Sharon Moalem is a Canadian–American physician, scientist, and author. Dr. Moalem is an expert in the fields of rare diseases, sex differentiation, neurogenetics, biotechnology and has been described as a polymath. He is the author of the New York Times bestselling book Survival of the Sickest, as well as How Sex Works, Inheritance and The Better Half. His clinical genetics research led to the discovery of three rare genetic syndromes, hypotrichosis-lymphedema-telangiectasia-renal defect syndrome, a form of SRY-negative XX male sex reversal as well as a nephronopthisis associated ciliopathy. His research led to the discovery of a new class of antibiotics that specifically target superbug microorganisms such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Moalem was the first to propose that the progressive neurodegeneration associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease might be caused or exacerbated by an excessive amount of the metal iron in the brain. Moalem has cofounded two biotechnology companies and has been awarded 25 patents for his inventions in biotechnology and human health. Career Moalem earned his Doctor of Philosophy in human physiology specializing in neurogenetics from the University of Toronto. He completed his Doctor of Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. As a college student, Moalem worked with the king of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, to help improve the care of young children at an HIV-positive orphanage. In this capacity Moalem worked in HIV prevention for the Population and Community Development Association (PDA) and was responsible for the operations of the Tarn Nam Jai HIV+ Orphanage in Bangkok, Thailand. His research in neurogenetics led to the discovery of new genetic associations for familial Alzheimer's disease. He was previously the associate editor of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. Moalem was the first to propose that the progressive neurodegeneration associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease, and the subsequent progression of cognitive decline may be caused by excessive amounts of iron in the brain. Although still a theory, there is growing evidence to support Moalem's hypothesis. Moalem's scientific work, based upon using rare conditions as a template to understand more common conditions, led to the discovery of Siderocillin, a new antibiotic that specifically targets so-called ‘superbugs’ or multiresistant microbes. Moalem was the lead author on the paper that first described the condition hypotrichosis-lymphedema-telangiectasia-renal defect syndrome (HLTRS) that resulted from a heterozygous mutation in the SOX18 gene. The SOX18 gene has a major role in the formation of blood