If Our Bodies Could Talk

Operating and Maintaining a Human Body

By James Hamblin | Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

About the book

\"If you want to understand the strange workings of the human body, and the future of medicine, you must read this illuminating, engaging book.\" —Siddhartha Mukherjee, author of The Gene

In 2014, James Hamblin launched a series of videos for The Atlantic called \"If Our Bodies Could Talk.\"  With it, the doctor-turned-journalist established himself as a seriously entertaining authority in the field of health. Now, in illuminating and genuinely funny prose, Hamblin explores the human stories behind health questions that never seem to go away—and which tend to be mischaracterized and oversimplified by marketing and news media.  He covers topics such as sleep, aging, diet, and much more:
 
• Can I “boost” my immune system?
• Does caffeine make me live longer?
• Do we still not know if cell phones cause cancer?
• How much sleep do I actually need?
• Is there any harm in taking a multivitamin?
• Is life long enough?
 
In considering these questions, Hamblin draws from his own medical training as well from hundreds of interviews with distinguished scientists and medical practitioners.  He translates the (traditionally boring) textbook of human anatomy and physiology into accessible, engaging, socially contextualized, up-to-the-moment answers. They offer clarity, examine the limits of our certainty, and ultimately help readers worry less about things that don’t really matter.

If Our Bodies Could Talk is a comprehensive, illustrated guide that entertains and educates in equal doses.

Editions of If Our Bodies Could Talk

Hardcover
ISBN 9780385540971
Paperback
ISBN 9781101970829
EBook
ISBN 9780385540988
AudioStreaming
ISBN 9781524735197
AudioStreaming
ISBN 9781524735210
AudioDisc
ISBN 9781524735180
AudioDisc
ISBN 9781524735203

Read an Excerpt

\"If you want to understand the strange workings of the human body, and the future of medicine, you must read this illuminating, engaging book.\" —Siddhartha Mukherjee, author of The Gene

In 2014, James Hamblin launched a series of videos for The Atlantic called \"If Our Bodies Could Talk.\"  With it, the doctor-turned-journalist established himself as a seriously entertaining authority in the field of health. Now, in illuminating and genuinely funny prose, Hamblin explores the human stories behind health questions that never seem to go away—and which tend to be mischaracterized and oversimplified by marketing and news media.  He covers topics such as sleep, aging, diet, and much more:
 
• Can I “boost” my immune system?
• Does caffeine make me live longer?
• Do we still not know if cell phones cause cancer?
• How much sleep do I actually need?
• Is there any harm in taking a multivitamin?
• Is life long enough?
 
In considering these questions, Hamblin draws from his own medical training as well from hundreds of interviews with distinguished scientists and medical practitioners.  He translates the (traditionally boring) textbook of human anatomy and physiology into accessible, engaging, socially contextualized, up-to-the-moment answers. They offer clarity, examine the limits of our certainty, and ultimately help readers worry less about things that don’t really matter.

If Our Bodies Could Talk is a comprehensive, illustrated guide that entertains and educates in equal doses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is If Our Bodies Could Talk about?

\"If you want to understand the strange workings of the human body, and the future of medicine, you must read this illuminating, engaging book.\" —Siddhartha Mukherjee, author of The Gene

In 2014, James Hamblin launched a series of videos for The Atlantic called \"If Our Bodies Could Talk.\"  With it, the doctor-turned-journalist established himself as a seriously entertaining authority in the field of health. Now, in illuminating and genuinely funny prose, Hamblin explores the human stories behind health questions that never seem to go away—and which tend to be mischaracterized and oversimplified by marketing and news media.  He covers topics such as sleep, aging, diet, and much more:
 
• Can I “boost” my immune system?
• Does caffeine make me live longer?
• Do we still not know if cell phones cause cancer?
• How much sleep do I actually need?
• Is there any harm in taking a multivitamin?
• Is life long enough?
 
In considering these questions, Hamblin draws from his own medical training as well from hundreds of interviews with distinguished scientists and medical practitioners.  He translates the (traditionally boring) textbook of human anatomy and physiology into accessible, engaging, socially contextualized, up-to-the-moment answers. They offer clarity, examine the limits of our certainty, and ultimately help readers worry less about things that don’t really matter.

If Our Bodies Could Talk is a comprehensive, illustrated guide that entertains and educates in equal doses.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in If Our Bodies Could Talk?

Health, Relationships and Personal development > Family and health > Fitness and diet > Health: Diets and nutrition

Where can I read a sample of If Our Bodies Could Talk?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780385540971

Who is/are the Author/s of the book If Our Bodies Could Talk?

James Hamblin

Who is the Publisher of the book If Our Bodies Could Talk?

Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

If Our Bodies Could Talk is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780385540971) and paperback(ISBN 9781101970829) and ebook(ISBN 9780385540988) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9781524735197) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9781524735210) and audiodisc(ISBN 9781524735180) and audiodisc(ISBN 9781524735203)

Where can I buy If Our Bodies Could Talk online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy If Our Bodies Could Talk from below

Where can I buy If Our Bodies Could Talk?