We have all, by now, know that while 2024 was a year disease, but 2025 awaits even more. At the starting of the year only we saw a rise in the cases of bird flu, and saw the virus spread among people too. Then there was trichomoniasis in birds in the UK, and FMD in Germany, and many more. While the source of it all might be animal, not all of these are zoonotic diseases. Not all animal diseases are zoonotic diseases, some are zoonotic, some are non-zoonotic, and some are reverse zoonotic diseases. But, what are the difference?

What Are Zoonotic Diseases?

Zoonotic diseases or zoonoses are infectious diseases that can be spread between animals and humans. It originated with the domestication of animals, animal products or animal derivatives. The word also stems from the Greek word zoion, which means animal, and nosis, which means diseases.

The term was first used in 1885 by Rudolph Virchow in his Handbook of Communicable Diseases. It spreads between vertebrates and humans, which means animals with a backbone, and birds. The way their bodies work is similar enough to ours that pathogens can sometimes adjust to live in both.

While some zoonotic diseases spread only from animals to humans and do not spread from person to person. There are other diseases like Ebola, Mpox, COVID-19, and many more which come from animals, but continue to spread in humans, through humans, and cause outbreaks. Some of them also spread in humans and then mutate to infect only humans, like HIV

Many pathogens are limited to infecting a single type of host—humans, specific animals, plants, or even other microorganisms. However, zoonotic diseases are unique because they can infect both humans and other vertebrates. In some cases, these diseases originally affected only animals, but genetic mutations enabled them to "jump" to humans and cause infections.

Zoonotic illnesses are typically caused by bacteria, parasites, or viruses. However, they can also stem from other sources, such as fungal infections like ringworm or prion diseases like variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), often referred to as “mad cow disease.” Animals that carry zoonotic diseases:

• Bats
• Birds
• Cats
• Deer
• Dogs
• Livestock
• Non-human primates, monkeys, apes and chimpanzees
• Rodents

What Are Non-Zoonotic Diseases?

Not all animal diseases are zoonotic. Zoonoses are infectious diseases that can transfer between animals and humans such as rabies, anthrax, influenza, Nipah, COVID-19, brucellosis, and tuberculosis. However, not all animal diseases are zoonotic. Many diseases affect livestock without posing a risk to human health. These non-zoonotic diseases are species-specific and cannot infect humans. Examples include Foot & Mouth Disease (FDM), PPR, Lumpy Skin Disease, Classical Swine Fever, and trichomoniasis in birds and animals.

What Are Reverse Zoonotic Diseases?

It is the case where a disease transmits from humans to animals. This also poses threats to animals health as well as public health, due to the potential for animal disease reservoirs to form.

In 2020, several mink farms in the Netherlands experienced a severe respiratory disease outbreaks, upon investigation, it was revealed that minks had been infected with SARS-CoV-2, the same virus responsible for COVID-19. The minks came in contact with infected farmworkers.

There have been cases when domesticated dogs, cats and ferrets have developed flu-like symptoms caused by influenza A virus, passed on by their owners. Human-derived pathogens also pose significant risks to endangered wildlife. For example, in Tanzania, an outbreak of human metapneumovirus resulted in fatalities among a population of wild chimpanzees. The virus was believed to have been transmitted by researchers and visitors to the national park where the chimpanzees lived, highlighting the potential consequences of human-wildlife interactions.

A recent study published in Radiology: Imaging Cancer, found that most women are comfortable with AI being used to support radiologists in interpreting mammograms. The study that surveyed women, found that 71% have said they are fine with AI playing a supporting role in the review process.

However, the trust in AI alone is still low. Fewer than 5% women said they would be comfortable with AI being the sole reviewer of their mammogram results. This also suggested that while women were looking forward to innovation, they still value human expertise, especially when it comes to something as sensitive as breast cancer, which could be life-altering.

What Is A Mammography?

It is a specialized medical imaging test that uses low-dose X-rays to detect any early signs of breast cancer, even before symptoms appear. It can also help identify tumors, calcifications, and other abnormalities in breast tissues. Mammograms are also a vital part of routine breast cancer screening, especially for women who are over the age of 40 or those with a family history of the disease.

During a mammogram, the breast is compressed between two plates to spread the tissue and obtain clear images. These images are then analyzed by the radiologists who then look for any suspicious signs that may indicate cancer.

How AI Plays A Role In Mammography?

With advances in technology, artificial intelligence (AI) is also being used to assist radiologists in reviewing mammogram results. AI algorithms are trained to identify patterns and flag any abnormalities. This also often spots subtle changes that could have been missed by the human eye.

In an AI-assisted mammography, the computer does not replace the radiologist, but acts as a second reader. It also offers another layer of review. This can also increase accuracy, reduce false positives or negatives, and streamline the screening process. Most importantly, AI can quickly process thousands of images, making it a valuable tool in busy healthcare setting.

How Was The Study Conducted?

The study surveyed 518 women at UT Southwestern Medical Center for seven months in 2023. The results showed that women with a higher education levels and more awareness of AI were twice as likely to accept AI in their screenings.

However, the study found that Black and Hispanic women were at a greater concern about data privacy and potential AI basis. These groups were also less likely to trust AI. They have highlighted the importance of addressing equity and transparency in AI development.

There have been previous cases where AI has been biased against African American descents. A Detroit resident Robert Williams was arrested right in front of his children and held in detention for a night after a false positive in an AI facial recognition system. He eventually found out that faulty AI had identified him as a suspect. Another Detroit resident, Michael Oliver, and in New Jersey, Nijeer Parks experienced the same, they both were victims of false positives in AI facial recognition systems.

These instances are the reason why women of color are also apprehensive about AI being used in their diagnosis, due to its perceived bias.

However, women with a family history of breast cancer showed a higher degree of trust when their results were normal, possibly due to relief and reassurance. But women who had previously experienced abnormal results were more cautious, especially when AI and radiologists offered conflicting assessments.

Dr. Basak Dogan, a co-author of the study and director of breast imaging research at UT Southwestern, emphasized the importance of gaining patient trust. “If patients are hesitant or skeptical about AI’s role in their care, this could impact screening adherence and, consequently, overall health care outcomes,” she said.

Patients need to feel confident not just in the technology but also in how it’s being used.

Sweet, tart, and vibrantly red, raspberries are more than just a delicious fruit—they're a nutritional powerhouse. Their soft, slightly fuzzy texture and naturally refreshing taste make them a great addition to smoothies, yoghurt bowls, oatmeal, and salads. But what makes raspberries truly stand out is their impressive health profile. Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, these berries offer multiple benefits for your heart, digestion, blood sugar, and immune system.

Gut Health and Regular Digestion

One standout feature of raspberries is their fibre content. Just one cup delivers 8 grams of fibre, nearly a third of the recommended daily intake for women. “This high fiber content promotes healthy digestion and regular bowel movements,” says Elizabeth Harris, a registered dietitian. Raspberries are especially rich in insoluble fiber, which adds bulk to stool and helps it move more easily through the digestive tract. This can reduce the risk of constipation and support overall gut health.

A Heart-Healthy Snack

Raspberries also support cardiovascular health. While their vitamin C and fibre content are well-known, they also offer potassium, a mineral that plays a key role in managing blood pressure. Research has shown that regular consumption of raspberries may improve cholesterol levels, especially in individuals with high cholesterol or metabolic syndrome. These effects are likely linked to the berry’s mix of fiber and polyphenols, plant compounds known for their antioxidant properties.

Balanced Blood Sugar Levels

For people with diabetes or prediabetes, raspberries are an ideal fruit. They’re low in sugar and high in fibre, which helps prevent spikes in blood glucose levels. According to the American Diabetes Association, berries are one of the healthiest carbohydrate sources. When paired with protein or healthy fats like Greek yogurt or nuts, raspberries become a satisfying, blood sugar-friendly snack.

Fighting Inflammation With Antioxidants

Raspberries contain powerful antioxidants, including anthocyanins and polyphenols, which help combat inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. “These compounds can lower the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and cancer,” Harris explains. Their anti-inflammatory properties also make raspberries a key component of the MIND diet, which supports brain health and may slow cognitive decline.

Immunity Boost With Vitamin C

With over a third of your daily vitamin C needs in just one cup, raspberries can help keep your immune system strong. Vitamin C supports wound healing, protects cells from free radical damage, and strengthens your body’s defence against infections.

Tips for Storage And Enjoyment

To keep raspberries fresh, store them in an airtight container lined with paper towels and refrigerate. Wait to rinse until you’re ready to eat. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a sealed bag.

Whether eaten plain, swirled into chia seed jam, blended into smoothies, or sprinkled on cereal, raspberries are a versatile and nutrient-rich fruit worth making a regular part of your diet.

Who among us isn’t seeking the secret to a longer, healthier life? From intermittent fasting to age-fighting supplements, health fads rise and fall. What if the answer to living more than a decade longer didn't depend on a magic bullet product, but the reduction of five major lifestyle threats? A new and pioneering global study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine and unveiled at the 2025 American College of Cardiology Scientific Session, found just that.

Led by German scientists and with more than two million participants in 39 nations, the long-term study followed people for almost half a century to find out how health at middle age, particularly at 50, determines how long people live and what they suffer from. Five key cardiovascular disease risk factors were the focus: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and smoking. Combined, these risk factors cut life expectancy in half.

“Our central question was how many additional years of life are possible if these factors are absent or modified in middle age,” said Dr. Christina Magnussen, deputy director of cardiology at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. Over 10 years of life can be added or lost depending on how these risk factors are managed around age 50.

How Five Risk Factors Add To Your Lifespan

The results were stark. People who made it to age 50 with none of the five risk factors had a much reduced lifetime risk for cardiovascular disease, 13% among women and 21% among men. However, for individuals with all five risk factors, the risk leapt to 24% in women and 38% in men. But even more terrifying, cardiovascular events took place 13 years before in women and 11 years before in men when all five risks were in place.

In mortality, the disparity was even more dramatic. Women with no risk factors had a 53% chance of dying by age 90. That rose to 88% for women with all five factors. Mortality in men went up from 68% to a whopping 94%. The net deficit? A loss of around 14.5 years of life for women and 12 years for men.

One of the most inspiring lessons from the study is that it's never too late to make a positive change. Even at about age 50, deliberate lifestyle changes can extend life significantly.

For example, managing high blood pressure between the ages of 55 and 60 postponed heart disease by a mean of 2.4 years among women and 1.2 years among men. Stopping smoking at that age gained women an extra 2.1 years of life and men an extra 2.4. When all five risk factors were changed, people gained five years of life — a health dividend much larger than most medical interventions.

Dr. Holger Thiele, president of the German Society of Cardiology, thinks that this study needs to be taken as an individual call to action. "The study indicates that even at approximately age 50, people can significantly alter their lifestyle or prevention measures to quite substantially affect their life expectancy," he said.

The five modifiable risk factors—obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes—combined are responsible for half of the world's burden of cardiovascular disease. By addressing these habits early, the possibility of a longer, healthier life becomes not only possible but likely.

Why Prevention Is the New Prescription?

This study upholds a paradigm shift in contemporary medicine: prevention is not merely superior to cure—it's stronger. In a treatment-driven healthcare system, such findings are a powerful reminder that the most impactful interventions are frequently at our disposal.

Disease prevention through healthy weight, smoking cessation, regular exercise, blood pressure and cholesterol monitoring, and blood sugar control are not cool, but they are evidence-based interventions with life-changing results.

5 Things to Do To Live Longer and Healthier

The science is certain, but changing takes work. Here's where to begin:

Get screened early: Knowing your numbers for blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose by age 40 can help you get ahead of risk.

Quit smoking: Quit smoking through cessation programs or nicotine replacement products. Health rewards begin immediately.

Eat for your heart: Choose a Mediterranean-style diet with lots of vegetables, healthy fats, and lean protein to prevent cholesterol and weight gain.

Walk regularly: Even a 30-minute brisk walk every day can lower several risk factors.

Take care of your mental health: Stress and sleep disturbances can exacerbate cardiovascular risk factors. Get plenty of rest, practice mindfulness, and seek therapy when necessary.

This groundbreaking study highlights a fundamental truth, how we live during our 40s and 50s can decide the duration and quality of our golden years. Steer clear of or turn around just five prevalent health threats and you can add more than a decade to your life. That's a compelling reason to take your health seriously — not later, but now.

No pill or cool hack can provide the same amount of benefit. The science is straightforward, the effect is significant, and the moment to act is now because the true fountain of youth may actually lie in the day-to-day choices you make or refrain from making.