Why Aren't We Dead Yet?: The Curious Person’s Guide to the Immune System

From highly respected microbiologist and the creator of the YouTube sensation “Dumb Ways to Die,” comes this exploration of the immune system, what keeps it running, and how germs are destroyed…

So how come we’re not dead yet? In this lively and accessible book, Idan Ben-Barak tells us why. He explores the immune system and what keeps it running, how germs are destroyed, and why we develop immunities to certain disease-causing agents. He also examines the role of antibiotics and vaccines, and looks at what the future holds for our collective chances of not being dead.

This is entertaining and thoughtful science writing to inspire the student interested in a career in medicine or immunology, or to inform the reader who just wants to understand more about their body while having a laugh along the way.

“This surprisingly ambitious, eminently accessible book brilliantly summarizes the essential features of the immune system for a lay audience. The quirky humour masks an underlying authority and competence. The work is right up to date, even incorporating recent Nobel Prize winning insights into the evolutionarily ancient innate immune system. It is a triumph of popular medical science.”
―Sir Gustav Nossal, former Chairman of the Strategic Advisory Council of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Children's Vaccine Program

“An accessible account of a complex and important topic.”
―Prof. Peter C. Doherty, Nobel Prize Winner

“The book is hilarious in a science-nerd kind of way, and the personal notations and anecdotes from Ben-Barak put a real human touch on information that can sometimes come off as clinical and complex.”
―Adventures in Poor Taste

“[F]riendly and engaging…accessible to anyone who's curious about the mechanics of the human body.”
―The Age

Idan Ben-Barak holds a BSc in medical science and an MSc in microbiology from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, a PhD in the history and philosophy of science at the University of Sydney, and a library diploma. His first book, Small Wonders: how microbes rule our world was published by Scribe and translated into five languages. It won the 2010 American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru SB&F (Science Books and Films) Prize for Excellence in Science Books, Young Adult category. He is the author of Do Not Lick This Book (Roaring Brook, June 2018), illustrated by the creator of the YouTube sensation Dumb Ways to Die.