{"title":"Laurence D. Hurst","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiscover the insightful world of Laurence D. Hurst, a prominent author and renowned evolutionary geneticist. Dive into his thought-provoking works that explore the intricacies of evolution and genetics. Laurence D. Hurst's books, including the intriguing \u003cem\u003eThe Evolution of Imperfection\u003c\/em\u003e, offer readers a deeper understanding of the natural world through the lens of science and nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHurst's writing is celebrated for its clear explanations and captivating narrative, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. Whether you're a seasoned science enthusiast or a curious learner, his books provide valuable insights into the evolutionary processes that shape life as we know it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith a focus on the peculiarities and imperfections of evolution, Laurence D. Hurst encourages readers to question and appreciate the diversity of life on Earth. His contributions to the field are not only academically significant but also immensely engaging for anyone keen on understanding the wonders of the natural world.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-evolution-of-imperfection-by-laurence-d-hurst-9780691247397","title":"The Evolution of Imperfection","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow understanding our genetic imperfections can change our view of evolution and enrich what it means to be human\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf we start with the presumption that evolution is a constantly improving process, some aspects of our evolution just do not make sense. We have a high rate of genetic diseases, for example, and much of our DNA seems to be pointless. In \u003ci\u003eThe Evolution of Imperfection\u003c\/i\u003e, Laurence Hurst explores our apparently rotten genetic luck.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHurst, a leading authority on evolution and genetics, argues that our evolutionary imperfections proceed directly from two features: the difficulties of pregnancy and the fact that historically, there are relatively few of us. In pregnancy, natural selection can favour chromosomes that kill embryos in species (including ours) that continuously receive resources from the mother. Most fertilised eggs don't make it, and incompatibilities between the foetus and mother can lead to lethal disorders of pregnancy. The historically small population size enhances the role of chance, which in turn leads to both accumulation of unnecessary DNA and more mutation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSo what can save us? One answer may lie in genetic medicine, which has given us therapies that make killer conditions preventable and even curable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHurst suggests that our seeming imperfections could be the key to a new way to understand evolution itself. Looking at circumstances that seem to defy explanation, we might come to a richer understanding of how evolution really works, and what it means to be human.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"NewSouth Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46854986793196,"sku":"9780691247397","price":59.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/3bff4e2e6106bdf689faad178aeac635.jpg?v=1759262941"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/laurence-d-hurst.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}