistant Principal for Public Understanding of Medicine, University of Edinburgh. My research investigates cancer causing viruses and how the cancers may be prevented and treated. I also write popular science books including ‘The Invisible Enemy’, OUP, 2000; ‘Deadly Companions’, OUP 2007.
How to get there:
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- Location of John Anderson Building
MEMBERS’ NIGHT
Wednesday 7th March 2012
Please note that the Members’ Talks night is now being held on Wednesday 7th March.
Next lecture
Tenth Lecture of the 210 Lecture Series – 22 February 2012
Prof Dorothy H Crawford
Microbes and us: an illustrated talk on how microbes shaped our history
Non-members and guests will be very welcome at all meetings.
All lectures take place on Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm in:
John Anderson Building, 107 Rottenrow East, Strathclyde University, Glasgow G4 ONG
Cars can enter through barrier from the Barony and park in the campus. Refreshments are served after the meetings. All welcome!
News
The lecture on the 8th February is unaffected by the fire at Strathclyde university and will go on as scheduled
Preview of the 2012th Lecture Series
8th February John Burn: Professor of Clinical Genetics, Newcastle University
22nd February Dorothy Crawford: Professor of Medical Microbiology, University of Edinburgh
7th March Members’ Talks
21st March Onora O’Neill: Philosopher and presenter of the 2002 Reith Lectures
AGM
RECOGNISED BY THE INLAND REVENUE AS A CHARITY, NO. SC 015557