Emerging diseases shared by man and animals were the topic of the 17th annual Science Night at Anoka-Ramsey Community College Cambridge Campus, Feb. 10. Science Night is designed to provide an opportunity for discussion on cutting-edge, scientific topics.

This year’s speaker Jeff Bender of the University of Minnesota presented “Menacing Mosquitos, Demented Dear and Mad Cow … What’s Next?” to students, staff, faculty and community members.

Bender focused on the value of animals -- the emotional, psychological and physical benefits of having animals in our world. He stated that 114 of 156 emerging diseases are of zoonotic etiology: shared by man, animals and nature. Bender also described the precipitating factors involved in the emergence of these diseases, for example world-wide trade, mass movement of people for leisure and work, urbanization, environmental changes, resource consumption, and demographic changes.

A question and answer session followed the presentation and allowed the public and college community a chance to interact.

For more information about Anoka-Ramsey Community College Cambridge Campus, call 763-689-7000 or visit www.AnokaRamsey.edu.