Evolutionary Medicine is limited by its reliance on Evolution


Darwinize It Two Times: On the Possibilities of Extending Evolutionary Medicine Through New Developments in Evolutionary Theory 

by Ozan Altan Altinok is a paper that argues that the latest developments in evolutionary theory can be used to extend the reach and power of evolutionary medicine (EM). EM is a field of study that applies evolutionary theory to the understanding and treatment of human diseases.

Altinok begins by arguing that EM is currently limited by its reliance on the Modern Synthesis (MS) of evolutionary theory. The MS is a framework for understanding evolution that was developed in the mid-20th century. It is based on the principles of natural selection, genetic variation, and population genetics. While the MS has had some success in explaining aspects of evolution, it has also been criticized for being too narrow and for failing to account for some important evolutionary phenomena.

Altinok then discusses some of the key developments in evolutionary theory that have occurred since the MS was developed. These developments include the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES) and the introduction of new evolutionary entities, such as epigenetics and niche construction. The EES is a framework for understanding evolution that builds on the MS but also incorporates insights from other fields, such as developmental biology and ecology. It provides a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of how evolution works.

Altinok argues that the EES and the new evolutionary entities can be used to extend the reach and power of EM in several ways. For example, the EES can be used to better understand the role of development in disease susceptibility and the impact of the environment on disease risk. Additionally, the new evolutionary entities can be used to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

Altinok concludes by arguing that EM has the potential to become a powerful tool for improving human health and well-being. However, in order to reach its full potential, EM needs to be updated to reflect the latest developments in evolutionary theory.

Here are some specific examples of how the EES and the new evolutionary entities could be used to extend the reach and power of EM:

  • The EES could be used to develop better models of how complex diseases, such as cancer and heart disease, develop. These models could then be used to identify new therapeutic targets and to develop more personalized treatments.

  • The EES could also be used to better understand the role of infection in chronic diseases. For example, it is now known that some infections can trigger epigenetic changes that can lead to cancer or other chronic diseases.

  • The new evolutionary entities, such as epigenetics and niche construction, could be used to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. For example, epigenetic changes could be used to develop new biomarkers for disease detection and to develop new epigenetic drugs for disease treatment.

Overall, Altinok's paper makes a compelling case that the latest developments in evolutionary theory have the potential to revolutionize EM. By applying the EES and the new evolutionary entities to the study of human disease, EM researchers can gain a deeper understanding of how diseases develop and identify new ways to prevent and treat them.

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