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Aetiology

Discussing causes, origins, evolution, and implications of disease and other phenomena.

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"...a veritable expert on tawdry cosmetic procedures gone horribly awry..."--Kevin Beck

Tara C. Smith is an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology. Her research involves a number of pathogens at the animal-human nexus. Additionally, she is the founder of Iowa Citizens for Science and also writes for The Panda's Thumb and WIRED SCIENCE's Correlations. Please note the views expressed on this site are Dr. Smith's alone and may not be representative of the groups mentioned above.

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Infectious Disease Series

Infectious causes of chronic disease:

The controversy surrounding the existence of nanobacteria

This is the sixth of 6 guest posts on infection and chronic disease. By Courtney Cook Kidney stone disease affects approximately 5% of Americans. While several risk factors are well-established, including genetic predisposition, metabolic diseases, lifestyle, and diet, there are...

A Deeper Look into Adenovirus-36 and Obesity

How strong is the link between adenovirus and obesity?

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, and Milk

A unique perspective on Crohn's and infectious disease.

Big Questions, Little Answers: the debate over autism

Student post #2: what are some of the issues and controversies in autism epidemiology?

The ABCs (and DEGs) of hepatitis viruses

Hepatitis viruses are making news around the world; find a roundup of the various types (and their basic epidemiology) here.

Behaviors, Human Papilloma Virus and Sex Act Cancers

HPV has been linked to more than cervical cancer; oral cancers can result from infection.

Crohn's disease: exploring the causes

Crohn's affects half a million Americans; what do we know about its potential cause(s)?

Morgellon's disease: Is it "Madness" or "Malade"?

Morgellon's disease: is it real, and what does the CDC intend to do about it?

The "Skinny Shot" and Media Accountability

Infectious obesity: what's hype, and what's supported by the evidence?

Schizophrenia: is it really just "all in your head?"

Can a parasite cause mental illness?

Could the Cervical Cancer Vaccine Gardasil also Protect against Breast Cancer?

Viruses are increasingly being linked to cancers; could a vaccine against one type of virus protect against multiple cancers?

Introducing...

...my grad students. My spring semester course is on infectious causes of chronic disease, looking at the role various infections play in cancer, autoimmune disease, mental illness, and other chronic conditions. Since I've often discussed the importance of having scientists...

Of jackalopes and tree men--and the virus they have in common

Papilloma viruses are not to be trifled with...

How can sexual activity increase your risk for Alzheimer's or other brain diseases?

Evil Monkey has the scoop....

Update on Tasmanian Devil cancer

More insight into why this strange cancer is killing Tasmanian devils--and why they can't fight it off.

Did Hitler have syphilis?

How has syphilis influenced the course of history?

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