Nathan H. Lents

Nathan H. Lents is an American scientist, author, and professor whose work spans evolutionary biology, molecular genetics, and science communication. Lents has been on the faculty of John Jay College and serves as the director of the Cell and Molecular Biology program. With academic training in molecular biology and human physiology, along with a postdoctoral fellowship in computational genomics, Lents approaches the evolution of human biology from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Lents has published research in cell and cancer biology, genetics, and forensic science, with support from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and the U.S. Department of Education.

Lents first reached a broad audience with the book "Not So Different: Finding Human Nature in Animals," published by Columbia University Press and reviewed by Publishers Weekly, The Quarterly Review of Biology, and Psychology Today. He further established his presence in popular science with "Human Errors: A Panorama of Our Glitches, from Pointless Bones to Broken Genes," which explores evolutionary imperfections in human anatomy and has been recognized for its accessible explanations. "Human Errors" examines the evolutionary history of humans, highlighting both the costs and consequences of our biological development.

Lents continued his exploration of human biology and diversity with "The Sexual Evolution," which discusses the evolutionary roots of gender and human sexuality, arguing that many contemporary ideas are grounded in our animal ancestry. The book presents arguments about the existence and advantages of diversity, drawing on examples from across the animal kingdom.

In addition to his books, Lents has published research in journals such as Journal of Biological Chemistry, Molecular Cell, Journal of Forensic Sciences, and American Journal of Physiology. His articles have appeared in Newsweek, Skeptic Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, The Observer, Psychology Today, and The Chronicle of Higher Education. Lents maintains The Human Evolution Blog and contributes to Psychology Today under the tagline "Beastly Behavior: How Evolution Shaped Our Minds and Bodies." He previously hosted the "This World of Humans" podcast and is a fellow with the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry.

Lents has appeared on television, radio, and in news articles discussing forensic science, human evolution, and related topics, with television appearances including The Today Show, 48 Hours, The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper on CNN, Access Hollywood, and The Brian Lehrer Show. He has publicly defended mainstream evolutionary theory against intelligent design proponents, emphasizing his commitment to science literacy. Lents has stated that his public writing aims to reach readers seeking to understand evolution as it becomes part of educational discussions. Through his research, writing, and public engagement, Lents contributes to the ongoing conversation about human evolution, genetics, and science education.