Study estimates over 9% of world's lands at high risk of animal-to-human infections
zoonotic outbreak
-- triggered when an infection spreads from an animal to a human or vice versa, such as the Covid pandemic, according to a study.
Findings published in the journal Science Advances also estimate 3 per cent of the global population to be living in extremely risky areas, and about a fifth in medium-risk areas.
Explore courses from Top Institutes in
Please select course:
Select a Course Category
Data Science
Digital Marketing
Finance
PGDM
Artificial Intelligence
healthcare
Product Management
Others
Technology
Operations Management
Data Analytics
Leadership
MBA
Degree
Cybersecurity
Healthcare
Public Policy
others
MCA
Project Management
CXO
Data Science
Management
Design Thinking
Skills you'll gain:
Duration:
10 Months
E&ICT Academy, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati
CERT-IITG Prof Cert in DS & BA with GenAI India
Starts on
undefined
Get Details
Skills you'll gain:
Duration:
10 Months
IIM Kozhikode
CERT-IIMK DABS India
Starts on
undefined
Get Details
Skills you'll gain:
Duration:
30 Weeks
IIM Kozhikode
SEPO - IIMK-AI for Senior Executives India
Starts on
undefined
Get Details
Skills you'll gain:
Duration:
11 Months
IIT Madras
CERT-IITM Advanced Cert Prog in AI and ML India
Starts on
undefined
Get Details
Skills you'll gain:
Duration:
11 Months
E&ICT Academy, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati
CERT-IITG Postgraduate Cert in AI and ML India
Starts on
undefined
Get Details
Researchers, including those from the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) Scientific Development Programmes Unit in Italy, analysed location-specific information from the 'Global
Infectious Diseases
and Epidemiology Network' dataset and the World Health Organization's (WHO) list of diseases prioritised according to their potential for causing an epidemic or a pandemic.
Covid, Ebola, coronavirus-related MERS and SARS, and Nipah are among the most prioritised infections in the WHO's list.
The team's analysis suggests that conditions driven by climate change -- higher temperatures and rainfall, and water shortage -- elevate the risk of zoonosis, or 'spillover events'.
Live Events
The study "presents a global risk map and an
epidemic risk index
that combines countries' specific risk with their capacities for preparing and responding to zoonotic threats (excluding SARS-CoV-2)."
"Our results indicate that 9.3 per cent of the global land surface is at high (6.3 per cent) or very high (three per cent) risk," the authors wrote.
They also estimated about 7 per cent of Asia's and 5 per cent of Africa's land area to be at high and very high risk of outbreak, following Latin America (27 per cent) and Oceania (18.6 per cent).
Overall, the authors found that climate-related changes to the environment substantially drove a region's vulnerability to the risk of a spillover event.
They wrote, "This underscores the need for continued monitoring and the integration of climate adaptation and mitigation efforts into public health planning."
"Translating these risk estimates into an epidemic risk index allows for the identification of high-risk areas and supports policymakers in improving response capacities, allocating resources effectively, and fostering international collaboration to address
global health threats
," the team said.
A study by the Indian Council of Medical Research found that over 8 per cent of outbreaks reported between 2018 and 2023 under the country's infectious disease surveillance system were zoonotic. Of a total of 6,948 outbreaks analysed, 583 (8.3 per cent) were spread to humans from animals.
Outbreaks were also found to consistently peak during June, July, and August. The findings were published in The Lancet Regional Southeast Asia journal in May this year.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
India's 19-year-old chess star Divya Deshmukh becomes Grandmaster. Anand Mahindra reminds us of the unsung woman behind her
In a stunning display of grit and composure, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh has etched her name in Indian chess history by winning the 2025 FIDE Women's World Cup — and with it, claiming the coveted Grandmaster title . The young star from Nagpur defeated none other than veteran Koneru Humpy, a two-decade-long powerhouse in the chess world, in a tense final that went down to tiebreaks. While both classical games ended in draws, it was Deshmukh who kept her cool and outplayed Humpy in the rapid rounds, showing nerves of steel. The victory was not only a personal milestone but a historic moment — Divya became the 88th Grandmaster of India and only the fourth Indian woman to do so, following legends like Humpy, Dronavalli Harika, and R Vaishali. Visibly emotional after the win, Divya said she needed time to process it. 'I think it was fate, me getting the Grandmaster title this way because before this tournament, I didn't even have one GM norm,' she said, as quoted by PTI. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Leadership Artificial Intelligence CXO Public Policy Operations Management Design Thinking healthcare Cybersecurity PGDM MCA Product Management Project Management Data Science Degree Technology Data Science Finance Data Analytics others Healthcare Digital Marketing Management MBA Others Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Months IIM Kozhikode SEPO - IIMK CEO Programme India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Financial Accounting & Analysis Financial Instruments & Markets Corporate Finance & Valuation Investment Management & Banking Duration: 12 Months IIM Kozhikode IIMK Professional Certificate in Financial Analysis and Financial Management Starts on Mar 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 22 Weeks Indian School of Business SEPO - ISB Venture Capital & Private Equity India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Opportunities & Outlining Plans to use AI & ML Applying Data-Driven Business Innovation Best Practices Changing Culture to Integrate AI-Enabled Technologies Ethics, Privacy and Regulations in AI & ML Duration: 20 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Leadership in AI Starts on May 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Strategic Thinking & Planning Competitive Advantage & Market Positioning Strategic Leadership & Decision-Making Change Management & Organizational Transformation Duration: 1 Year IIM Kozhikode IIMK Advanced Strategic Management Programme Starts on Mar 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Indore Executive Programme in Business Management Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Months IIM Kozhikode Advanced Strategic Management Programme Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Weeks IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK EPIS Async India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow CERT-IIML SLP India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Months IIM Kozhikode Senior Management Programme Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 18 Weeks 109820388 Strategic Marketing for Leaders: Leveraging AI for Growth Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK-Women Leadership Programme INDIA Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Critical Thinking & Decision-Making Skills Power of Emerging Technologies Innovation and Drive Organizational Change Fostering a Culture of Innovation Duration: 9 Months MIT xPRO MIT Technology Leadership and Innovation Starts on May 14, 2024 Get Details by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gold Is Surging in 2025 — Smart Traders Are Already In IC Markets Learn More Undo Her achievement sparked a wave of praise across the country. Business tycoon Anand Mahindra celebrated her win on X. But it was his heartfelt tribute to the woman behind Divya Deshmukh that caught everyone's attention. He wrote, 'Behind the Grandmaster is the caring mother… as always, the unsung hero behind many stars.' — anandmahindra (@anandmahindra) Divya too credited her mother for her success as she told FIDE, "She is the biggest support here. I don't think that I would have come this far without her. It's really nice to see somebody who's always cheering on you, in your good times and bad times." Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand also lauded the teen's resilience, calling it a 'great celebration of Indian chess, particularly women's chess.' — vishy64theking (@vishy64theking) The moment carried even more emotional weight as Divya, born in 2005, took down Humpy, who had already become a Grandmaster in 2002 — three years before Divya was even born.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Magnesium may be the missing nutrient your brain needs to fight brain fog and boost focus naturally
Do you often feel mentally exhausted, struggle to focus, or experience frequent forgetfulness even after getting enough rest? This frustrating mental cloudiness, often referred to as brain fog, became a common concern during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although not a medical diagnosis, it is a real condition associated with stress, hormonal fluctuations, inadequate sleep, and nutritional imbalances. One nutrient, often overlooked yet vital for brain health, is magnesium. Experts suggest magnesium's ability to influence energy production, neurotransmitter balance, and sleep quality makes it essential for reducing brain fog and improving cognitive function. Brain fog is frustrating but often reversible. Alongside stress management and good sleep hygiene, ensuring adequate magnesium intake can significantly improve mental clarity, mood, and cognitive energy. Whether through food or targeted supplementation, this powerful yet often overlooked mineral may be the key to clearing your mental haze and enhancing brain performance naturally. What is brain fog and why does it happen Brain fog describes a state of reduced mental clarity, forgetfulness, slow thinking, and difficulty concentrating. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Treatment That Might Help You Against Knee Pain Knee pain | search ads Find Now Undo This brain fog often stems from inflammation in the brain, which can be triggered by chronic stress, hormonal imbalances, lack of sleep, or nutritional deficiencies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, brain fog gained mainstream attention as thousands of recovering patients reported persistent mental sluggishness. Brain imaging studies revealed structural and functional changes in memory-related regions of the brain, similar to temporary cognitive impairment caused by alcohol or sleep deprivation. While brain fog often improves naturally with healthy lifestyle adjustments, ensuring the right nutritional support, especially magnesium, can accelerate recovery. How magnesium deficiency affects brain health Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical processes, many of which are critical for optimal brain function. Its role includes: Energy production (ATP synthesis): Magnesium is a cofactor for ATP, the brain's main energy currency. Low levels can leave brain cells underpowered, leading to mental fatigue. Neurotransmitter balance: Magnesium regulates serotonin, dopamine, and GABA levels, which control mood, motivation, and relaxation. Deficiency can trigger mood swings, anxiety, and irritability. Inflammation control: Chronic magnesium deficiency can lead to neuroinflammation, a major factor in degenerative brain disorders. A 2022 review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences confirmed that magnesium imbalance contributes to inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, potentially increasing risks for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis. Can magnesium really help reduce brain fog According to the reports, yes, magnesium's role in maintaining mental clarity. It helps by: Improving sleep quality: Better sleep directly enhances memory consolidation and focus. Regulating stress response: Magnesium suppresses excessive cortisol production, protecting the brain from overstimulation. Supporting neural communication: Adequate magnesium ensures efficient electrical signaling between neurons, improving learning and memory. Studies suggest it may improve working memory, learning capacity, and even long-term memory. Other forms like magnesium glycinate and magnesium citrate also support relaxation and sleep, indirectly improving cognitive health. Magnesium-rich foods A balanced diet can meet most people's magnesium needs. Excellent natural sources include: Leafy greens (spinach, kale, Swiss chard) Nuts and seeds (almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds) Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, black beans) Whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, oats) Dark chocolate (70% or higher cacao content) When to consider Magnesium supplements Despite dietary availability, soil mineral depletion and processed food consumption often result in suboptimal magnesium intake. For individuals experiencing persistent fatigue, stress, or mild cognitive issues, supplementation under medical supervision may help. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for magnesium varies according to Onlymyhealth: Adults: 310–420 mg Pregnant women: 350–360 mg Breastfeeding women: 310–320 mg Choosing the right form is key—magnesium L-threonate for cognitive enhancement, or glycinate/citrate for relaxation and sleep support. Steps to clear brain fog naturally Get quality sleep: Prioritise 7–9 hours of uninterrupted rest. Reduce stress: Engage in relaxation techniques like yoga or mindfulness. Exercise regularly: Physical activity improves blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain. Maintain a magnesium-rich diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods. Consult your doctor: If symptoms persist, medical evaluation and lab tests for deficiencies are recommended. Also Read | Brain-damaging tapeworm risk surges in Mumbai amid monsoon flooding and poor sanitation; know its symptoms, prevention tips and all you need to know
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
2 top stock recommendations from Rajesh Bhosale for near term
"So, unless we surpass 25,000, the markets are likely to remain under pressure. On the downside, 24,600 is the key level, which coincides with the 89 EMA. In the near term, we expect the Nifty to consolidate within the 24,600–25,000 zone," says Rajesh Bhosale , Angel One. Did you happen to see the Test match I was talking about? And is there any parallel with the market? Rajesh Bhosale: Yes, I did watch the match. It was very interesting—and kudos to Washington and Jadeja, they helped to draw the game. It was a significant match. So, we still have a chance to draw the series. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Product Management Data Science Healthcare Management MCA Data Science Leadership Design Thinking Cybersecurity Data Analytics Public Policy others Digital Marketing Project Management healthcare CXO PGDM Others Technology MBA Finance Artificial Intelligence Degree Operations Management Skills you'll gain: Product Strategy & Competitive Advantage Tactics Product Development Processes & Market Orientations Product Analytics & Data-Driven Decision Making Agile Development, Design Thinking, & Product Leadership Duration: 40 Weeks IIM Kozhikode Professional Certificate in Product Management Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Creating Effective Product Roadmap User Research & Translating it to Product Design Key Metrics via Product Analytics Hand-On Projects Using Cutting Edge Tools Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Product Management Starts on May 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Product Strategy & Roadmapping User-Centric Product Design Agile Product Development Market Analysis & Product Launch Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business Professional Certificate in Product Management Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details If we look at the Nifty, the FMCG and some defensive sectors like pharma are helping the market hold on to key levels. But the heavyweights are not supporting. In fact, from a technical perspective, last week we saw a major breakdown on the Nifty charts. A rising channel pattern as well as the 50 EMA was breached. So, unless we surpass 25,000, the markets are likely to remain under pressure. On the downside, 24,600 is the key level, which coincides with the 89 EMA. In the near term, we expect the Nifty to consolidate within the 24,600–25,000 zone. Live Events Yes, the market certainly lacks that sense of spirit at the moment. But then, it's clearly a stock-picker's market, especially since we are midway through the earnings season . However, the results so far haven't shown the kind of positivity one would hope for. What are the stocks on your radar right now? Rajesh Bhosale: Yes, there are some counters that are definitely showing relative strength. They're still trading around their 52-week or all-time highs. So, some of those could continue to perform well despite a lacklustre broader market. One of our picks is PEL – Piramal Enterprises . If you look at the stock, it had a strong rally in early July, moving from 1150 to 1350. Last week, we saw some price correction. Today, the stock is showing strength around its 20 EMA and has already crossed Friday's high. So, we're bullish on this counter and recommend a buy with a stop loss at 1260, targeting 1410. The second buy call is on HDFC Life. On the monthly chart, it has already given a strong long-term breakout. After some correction last week, it formed a bullish engulfing pattern, and this week we're seeing follow-up buying. It has also crossed above the 20 EMA. So, we expect HDFC Life to resume its positive momentum. With a small stop loss at 750, we expect an upside target of 805.
