The text discusses recent advances in understanding hereditary renal disorders, particularly Alport syndrome. It highlights the identification of a fifth collagen IV chain encoded on the X chromosome, which is linked to Alport syndrome. This discovery was made by two independent research groups. While this is significant progress, many questions remain about the pathogenesis of the disorder, the relationship between gene abnormalities and extrarenal symptoms, and the possibility of locus heterogeneity within Alport syndrome. The book also addresses the evolutionary biology of aging, presenting evolutionary predictions as a potential foundation for aging research. However, it is criticized for being overly narrow in its examples and for not adequately addressing the mechanistic basis of aging. The book is recommended for researchers in aging studies but is noted for its limited scope and some printing errors. It is also compared to other works on birth defects, highlighting its extensive coverage of congenital abnormalities and genetic conditions. The book is praised for its organization and information but criticized for its physical size and user unfriendliness. The text concludes that while the book is a valuable resource, it has limitations in its coverage and practicality.The text discusses recent advances in understanding hereditary renal disorders, particularly Alport syndrome. It highlights the identification of a fifth collagen IV chain encoded on the X chromosome, which is linked to Alport syndrome. This discovery was made by two independent research groups. While this is significant progress, many questions remain about the pathogenesis of the disorder, the relationship between gene abnormalities and extrarenal symptoms, and the possibility of locus heterogeneity within Alport syndrome. The book also addresses the evolutionary biology of aging, presenting evolutionary predictions as a potential foundation for aging research. However, it is criticized for being overly narrow in its examples and for not adequately addressing the mechanistic basis of aging. The book is recommended for researchers in aging studies but is noted for its limited scope and some printing errors. It is also compared to other works on birth defects, highlighting its extensive coverage of congenital abnormalities and genetic conditions. The book is praised for its organization and information but criticized for its physical size and user unfriendliness. The text concludes that while the book is a valuable resource, it has limitations in its coverage and practicality.