Summary

Dr. David Raichlen of USC talks about using evolutionary biology to understand modern health consequences. For example, can aerobic exercise paired with mental stimulation result in the formation of neurons? If so, why? And how can we apply that information to helping modern humans live healthier lives?

Recommendations

• What to read to learn more:
  • Raichlen, David & Alexcander, Gene A. (2020). Why your brain needs exercise: The evolutionary history of humans explains why physical activity is important for brain health. Scientific American. 322, 1.
  • Scientific American articles by Herman Pontzer
  • The Story of the Human Body: Evolution, Health, and Disease by Daniel Lieberman
• What he’s reading for work right now:
  • Reading outside of anthropology to get new ideas
  • The Catalyst: How to Change Anyone’s Mind by Jonah Berger
• What he’s consuming for fun right now:
  • Better Call Saul
  • The New Yorker
• BONUS – What I was reading:
  • Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein

Reference articles:

• Raichlen, David & Pontzer, Herman & Zderic, Theodore & Harris, Jacob & Mabulla, Audax ZP & Hamilton, Marc & Wood, Brian. (2020). Sitting, squatting, and the evolutionary biology of human inactivity. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 117. 201911868. 10.1073/pnas.1911868117.
• Pontzer, Herman & Wood, Brian & Raichlen, David. (2018). Hunter-gatherers as models in public health: Hunter-gatherer health and lifestyle. Obesity Reviews. 19. 24-35. 10.1111/obr.12785.
• Raichlen, David & Alexander, Gene. (2017). Adaptive Capacity: An Evolutionary Neuroscience Model Linking Exercise, Cognition, and Brain Health. Trends in Neurosciences. 40. 10.1016/j.tins.2017.05.001.
• Raichlen, David & Alexcander, Gene A. (2020). Why your brain needs exercise: The evolutionary history of humans explains why physical activity is important for brain health. Scientific American. 322, 1.