Germs, Genes and Genesis: The History of Infectious Disease

Where do infectious diseases come from? Some come from animals, but we gave some back (as cattle picked up TB from farmers). Leviticus discusses the problem of leprosy at some length and even develops an early form of quarantine. Epidemics of various kinds began only when human populations and the first cities (Babylon included) were large enough to sustain the infectious agents responsible.

Now genetics, of humans and their enemies, is beginning to tell us more. And the news is not good.

This is a free public lecture by Professor Steve Jones, Visiting Gresham Professor of Genetics.

There is no need to book in advance for this lecture. It runs on a first come first served basis.