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7 - When things start to go wrong

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 January 2026

Martin Yuille  and
Bill Ollier
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Summary

This chapter illustrates how observational epidemiology has recognised the breadth of sources of risks to health. This breadth is captured in the word ‘exposome’: the sum total of exposures to sources of risk. The development of concepts is described as to how living systems maintain their equilibrium and how this equilibrium may be disrupted. This equilibrium – or homeostasis – is illustrated by considering the role of glucose. Research in understanding mechanisms for homeostasis is described but caution is expressed on the limited value of genetics in addressing disruption of equilibrium.

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Saving sick Britain
Why we need the ‘Health Society’
 , pp. 87 - 97
Publisher: Manchester University Press
First published in: 2026

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