What are you major research interests?
My field is minerals/mineralogy and my major interests are related to biominerals those in the human body (bones and teeth) or other living creatures including plants. I have published extensively on minerals (Dana's New Mineralogy is a classic reference published in 1997) and on biominerals (Biominerals, Hallimond lecture, Mineralogical Magazine, 69:621-641 in 2005) as well as on biomineralization Skinner and Jahren, A.H. (2003) Biomineralization, Chap4 in Vol 8 Treatise on Geochemistry, Elsevier, N.Y.
Is there a distinction between Medical Geology, Geomedicine and Geology and Health?
The differences between these titles are in the eye of the beholder. The book I published with Antony Berger, "Geology and Health: Closing the Gap" Oxford University Press, 2003, has an introductory chapter in which the groups from many different fields working in areas covered by these titles are discussed. We all are pursuing information that connects people and their health with the environment.
Does the field look different in various countries?
Yes the 'field' is different depending on the country as each will have special areas of concern. For example in Bangladesh and India there is a problem of As in waters used for domestic and agricultural purposes that has lead to many thousands of sick and mortally affect individuals. There are local but also international experts from a range of backgrounds and disciplines, who work with communities and governments on such a problem. In "Geology and Health: Closing the Gap" there are over 20 chapters from researchers depicting a range of geomedical problems all over the world.
How long has the term "Geomedicine" been in use?
The term goes back at least to 1970's and a Swedish Researcher, Lag, by name, who has a book by this title, published in 1990. The research publications since then is astounding and continues expanding in the US and abroad.
Where should students, who are interested in the study of Geology and Health, look for programs?
The programs are just getting started in many Geology Departments, although here at Yale there is an Environmental Sciences Program for undergraduates and in the Graduate School as well. In both small and large schools Colleges and Universities there will probably be a course that addresses the plethora of issues framed from hydrological, medical, agricultural, legal and economic as well as engineering and geological/mineralogical perspectives. Many individuals are concerned with the effect the environment has on local and global populations and are brining that information into their lectures including some geoscience in the mix.
What are some hot research areas within Geology and Health at the present time?
Again the "hot' area relate to what health effect you maybe interested in. I have focused on inhalation of hazardous particulates, such as asbestos, and now spend most time investigating nutrition and bone diseases. Others might look at historical or legal aspects related to a particular geogrphic area while a few are fascinated by 'geophagy'.
What are the advantages of distinguishing a study of "Geology and
Health"
Biogeosciences can include anything from bacteria to man and include
animal or plant chemical, or ecological, issues. These naturally occurring forms are especially important today if they impinge on humans. The field of G & H is as broad an area and as
interdisciplinary as we can make it attracting research from all corners of science and social science.
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