Events

Past Event

Ted Anton - Planet of Microbes

November 1, 2017
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
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Book Culture, 536 West 112th Street, New York
Photo of a book entitled "Planet of Microbes" with large, green microbes

Professor Ted Anton will speak about his newest book, Planet of Microbes: The Perils and Potential of Earth’s Essential Life Forms (University of Chicago Press).

In Planet of Microbes, Anton takes readers through the most recent discoveries about microbes, revealing their unexpected potential to reshape the future of the planet. For years, we knew little about these invisible invaders, considering them as little more than our enemies in our fight against infectious disease. But the more we learn about microbes, the more it’s become clear that our very lives depend on them. They may also hold the answers to some of science’s most pressing problems, including how to combat a warming planet, clean up the environment, and help the body fight off a wide variety of diseases. Anton has spent years interviewing and working with the determined scientists who hope to harness the work of microbes, and he breaks down the science while also sharing incredible behind-the-scenes stories of the research taking place everywhere from microbreweries to Mars.

This event is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is required via EventbriteA light reception and book signing will follow the talk. This event is supported by Book Culture.

Photo of Ted Anton

Ted Anton is a Carl Sandburg Award-Winner in Nonfiction and a Nominee for a National Magazine Award in Reporting. His book, The Longevity Seekers: Science, Business and the Fountain of Youth (University of Chicago Press, 2013) follows the science and business race for a drug to extend human health. His previous book, Bold Science: Seven Scientists Who Are Changing Our World (Henry Holt: 2000, W.H. Freeman, paperback: 2001) told the story of scientific creativity and entrepreneurism. Anton is a professor in the English department at DePaul University in Chicago, and chair of the Age Studies Executive Committee of the Modern Language Association.