Through selective breeding, genetic manipulation and a greater understanding of nutrition and our own biochemistry, we have created new and enriched food sources. Modern medicine has greatly improved the survival rate for children and extended the life expectancy of adults. In parts of the world, vaccines and immunisation programmes have even eliminated some diseases entirely. These are just a few of the factors which have led to an explosion in the human population to its present level of nearly 6.8 billion ("Why Urban Health Matters," 2010).
Contrary to the success of our species in populating every corner of the globe, new challenges, illnesses and diseases which previously did not exist in the human population have appeared. World renowned scientists, Sir Peter Gluckman and Mark Hanson, report evidence showing that dramatic changes in our diet, food intake and energy expenditure have led to an increase in obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular (heart) disease. In their book, Mismatch (2006), Gluckman and Hanson explore ideas related to what happens when we are born into a world that is different to the one our bodies have prepared for us to be born into.
This site is dedicated to explaining what being mismatched means for you and I and to exploring the science ideas behind the mismatch. You are invited to examine the possibilities and limitations of our biology and the potential impact we are having on one another as a result of our lifestyle choices and the manipulation of our world. More importantly, this site will challenge you to explore how humankind can use our greatest trait, our intelligence, to understand the effects of the mismatch so that we may assist our generation and future generations successfully navigate the uncertain road ahead.
Gluckman, P., & Hanson, M. (2006). Mismatch: The lifestyle diseases timebomb. New York: Oxford University Press.
Why Urban Health Matters. (2010): World Health Organisation.