The Telomere Effect by Blackburn and Epel ***

Linus Pauling won the Nobel Prize and went on to many other fields, notably promoting Vitamin C as a miracle drug. He demonstrated that excellent work in one field does not guarantee the same success in another. The Telomere Effect by Blackburn and Epel is another example of a Nobel Prize winner expanding beyond their field of expertise. I imagine this book will join Linus Pauling's Vitamin C books-distinguished author, undistinguished book.

Non-fiction science books tend to take two approaches. The first is to review the research in detail. This is the best science writing, but it is hard to write. The second is to review the research in passing, and otherwise write about anecdotes and opinions. The Telomere Effect is a book of the second type.

This book is a monument to correlation implies causation with statements like...

"Clinical depression and anxiety are linked to (correlated with) shorter telomeres."

Various alternative medicine approaches are recommended with statements like...

"The mind-body techniques and practices here have been shown in at least one study (emphasis added) to increase telomerase in immune cells or lengthen telomeres."

The anecdotes and single study results are augmented with questionnaires/assessments on stress, social support, physical activity, etc.

Much of the scientific literature is used to support the authors' opinions with using statements like...

"...in a small but exciting study. Their results hint that..."

"...may play some role..."

By the end of the book, the authors have made sweeping statements about stress, cancer, smoking, pregnancy, parenting, diabetes, exercise, income inequality, and many other topics.

If you collect self-help books, you might enjoy this rehash of familiar advice to eat healthy, exercise, and avoid stress.