Richard Lathe – författare

Do we age because our tissues become increasingly worn out? This book comprehensively dismisses this idea and provides a fresh perspective on the science and philosophy of aging. In this remarkably comprehensive work, the authors describe how lifespan is an intrinsic feature of each species and argue that aging has evolved as an adaptation for the benefit of the group. The book outlines the historical background and focuses on the different and often conflicting theories of aging. The authors propose that there is a 'lifetime clock' located in the central nervous system that signals via the blood and determines the rate of aging and timing of demise. Drawing on studies in multiple species, the text discusses the circulating factors that are involved in this process and suggests that the primary targets of the clock are stem cells whose rates of renewal dwindle with age, which in turn impacts most acutely on the immune system. As a consequence, the majority of age-related conditions, including disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, are ultimately triggered by infection. The book goes on to describe attempts over the centuries to defer aging, some of which presage current thinking, and review the biomedical and lifestyle options that are available to counter the onset of age-related disorders. Finally, the book concludes by discussing the profound ethical issues engendered by bids to develop new anti-aging treatments. Accessible to specialists and general readers alike, this book is a must-read for everyone with a serious interest in key questions surrounding mortality.

The increasing number of people being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) cannot simply be explained by changes in diagnostic criteria or greater awareness of the condition. In this controversial new book, Richard Lathe contends that the recent rise in cases of ASDs is a result of increased exposure to environmental toxicity combined with genetic predisposition.Autism, Brain, and Environment proposes that autism is a disorder of the limbic brain, which is damaged by toxic heavy metals present in the environment. Lathe argues that most ASD children have additional physiological problems and that these, far from being separate from the psychiatric aspects of ASD, can produce and exacerbate the condition.This important and groundbreaking text provides a closely-argued scientific case for the involvement of both environmental and physiological factors in autism. Lathe's argument will also have a direct impact on treatment strategies and options. It will be of great interest to the scientific community, professionals, researchers, political and environmental lobbyists, teachers, psychologists, and parents and people with ASDs.