Death and taxes: the role of disease in human evolution

Along with death and taxes, disease is an inevitable presence in the lives of all humans and our ancestors. Yet disease is often overlooked in the seven million year human evolutionary journey. This lecture will explore the ancient relationship between humans and disease and its impact in the past, present and future.

Professor Simon Underdown’s fieldwork has taken him all over the world, from the glaciers of Tierra del Fuego to the deserts of Arabia. A particular highlight has been working with the Ju|’ Honas San hunter-gatherers of Namibia, unravelling the impact of diet and disease on their gut microbiome.

While on fieldwork in the UAE, Simon was mistaken for Lionel Messi and forced to pose for multiple selfies with his adoring ‘fans’.