The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History has a new exhibition that’s called Evolution and Health.  It will run from February 3, 2012 – January 13, 2013.  And on Friday at 5:00pm, there will be an opening reception in which Dr. Randolph Nesse will give a short lecture.

If you’re on the UM Museum of Natural History’s mailing list, you may have already received this notification.

Ever wonder why so many people have knee problems and backaches? Or why we crave sweet and fatty foods? A new exhibition at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History (UMMNH) explores these and other questions about our health.

Evolution & Health explores how the ways in which we humans evolved promoted our survival, but not always our health.  Featuring interactive components and videos, the exhibition explores how evolutionary factors contribute to contemporary health issues including low back pain, skin cancer, lactose intolerance, and obesity.

The U-M Museum of Natural History is the first venue for the exhibition, which will travel nationally.  Audience research will help the exhibition developers refine the exhibition.  Additional exhibit components will be added in Fall 2012.

Evolution & Health was developed by the New York Hall of Science and was made possible by a Science Education Partnership (SEPA) grant from the National Center for Research Resources, a component of the National Institutes of Health.

For directions to the museum, click here.  I recommend using the underground parking structure off of Palmer Drive across the street from the hospital and medical centers.  Don’t park in the structure off of Fletcher Avenue unless you want to pay a fine on your way out.  It’s intended for hospital staff and patients only.