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    Kristen Fischer

    Kristen Fischer

    Live Science Contributor

    Kristen Fischer is a writer living at the Jersey Shore. Her work as been published at WebMD, Healthline, Health, Prevention, and more. Visit www.kristenfischer.com to learn more.

    A large red sign on the road that says "animal disease control zone ends"
    32 diseases you can catch from animals

    Humans can catch a huge number of diseases from animals, and these can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites or fungi.

    viruses-infections-disease
    • illustration of the single-cell parasite Toxoplasma gondii against a colorful background; many clear, oblong cells are shown with small, red nuclei inside them
      32 scary parasitic diseases

      Parasites can cause a wide range of diseases in humans, ranging from short-term to lifelong.

      By Kristen Fischer Published 15 May 24

      viruses-infections-disease
    • Mother and daughter baby girl brushing their teeth together at their kitchen sink
      Are cavities 'contagious'? Tooth-decay yeast can pass from moms to babies

      A study suggests that a yeast tied to tooth decay in young children may be passed to them by their mothers, and this is more likely if the moms have lots of dental plaque.

      By Kristen Fischer Published 23 January 24

      health
    • an elderly man and woman walk arm in arm and with canes towards a harbor full of sailboats
      Worldwide, the life-span gap between the sexes is shrinking

      An analysis of mortality data from more than 190 countries suggests the male-female life-span gap is narrowing.

      By Kristen Fischer Published 19 January 24

      aging
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