Continuing my journey in search of scientific knowledge, this time I ventured from History and Sociology to Physiology and Medicine. 

Bill Bryson’s book “The Body: A Guide for the Occupant” is a fantastic journey through all our cells, from conception to development throughout adult life, and explores what’s happening inside our brain, blood vessels, skin cells, eyes, ears, and sexual organs. 

The author is not a doctor or a scientist per se, but his research is very well done and presented in an easily understandable way, even for complex subjects. For example, he explains how DNA divides and recombines after division, with each sequence determining what each part of the body should do and how to behave. 

The body is an incredible working machine built primarily on water (approximately 80%), fat, and protein. It is capable of detecting at least a trillion odors through our 400 types of odor receptors. This book uncovers these fascinating curiosities and much more. 

The reading experience is enjoyable and pleasant throughout, as the author simplifies and explains complicated topics. 

The way evolution has shaped and molded our ability to walk has had an immediate impact, leaving us with vocal tracts capable of articulating speech. Who would have guessed that our ability to talk is thanks to bipedalism? 

From zygote to a fully formed adult, and then to each system in the body, Bill Bryson describes how food travels from the mouth to the gut, how molecules are broken down by acids and bacteria. We all know that eating fiber reduces the risk of heart diseases, but it’s important to keep our gut microbes happy to make the most of everything we eat. 

The journey continues to pregnancy, and how the first 1000 days influence how comfortably we will live decades later. As we develop and progress in life, many things can go wrong. A dedicated chapter on diseases left me impressed by how our bodies are constantly fighting against everything that goes awry inside. It’s interesting to note that the book was written before the COVID-19 outbreak, as the author discusses how a successful virus is the one that doesn’t kill too efficiently and can circulate widely. Perhaps SARS-CoV-2 was one of the exceptions, as it spread rapidly and had a high fatality rate. Fortunately, we were fortunate enough to have vaccines and technology developed a few years earlier, thanks to the work of Jennifer Doudna, the Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry in 2020. 

Even after the COVID-19 pandemic, the author is correct in stating that smallpox is the most devastating disease in the history of mankind. It killed 300 million people every single year since 1900. 

In conclusion, Bill Bryson’s “The Body: A Guide for the Occupant” is a captivating exploration of the intricate workings of our own bodies. Through engaging storytelling and accessible explanations, Bryson takes readers on a journey from the microscopic realm of cells to the grand complexity of our physiological systems. With a remarkable ability to simplify complex subjects, the author sheds light on the wonders of human biology, leaving readers with a newfound appreciation for the miraculous machine we inhabit. By delving into topics ranging from evolution and disease to pregnancy and the impact of our daily choices, Bryson prompts us to marvel at the resilience and adaptability of our bodies. “The Body” not only offers a wealth of fascinating information but also serves as a reminder of the incredible interconnectedness of our physical selves. It is a book that will both enlighten and inspire, urging us to cherish and care for our bodies as we navigate the extraordinary journey of life.