Why Aren't We Dead Yet?: the survivor's guide to the immune system

by Idan Ben-Barak

Overview

SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2015 BRAGG UNSW PRESS PRIZE FOR SCIENCE WRITING

Disease — specifically infectious disease — is what eventually kills the overwhelming majority of us. In fact, it’s amazing that it doesn’t get us sooner: we fight off millions of disease-causing germs every day.

So how come we’re not dead yet? In this lively and accessible book, Idan Ben-Barak tells us why. He explores the immune system and what keeps it running, how germs are destroyed, and why we develop immunities to certain disease-causing agents. He also examines the role of antibiotics and vaccines, and looks at what the future holds for our collective chances of not being dead.

This is entertaining and thoughtful science writing to inspire the student interested in a career in medicine or immunology, or to inform the reader who just wants to understand more about their body while having a laugh along the way.

PRAISE FOR IDAN BEN-BARAK

‘[F]riendly and engaging ... accessible to anyone who's curious about the mechanics of the human body.’ The Age

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781925113297
Publisher:	Scribe Publications Pty Ltd
Publication date:	07/28/2014
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	224
File size:	366 KB

About the Author

Idan Ben-Barak holds a BSc in medical science and an MSc in microbiology from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and a PhD in the history and philosophy of science at the University of Sydney. His first book, Small Wonders: how microbes rule our world was published by Scribe and translated into five languages. It won the 2010 American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru SB&F (Science Books and Films) Prize for Excellence in Science Books, Young Adult category. Idan’s new book is Why Aren’t We Dead Yet? the survivor’s guide to the immune system, published by Scribe. He lives in Melbourne with his wife and two children.