John Bumpass Calhoun's research on overcrowded mouse populations in the 1970s became a renowned cautionary tale about the potential dangers of overpopulation for humanity.
In June 1972, the Royal Society of Medicine in London hosted a symposium called “Man in His Place”. It featured an eclectic group of speakers, including Jacob Bronowski, whose acclaimed 13-part BBC television series would air the following year. But the first person to take the podium was John Bumpass Calhoun from the US National Institute of Mental Health outside Washington DC.
Even audience members familiar with Calhoun’s work had no idea what was in store for them, and the title of his talk – “Death squared: The explosive growth and demise of a mouse population” – didn’t give much away. “I shall largely speak of mice,” he began, “but my thoughts are on man, on healing, on life and its evolution.” He then went on to describe a long-term experiment he was running on population dynamics involving mice living in a “Utopian environment” that he dubbed Universe 25. Although his study subjects were rodents, Calhoun believed his metropolises had implications for humans: this was a cautionary tale of the chaos and social collapse in store for humanity in an overpopulated world.An ecologist-turned-psychologist-turned-futurist, Calhoun became a science rock star in the 1970s. His message struck a chord at a time when the human population was expanding rapidly and overcrowding was a hot political issue. As interest grew in his research, Calhoun was courted by the great and the good, from politicians and urban planners to prison reformists and writers. He even had an audience with the pope. Strange as it may seem, his rodent cities
Overpopulation Population Dynamics Social Collapse Mice Experiments Urban Planning
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Calhoun County lawmaker Andy Stepp dies at 66Fellow lawmaker says Stepp was a fixture in the community, 'went above and beyond' to help others.
Read more »
La Vernia holds off Port Lavaca Calhoun to reach state quarterfinalsLa Vernia turned a botched punt into a first down and went on to beat Port Lavaca Calhoun to reach the Class 4A Division I state quarterfinals.
Read more »
Utah cornerback Cameron Calhoun enters transfer portalThe Utes lock down defender was reportedly offered more NIL elsewhere
Read more »
Utah's Cameron Calhoun reportedly offered to 'nearly double' NIL before exitingThe standout cornerback allegedly decided to leave after Utah wouldn't match to keep him
Read more »
Candidates to replace Rich Rodriguez as Jacksonville State’s head football coachAfter three seasons in Calhoun County, Jacksonville State coach Rich Rodriguez is headed home.
Read more »
Luxury Hotel Fails to Deliver: A Cautionary TaleThis article exposes the shortcomings of a five-star Miami Beach hotel that promises luxury but falls short in delivering genuine hospitality. From neglected courtesies at check-in to an unkempt room and indifferent staff, the experience highlights the importance of prioritizing guest experience over mere appearance.
Read more »