WHAT SCIENCE HAS LEARNED ABOUT THE HUMAN CONDITION
The following lecture series is being given this winter by the Osher
Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Cost is $30 per person for all six lectures or $10 per lecture.
January 10 – The Evolving World: Evolution in Everyday
Life
This talk will present and discuss the many applications of evolution
to our everyday lives. Knowledge of evolution is applied to domestication
of wild species for agriculture; in managing our exposure to pathogens
to prevent or control epidemics; in promoting human health; in the
pursuit of justice within the legal system; and more. This talk seeks
to show that understanding and application of evolutionary science
has become indispensable in modern societies.
January 17 – What Science Has, and Hasn’t Taught
Us About Consciousness
There will be a review of research with healthy individuals, with
patients having neurological disorders, and with animals that has
helped us understand the physical basis of consciousness. This research
answers some questions about our awareness of sensations and thoughts,
but leaves others a mystery. The facilitator will speculate on how
far we can go toward a complete understanding of consciousness using
scientific method.
January 24 – Applications and Implications of DNA Based
Discoveries on Human Health and Behaviour: Discoveries, Dilemmas and
the Decade Ahead
During the past several decades we have witnessed unprecedented advances
in molecular research, biotechnology, and computer science, ushering
in a new era of genomic medicine. Scientists are now armed with knowledge
about our human DNA sequence, as well as the DNA sequences of several
other animals, fungi, viruses, and bacteria. With this knowledge geneticists
are identifying DNA alterations important in health and disease, including
common complex disorders such as cancer and adult-onset neuropsychiatric
conditions. Importantly, they are developing methods to help predict,
diagnose, and manage genetically-rooted conditions with the ultimate
goal of preventing and combating human disease, from using genetic
tests in the clinic to employing advance reproductive technology in
the laboratory. Questions arise as we consider what defines disease
that merits genetic intervention and who should benefit form the new
knowledge and technology.
January 31 – Mental Illness in Relation to Brain Function:
Advances in Treatment
Advances are being made in understanding stress, genetics, neurotrophins,
brain imaging and anti-depressant responses. The goal is to detect
and treat depression earlier, present progress in, counteract stigma,
and translate this into primary and specialty care settings where
depression is found.
February 7 – The Human Migration Story
There is a curious lack of evolutionary outlook in most of those who
say they are studying human evolution. The leader will explain how
that came to be and will also summarize the DNA evidence for prehistoric
and modern human population relationships. He will then give a picture
of the archaeological evidence for human population spreads and what
this evidence can tell us about population relationships. Finally,
he will show the anatomical evidence and how and why it changes through
time, and what it says about population relationships despite apparent
differences.
February 14 – How to Create or Undermine Social Support
Research shows that social relationships and social support have important
effects on mental health and physical health, including immune system
functioning and depression. Less is known about how people can increase
the social support available to them. The leader will describe research
showing how people’s goals can led to increases or decreases
in social support, and the consequences for their relationships, well-being
and emotional state.