When COVID-19 shut the world down in 2020, it also raised a worldwide alarm—pandemics of the future are not a question of if, but when. Now, British public health officials unveiled a chilling array of possible viral dangers that would cause the next global health crisis, ominously dubbed "Disease X." Four families of viruses have the highest pandemic risk, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). These diseases are not yet common household names, but the danger they pose is very real—and possibly more catastrophic than the new coronavirus.

"Disease X" was a term that the World Health Organization (WHO) used to represent a hypothetical, yet undetermined pathogen that might cause an impending epidemic. It was used to recognize the increasing danger of unknown illnesses that may initiate global outbreaks in an era with rapidly growing population densities, climate change, and spillovers from animals to humans.

According to a recent study, the UKHSA examined 24 families of viruses and identified four most likely to instigate the forthcoming pandemic: Paramyxoviridae, Picornaviridae, Coronaviridae, and Orthomyxoviridae. These infections, with the nature they hold and the experience they have generated, can produce widespread diseases as well as death if they aren't kept at bay.

Four High-Risk Viral Families Identified

1. Paramyxoviridae: Measles-like Viruses and Nipah

This family includes the measles virus and the Nipah virus, both capable of causing severe complications. Measles, while vaccine-preventable, is resurging globally due to declining immunization rates. It’s not just a childhood illness; measles can lead to encephalitis (brain swelling), pneumonia, and even permanent disabilities like blindness or hearing loss.

A 2019 Harvard Medical School study revealed that measles can destroy up to 75% of the immune system's memory, leaving people more susceptible to other illnesses. Worse still, if a new measles-like virus were to arise, specialists worry it would be both highly infectious and fatal—particularly among children.

"Nipah virus," on the other hand, is recognized for Southeast Asian outbreaks. Spread from animals, particularly bats, it leads to fever, respiratory distress, and inflammation of the brain with a mortality rate of 40% to 75%.

2. Picornaviridae: Polio-like Disease in Disguise

The enteroviruses within this family are known to cause such diseases as acute flaccid myelitis (AFM)—a paralytic illness similar to polio. AFM usually affects children with sudden muscle weakness and, in extreme cases, permanent paralysis. Although infrequent, its unwieldy outbreaks have put the world's neurologists on notice.

3. Coronaviridae: The Return of a Familiar Foe

This group contains COVID-19 and MERS, the latter still producing sporadic outbreaks with high mortality, chiefly in the Middle East. As the world knows COVID-19 well, as yet undiscovered and new coronaviruses might still appear that are more dangerous or more resilient to current vaccines.

4. Orthomyxoviridae: Influenza's Deadlier Cousins

From avian influenza to seasonal flu, this family has repeatedly demonstrated its pandemic potential. Human bird flu outbreaks have already happened, and scientists caution that even a minor genetic shift may result in more effective human-to-human transmission.

Could the Next Pandemic Be Worse Than COVID-19?

Professor Mark Woolhouse, one of the UK's top infectious disease experts at the University of Edinburgh, warns that a new measles-like virus would be a threat "far worse than COVID-19." While SARS-CoV-2 spared children for the most part from severe illness, a virus in the Paramyxoviridae family could be very infectious, very deadly, and strike younger populations. Lockdowns, Woolhouse says, may not even work to prevent it.

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and other global health organizations are racing toward a revolutionary objective: developing vaccines in 100 days after a new disease is discovered. That's a stark contrast with the COVID-19 vaccine timeline—Pfizer's took 337 days, and previously, the fastest vaccine ever made (for mumps) took four years.

CEPI plans to construct a library of "prototype vaccines" for 25 known virus families. These would be blueprints, enabling scientists to switch quickly and initiate human trials in record time if Disease X arises.

Nevertheless, the experts contend that even 100 days may prove to be late. A study published recently in The Lancet indicates that had the COVID-19 vaccine been made available within three months of the virus having been sequenced, millions of lives would have been saved.

Are Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers the Overlooked Threat?

Another category of viruses—viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs)—also hang over the horizon. Viruses such as Dengue, Ebola, Marburg, Lassa, and Yellow Fever cause massive bleeding, organ failure, and death. While some are geographically localized and rare, others such as Dengue are already global threats in the making.

The clinical manifestations of VHFs vary from fever and malaise to intravascular hemorrhage and organ dysfunction. Most VHFs are zoonotic, spilling over from bats, rodents, and primates. Although there are vaccines available for some (e.g., Yellow Fever), several lack efficient treatments or have poor vaccine coverage.

UKHSA's Dr. Isabel Oliver stresses that "infectious diseases don't respect borders." With a world of rapid travel, shifting climates, and vaccine skepticism, the recipe for a global health catastrophe is already in place.

The UK's "Priority Pathogens" approach is all part of a broader strategy to not only identify threats, but to prepare for them with cutting-edge surveillance, quick vaccine platforms, and international collaboration.

India's recent achievement of developing its first indigenous dengue vaccine marks progress, particularly in middle-income countries. But the question remains: will we be prepared when the true "Disease X" arrives?

The answer is not in panic, but in readiness driven by science, global collaboration, and a sense of urgency based on the lessons of our recent past.

In a world where superfoods, supplements, and scientific advances define the health discourse, María Antonia Cuero's story shines for its elegant simplicity. At 123, María is officially the world's oldest living human—informally surpassing the Guinness World Record holder, France's Jeanne Louise Calment, who reached 122 years of age. Though her age remains in process of verification, the insights she offers are incontrovertibly priceless and scientifically validated.

Born on October 18, 1901, in Colombia, María has witnessed two world wars, numerous technological revolutions, and the dawn of modern medicine. Yet when asked what the secret to her remarkable longevity is, María doesn't refer to a magic pill or a genetic mutation. Rather, she attributes her longevity to two humble foods: fish and bananas—cornerstones of her daily diet, steeped in her coastal upbringing.

Growing up in a big family of 10 siblings by the Mayorquín River, María spent her days surrounded by nature. With fresh fish and tropical fruits readily available, her childhood diet was both organic and full of nutrients—years before these words became health buzzwords. Throughout the decades, she also raised eight children and is now the proud matriarch to 26 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 54 great-great-grandchildren.

Although not officially documented by the Guinness World Records, María's identification card in 2012 indicates her birth as October 1901. She became the oldest to get vaccinated in March 2021, at 119 years old, marking yet another incredible achievement to her name.

However, aside from age and figures, it is María's way of living and attitude that provide deep insights into longevity.

Maria's Mindset and Philosophy of Longevity

In an interview on the Colombian television show Los Informantes, María discussed her philosophy of life: laugh frequently, don't worry excessively, remain active, and don't sit around too much. In her opinion, physical activity is essential. Her regimen included walking often, swimming, rowing, and being outdoors—long before fitness monitors or gym memberships were the rage.

These principles echo research in contemporary gerontology. Many studies identify an active life and good social relationships with a lower risk of chronic disease and longer lifespan. María's case supports that emotional well-being, combined with activity, is significant in healthy aging.

Fish

Of all the foods that she ate, fish is what María puts so much stress on. Living next to the river as a child, not only was she afforded the fresh catches each day, but she fished herself very frequently. "Good fish. I would fry the fish and then mix it with coconut and rice," she shared with a journalist.

Fish is a good source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins D and B2 (riboflavin), and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium, and potassium. Omega-3s in oily fish, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are recognized to lower inflammation, maintain brain health, and decrease the risk of heart disease.

Scientific studies in the Journal of the American Medical Association have indicated that individuals with high levels of omega-3s live as much as 2.5 years longer on average. Another significant study identified a 40% lower risk of coronary heart disease mortality in those who ate regularly from fish with high levels of omega-3s, a figure further supported by the British Heart Foundation.

Bananas

María's second pillar of diet? Bananas—the smaller, sweeter bocadillo bananas (also referred to as sugar bananas or lady finger bananas). These bite-sized fruits are not only tasty but are full of fiber, antioxidants, potassium, and vital vitamins.

Bananas have been valued for centuries for their digestive and cardiovascular benefits. They help to control blood pressure, balance body fluids, and repair muscle and nerve tissue—all highly beneficial for elderly populations. The tryptophan and vitamin B6 contained in bananas also assist with serotonin formation, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter that enhances emotional well-being.

For María, these bananas were an everyday treat. And as science indicates, eating bananas on a regular basis can help with heart health, boost mood, and assist with muscle recovery.

What We Can Learn From Her Habit?

María's remarkable life is not merely about what she ate—it's about the regularity with which she lived. Her life was based on balance: a modest diet, regular exercise, a positive attitude, and close family ties. To this day, she radiates resilience. When asked what she is afraid of, her answer was moving: "I am not afraid of anything anymore."

This lack of fear and deeply ingrained calmness may also have protective health benefits. Studies have linked chronic stress to increased inflammation and a heightened risk of age-related diseases. María’s philosophy—“don’t worry too much”—may offer more protection than we’ve previously realized.

As the world population ages, María Antonia Cuero's life is an eloquent reminder: the route to longevity may not come in the form of costly therapies, restrictive eating, or vigilant self-tracking. It may sometimes be found in age-old secrets—eat fresh, move frequently, laugh without restraint, and enjoy the little things.

As we wait for official verification of her record-setting age, her legacy already walks tall as an example of how simplicity, persistence, and culture can overcome and thrive. In a world filled with constantly changing health fads, María's legacy encourages us to stop for a moment and ask—what really counts when it comes to living a long, healthy life?

Microplastics—those invisible particles of plastic pollution—may be doing more than just contaminating the environment. According to recent findings presented at the American Heart Association (AHA), they could also be silently contributing to clogged arteries, potentially raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

In a study that’s turning heads in the medical community, researchers discovered that fatty plaques found in neck arteries—known as carotid arteries—contained over 50 times more microplastic content compared to plaque-free arteries. Even more concerning, these microplastic concentrations were found to be significantly higher in individuals who had already suffered from a stroke, mini-stroke, or temporary vision loss caused by restricted blood flow.

What Exactly Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are extremely small particles—often less than five millimeters in size—created when larger pieces of plastic break down. They can enter the human body in multiple ways: through the air we breathe, the food we eat, and even skin contact. An even smaller subset, known as nanoplastics, measures under 1,000 nanometers and is completely invisible to the naked eye. Because of their minuscule size, these particles can infiltrate tissues, organs, and potentially disrupt biological functions.

The accumulation of microplastics in arterial plaques introduces a new dimension to the ongoing conversation about cardiovascular risk factors. While high cholesterol, smoking, and hypertension remain the usual suspects, environmental pollutants like microplastics are emerging as a stealthy but significant threat.

A Simple Solution In Your Kitchen?

Amid growing concerns about microplastic contamination, especially in drinking water, scientists have been working on practical ways to mitigate exposure. In 2024, a research team from Guangzhou Medical Centre made a breakthrough. They discovered that a common household activity—boiling water—can significantly reduce microplastic content in tap water.

According to the team, combining boiling with basic filtration can remove up to 90% of nanoplastic and microplastic particles (NMPs) from household water. However, the method’s effectiveness varied depending on the type of water used. In areas where tap water contains higher mineral content, commonly referred to as "hard water," the technique proved especially efficient.

The secret lies in limescale. As hard water is heated, it forms limescale—a chalky white substance—which appears to create a sticky layer that traps microplastic fragments. Researchers found this natural process enhanced the removal of plastic particles from water, offering a practical and affordable solution for most households.

While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term health effects of microplastics, early evidence suggests they may be more dangerous than previously thought—especially for cardiovascular health. Taking simple precautions, such as boiling and filtering drinking water, could help reduce exposure and offer a small but meaningful step toward safeguarding your heart and overall well-being.

Reading non-fiction books is not my cup of tea, while they are informative and important to read, when I read for pleasure, I want to immerse myself in a world that could never be. Reading fiction books like the Harry Potter series, Percy Jackson books and others like the Dragon Rider, were the reason I enjoyed reading. Often using these books as a means to escape difficult feelings, I never even realized how reading these books transformed my mental health, along with my perspective.

Reading plays an important role for your mental health; books offer numerous advantages for one's mental well-being. Whether the preference lies with short stories or lengthy novels, colorful picture books or digital formats, various forms of literature can provide valuable benefits. This piece will explore several key reasons why reading is so beneficial for mental health.

How Does Reading Impact Mental Health?

According to a 2022 PLoS One study, reading fiction can improve people's mental well-being. The researchers conducted five different studies to see how various ways of engaging with fiction affect individuals. These methods includes recalling past fiction reading experiences, being instructed to read fiction, discussing fiction in comparison to non-fiction, and discussing different types of fiction.

The research shows that books had a positive influence on people's mood and emotions. However, it appears that simply reading fiction might not lead to an immediate improvement in mental well-being. The brain seems to require a period of processing and understanding the story before positive effects can be observed.

Ways Reading Can Affect Your Mental Health

Mental Health First Aid England, a social enterprise that offers guidance and training for mental health in workspaces, explains that whether the preference lies with short stories or lengthy novels, colorful picture books or digital formats, various forms of literature can provide valuable benefits. Here are some ways it helps us.

Reading captivating books brings joy and immersion, making time disappear. Finishing a good story can evoke sadness or eagerness for more, highlighting reading's positive impact.

Reading as a Stress Buster

Engrossing oneself in a book for just six minutes can significantly reduce stress by lowering heart rate and easing tension, outperforming other relaxation methods.

Acts as a Coping Mechanism

Reading offers an escape from the real world, providing a coping mechanism, especially in childhood. This immersion can be transformative, influencing how we interact with the world.

Building Empathy

Reading fiction enhances empathy, improving the ability to understand others' feelings and thoughts, temporarily boosting this crucial social skill.

Keeping Your Brain Sharp

Lifelong cognitive activities like reading slow down memory loss and reduce mental decline in later life compared to less stimulating pursuits.

Finding Support and Healing in Reading Groups

Discussing books in reading groups can significantly improve mental health, aiding concentration, emotional understanding, self-awareness, and meaningful discussions.

Boost Your Sense of Control and Offer a Safe Space

Discussing books fosters a sense of control and independence, benefiting mental well-being. It provides a positive and safe way to process challenging topics.

Understanding Adulthood

Reading for pleasure in adolescence enhances academic performance, social engagement, and personal development, offering insights into adult life.

Boosting Your Intelligence

Research confirms that reading increases intelligence, leading to a larger vocabulary, broader knowledge, and improved verbal skills.