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You gotta wonder if all that cave dwelling (lots of radon exposure) by our long-dead ancesters may have contributed to the genetic changes that led to what we now know ...
- 06-27-2009 #11Linux Guru
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You gotta wonder if all that cave dwelling (lots of radon exposure) by our long-dead ancesters may have contributed to the genetic changes that led to what we now know as the human race. Of course, I think their low life-expectancy was more likely due to the lack of antibiotics, pedation by big meat-eating animals, knocks on the head by other proto-humans, starvation, and general exposure to the elements, rather than lung cancer caused by excessive exposure to radon in their split-level caves.
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Just remember, Semper Gumbi - always be flexible!
- 06-27-2009 #12Linux Guru
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It's interesting alright, Rubberman. I come from the east coast of Ireland which is volcanic and largely consists of granite which itself is radioactive. I think you're right though, these things only become apparent with longer life spans. If you looked at the statistics you might be inclined to believe that cancer rates had gone up over the past 150 years, whereas in reality what has happend is medicine has improved and taken away the risks from other diseases and as a result our lifespan is much longer. Chances are you won't get polio or smallpox and you likely won't die from influenza if you catch it, but you may just be (un)lucky enough to live long enough to get cancer. That child that may have died from a fever or even starvation 150 years ago wouldn't now, but may also live to be 65 and develop prostate cancer.
Apologies if that sounded flippant, it was not meant to be humourous.
- 06-27-2009 #13Trusted Penguin
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I think you are right. However I would go further and say that brain disorders such as alzheimers are no more common today except that people are living long enough to suffer from them.
Of course the modern life style of crappy diet, little excercise and extreme pollution will play their part too.If we hit that bullseye, the rest of the dominoes will fall like a house of cards. Checkmate! (Zapp Brannigan)
My new blog. It's probably not as good as I think it is.
- 06-27-2009 #14Linux Guru
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Indeed that modern medicine has extended our life expectancies considerably. My aunt would have died some time ago without such benefits, but today at 96+ years she is still tending her garden and traveling all over the world!
Sometimes, real fast is almost as good as real time.
Just remember, Semper Gumbi - always be flexible!
- 06-27-2009 #15Linux Guru
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And speaking of garden, I need to go and mow my yard today! If I leave it any longer, I will need a guide dog to find my way out of it!
Sometimes, real fast is almost as good as real time.
Just remember, Semper Gumbi - always be flexible!
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