Dickson D. Despommier's vivid, visceral account of the biology, behavior, and history of parasites follows the interplay between these fascinating life forms and human society over thousands of years. Despommier focuses on long-term host-parasite associations, which have evolved to avoid or even subvert the human immune system. Some parasites do great damage to their hosts, while others have signed a kind of "peace treaty" in exchange for their long lives within them. Many parasites also practice clever survival strategies that medical scientists hope to mimic as they search for treatments for Crohn's disease, food allergies, type 1 diabetes, organ transplantation, and other medical challenges. Despommier concentrates on particularly remarkable and often highly pathogenic organisms, describing their lifecycles and the mechanisms they use to avoid elimination. He details their attack and survival plans and the nature of the illnesses they cause in general terms, enabling readers of all backgrounds to steal a glimpse into the secret work of such effective invaders. He also points to the cultural contexts in which these parasites thrive and reviews the current treatments available to defeat them. Encouraging scientists to continue to study these organisms even if their threat is largely contained, Despommier shows how closer dissection of the substances parasites produce to alter our response to them could help unravel some of our most complex medical conundrums.

People, Parasites, and Plowshares: Learning from Our Body's Most Terrifying Invaders

Science & Math

Despommier, Dickson

Biological Sciences

Columbia University Press

The New City: How to Build Our Sustainable Urban Future

Business & Money

Economics

West Nile Story

West Nile Story describes the outbreaks of the West Nile virus that occurred in and around New York City in 1999 and again in 2000. It contains an additional chapter to the soft cover edition, "We Paved Paradise." West Nile Story is intended for a mature general audience (age 15 and up). Both the soft cover and hard cover versions have received high praise from reviewers and readers, alike.

Apple Trees Productions, LLC

West Nile Story describes the outbreaks of the West Nile virus that occurred in and around New York City in 1999 and again in 2000. It contains an additional chapter to the soft cover edition, "We Paved Paradise." West Nile Story is intended for a mature general audience (age 15 and up). Both the soft cover and hard cover versions have received high praise from reviewers and readers, alike.

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Books by Despommier, Dickson