Fundación io

Summary

Hidden away within living tissues, parasites are all around us—and inside us. Yet, despite their unsavory characteristics, as we find in this compulsively readable book, parasites have played an enormous role in civilizations through time and around the globe. Parasites: Tales of Humanity’s Most Unwelcome Guests puts amoebae, roundworms, tapeworms, mites, and others at the center of the action as human cultures have evolved and declined. It shows their role in exploration, war, and even terrorist plots, often through an unpredictable ripple effect. It reveals them as invisible threats in our food, water, and luggage; as invaders that have shaped behaviors and taboos; and as unexpected partners in such venues as crime scene investigations.

Parasites also describes their evolution and life histories and considers their significant benefits. Deftly blending the sociological with the scientific, this natural and social history of parasites looks closely at a fascinating, often disgusting group of organisms and discovers that they are in fact an integral thread in the web of life.

Autors

Rosemary Drisdelle

Table of contents

List of Illustrations Acknowledgments Author's Note Introduction 1. Ambush Parasites that have changed human history2. Market of Peril Parasites versus food safety regulations—is anything safe to eat?3. Drinking-Water Advisory How parasites get into our water and what we try to do about it4. Illegal Aliens The unintentional but persistent global movement of parasites by humans5. Parasites in Control As in science fiction, some parasites do take over their hosts6. In the House of Mirrors Good, bad, and imaginary—the cultural meanings and practical uses of parasites, and the power of fear7. The Parasite Felonies Criminals who cast their lot in with parasites8. Emerging Parasites The ones that seem to come out of nowhere, and where they really come from9. Parasite Extinction Can we ever get rid of these unwelcome guests?Epilogue Notes Selected Bibliography and Additional Reading Index