Jaap de Roode, a biology professor at Emory University, has always been fascinated by the natural world. Growing up in the Netherlands, he studied biology at Wageningen University and later became a renowned expert in the field of monarch butterflies and their infectious diseases. His research has taken him down a unique path, where he is discovering the medicinal properties of plants used by animals. Animal Medicine: A New Frontier
De Roode’s discovery that monarchs can use toxic plants as medicine has opened doors to a new field of research. He has written a book titled Doctors by Nature: How Ants, Apes & Other Animals Heal Themselves (Princeton University Press), which delves into the world of animal medicine. The book explores how scientists are turning to the medical knowledge of the animal kingdom to develop new treatments and discover new drugs.
- Bees use wax to heal wounds and protect themselves from infection
- Bears use plants to treat infections and alleviate pain
- Butterflies use toxic plants to defend themselves against predators
In his book, de Roode showcases the remarkable healing abilities of animals. He explains how bees use wax to heal wounds and protect themselves from infection, bears use plants to treat infections and alleviate pain, and butterflies use toxic plants to defend themselves against predators.
“We can learn a lot from the natural world about how to heal ourselves. Animals have evolved remarkable strategies to protect themselves from harm and promote healing. By studying these strategies, we can gain insights into the development of new treatments and therapies.”
| Animal | Medicinal Use |
|---|---|
| Bees | Wax to heal wounds and protect against infection |
| Bears | Plants to treat infections and alleviate pain |
| Butterflies | Toxic plants to defend against predators |
From Animals to Medicine
De Roode’s research has far-reaching implications for human medicine. By studying the medicinal properties of plants used by animals, scientists can develop new treatments for human diseases. For example, research on the medicinal properties of plants used by bears could lead to the development of new painkillers. A Conversation with Jaap de Roode
We had the opportunity to speak with de Roode about his research and his book. Here’s what he had to say:
“I’m passionate about uncovering the secrets of animal medicine. I believe that by studying the natural world, we can gain insights into the development of new treatments and therapies. It’s an exciting time to be a biologist, and I feel privileged to be a part of it.”
The Future of Animal Medicine
As de Roode’s research continues to grow, we can expect to see more breakthroughs in the field of animal medicine. The possibilities are endless, and it’s an exciting time to be a part of this field.
Favorite Books and Authors
Jaap de Roode has a deep love for reading and has enjoyed many books throughout his life. Here are some of his favorite authors and books:
- Favorite author: J.R.R. Tolkien
- Favorite book: Watership Down by Richard Adams
- Favorite author: Frans de Waal
- Favorite book: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
- Favorite author: Harry Mulisch
- Favorite book: The Red Queen: Sex and the Evolution of Human Nature
Book Recommendations
If you’re looking for new books to read, Jaap de Roode has some recommendations:
- Doctor’s by Nature: How Ants, Apes & Other Animals Heal Themselves
- Watership Down
- The Red Queen: Sex and the Evolution of Human Nature
- Eight Bears
About Jaap de Roode
Jaap de Roode is a biology professor at Emory University and has written a book titled Doctors by Nature: How Ants, Apes & Other Animals Heal Themselves. He is passionate about uncovering the secrets of animal medicine and believes that by studying the natural world, we can gain insights into the development of new treatments and therapies.