Health

Researchers from a major U.S. university have unveiled an antiviral chewing gum designed to help reduce the spread of common viruses, including influenza and herpes simplex. The approach, described in a study published in Molecular Therapy, builds on earlier work showing the gum can lower viral loads in the mouth.

The gum uses ingredients from lablab beans, specifically a protein called FRIL, which can trap and neutralize viruses in the oral cavity. The study’s lead author, a professor from a dental school, says the formulation has the potential to reduce oral viral loads by a substantial margin, echoing prior results against SARS-CoV-2 detected in saliva. This points to a broader use for oral-transmitted viruses.

In an exciting development from the University of Pennsylvania, researchers have introduced an innovative means to combat the spread of common viral infections through the use of antiviral chewing gum. Responding to the global challenge posed by infectious diseases highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers have focused on reducing transmission rates of influenza and herpes simplex viruses, which remain prevalent around the world. This approach is highlighted in a study published in Molecular Therapy.

New research from a leading medical institution highlights how diet changes can strengthen the brain’s resilience, potentially delaying dementia, stroke, and other neurodegenerative conditions. The findings offer practical implications for older adults aiming to preserve mental sharpness and independence.

Cognitive reserve is the brain’s capacity to adapt and find alternate pathways when faced with challenges. It reflects a lifetime of learning, curiosity, and engagement. The concept gained prominence in the 1980s when some people showed no symptoms of brain disease despite changes in brain tissue, suggesting a protective buffer built up over years of intellectual activity.

In a groundbreaking revelation, researchers from Harvard Medical School have underscored the significant role of dietary changes in enhancing cognitive reserve, thereby helping to stave off conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. This research holds substantial promise for individuals seeking to prolong mental acuity and autonomy into their later years.

Cognitive reserve refers to the brain’s ability to creatively improvise and adapt when faced with challenges, effectively ‘finding another way’ to accomplish tasks. This ability is often credited to a lifetime of education and intellectual curiosity. The concept gained traction in the 1980s when researchers observed that some individuals, despite having brain changes indicative of Alzheimer’s disease, displayed no symptoms during their lifetime. This anomaly was attributed to their substantial cognitive reserves, which compensated for the neurological damages.

A pioneering project from Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Swindon aims to improve comfort and dignity for immobile female patients across the UK. The UniWee, a modified urinal device originally designed for men, could cut catheter use and make hospital stays less painful and more respectful for women unable to access standard bathroom facilities.

Historically, female patients needing long-term hospital care faced significant hygiene and comfort challenges. Many require assistance to urinate, often relying on catheters that carry infection risks and discomfort. Staff in the trust’s emergency and trauma units adapted the male urinal bottle for female use. With official recognition and research support, the design has been refined and will be rolled out nationwide through NHS procurement channels.

Magnesium, a vital mineral known for supporting brain function, nervous system health, and muscle activity, has gained attention with new insights into vegetarian sources that particularly benefit Thai dietary habits. An article by etimes.in, published on April 6th, highlights ten magnesium-rich foods that could enhance the nutritional profile of everyday meals in Thailand, resonating well with health-conscious vegetarians in the region.

Magnesium plays a crucial role in ensuring muscles, including the heart muscle, contract and relax properly. It also contributes significantly to strengthening bones and teeth. Given the diversity of vegetarian options available in Thailand, the inclusion of magnesium-rich foods could make a notable impact. Women are recommended to consume 310–320 mg of magnesium daily, while men should aim for 400–420 mg. A diet that integrates nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and whole grains can naturally achieve this intake.

As spring ushers in a season of vibrant blooms, many in Thailand might find this beauty shadowed by the discomfort of seasonal allergies. A recent study indicates that the pollen season now arrives approximately 20 days earlier and spans 10 days longer than it did in 1990. With pollen levels reportedly increased by 21%, the challenges faced by individuals with allergies have intensified globally, including in Thailand where allergic rhinitis affects approximately 27% of the population, according to local studies.

In a landmark recognition of their transformative work on multiple sclerosis (MS), Dr. Alberto Ascherio from Harvard University and Dr. Stephen Hauser from the University of California, San Francisco, have been awarded the prestigious Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences, sharing a $3 million prize. This prize is notable for its size, significantly exceeding that of a Nobel Prize monetary award, and highlights research that has fundamentally redefined our understanding of MS, a neurodegenerative condition affecting millions globally.

A landmark Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences has recognized two leaders in multiple sclerosis (MS) research. Dr. Alberto Ascherio of Harvard University and Dr. Stephen Hauser of UCSF share a $3 million award for work that reshapes how we understand and treat MS, a neurodegenerative disease affecting millions worldwide.

Ascherio’s work highlights Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) as a major risk factor for MS. In a rigorous 20-year study, he showed that EBV infection increases the risk of developing MS by about 32 times. This positions EBV as a leading known cause of MS and has spurred efforts to develop vaccines that might prevent the disease by targeting the virus. For Thai readers, this underscores the global importance of infectious triggers in chronic diseases and the potential for preventive strategies.

A recent breakthrough by the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Swindon is set to improve the dignity and comfort of immobile female hospital patients across the UK. The development of the UniWee, an adapted urinal device originally meant for male patients, promises to reduce the reliance on catheters and make hospital stays less painful and more dignified for women who are unable to use typical restroom facilities due to immobility.

A new study from researchers at a leading university in the United States suggests that pairing time-restricted eating with regular exercise can boost fat loss while preserving lean mass. Published in a respected obesity journal, the research highlights an eight-hour eating window as particularly effective when combined with consistent physical activity.

Intermittent fasting, especially time-restricted eating, has surged in popularity as a simple approach to weight management. Data from a 2023 health survey indicates a notable portion of adults have experimented with this method, reflecting broad interest across diverse groups. A nutrition expert involved in the study notes that the approach is not only straightforward but can be easier to maintain than more restrictive diets.

A growing focus on magnesium highlights vegetarian-friendly foods that fit Thailand’s tastes and eating patterns. Recent coverage points to ten magnesium-rich options that can elevate everyday meals for health-conscious readers across the region, including Bangkok and provincial cities.

Magnesium is essential for muscle function, including the heart, and plays a key role in bone and teeth strength. For Thai households embracing plant-based meals, adding magnesium-rich foods can help meet daily targets. Health guidelines typically suggest 310–320 mg per day for women and 400–420 mg for men. A varied diet featuring nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and whole grains easily supports these goals.

In a groundbreaking study from Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Chalmers University of Technology, scientists have unveiled a promising method to reduce mercury levels in tuna by up to 35 percent, a breakthrough that could significantly enhance food safety. This new approach involves the incorporation of cysteine, a naturally occurring amino acid, into the packaging process of canned tuna.

Mercury contamination in fish has long been a concern, particularly for individuals such as pregnant women and young children, who are advised to limit their intake of high-mercury fish. This new method leverages the chemical affinity between mercury and cysteine. Cysteine is a natural candidate for capturing mercury, as shown by prior research where its strong binding properties were evident.

In the quest for effective weight loss solutions, a groundbreaking study by researchers at the University of Mississippi reveals that coupling intermittent fasting with regular exercise leads to significant fat loss without sacrificing muscle mass. Published recently in the International Journal of Obesity, the study emphasizes the benefits of an eight-hour eating window, a form of time-restricted eating, especially when combined with consistent physical activity.

Intermittent fasting, particularly time-restricted eating, has gained popularity globally as individuals seek ways to manage weight that don’t involve obsessive calorie counting or laborious meal planning. According to the 2023 International Food and Health Survey, around 12% of Americans have experimented with intermittent fasting, highlighting its appeal across diverse demographics. This dietary approach is not only simple but also reportedly easier to sustain for many people, as noted by Nadeeja Wijayatunga, assistant professor of nutrition at the University of Mississippi.

In a groundbreaking revelation, recent research published in the Journal of The Royal Society Interface has redefined our understanding of the aorta’s function within the human body. Known primarily as the primary conduit for oxygenated blood flowing from the heart to the rest of the body, the aorta has now emerged as a critical player that actively supports cardiovascular health. This discovery holds significant implications for individuals suffering from heart failure, a condition of growing concern in Thailand as well as globally.

Spring in Thailand brings beautiful blooms but also rising allergy symptoms for many readers. Recent data show pollen seasons arriving earlier and lasting longer, with pollen levels up about 21%. In Thailand, allergic rhinitis affects a significant portion of the population, underscoring the need for effective, accessible relief.

Managing symptoms starts with practical, over-the-counter options. Oral antihistamines help with sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion, while corticosteroid nasal sprays target a continually runny nose. For immediate relief from irritation, nasal saline rinses are simple and effective at flushing out pollen particles.

A recent study is reshaping how we understand the aorta, the main artery that carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart. Researchers say the aorta does more than passively absorb pressure spikes; it actively supports circulation through a mechanism called wave-pumping. This discovery could influence how heart failure is treated in Thailand and around the world.

Traditionally, the aorta was viewed as a flexible tube that cushions the heart’s workload by expanding and recoiling with each beat. Now scientists describe the aorta as a cooperative partner in blood flow. By stretching and recoiling in step with heart contractions, the aorta helps propel blood forward, effectively acting as a “second heart.” This could reduce the strain on a damaged heart and improve overall circulation, a welcome development for patients with heart failure.

New research identifies 17 lifestyle and health factors that collectively lower the risk of dementia, stroke, and late-life depression. Published in a leading neurology journal, the review analyzes decades of data to show how individual choices can meaningfully influence brain health. With global dementia numbers already high and stroke deaths projected to rise, these findings offer practical guidance for Thai readers seeking proactive prevention.

For Thailand, the message is timely. The study emphasizes that brain health is shaped by daily habits, not fate. This aligns with Thai values of self-care and family well-being, while also supporting modern health strategies. By combining traditional wellness concepts—such as balanced living, stress management, and community support—with evidence-based practices, Thai communities can translate global insights into local action.

A year-long study from researchers at the University of Colorado finds that the 4:3 intermittent fasting plan can outperform daily calorie restriction for weight loss. For Thai readers, the results highlight a potential alternative approach to healthy living amid rising obesity.

In this 165-participant trial, adults aged 18 to 60 who were overweight or obese were split into two groups. One followed the 4:3 pattern—eat normally four days a week and restrict calories by 80 percent for three days. The other group reduced daily intake by about 34 percent. After a year, those practicing intermittent fasting lost about 7.6 percent of body weight (roughly 7.7 kilograms or 17 pounds) versus a 5 percent loss (about 4.8 kilograms or 11 pounds) in the daily-calorie group. Research by the study team shows modest improvements in blood pressure for both groups, suggesting health benefits beyond weight loss.

A puzzling health pattern has prompted an in-depth review at a Boston-area hospital where five nurses from the same maternity unit floor were diagnosed with benign brain tumors. The cluster emerged among 11 employees on the hospital’s fifth floor, triggering scrutiny by hospital officials in partnership with government health and safety agencies. Early findings show no clear environmental cause within the facility.

Hospital leaders, including the Associate Chief Medical Officer, say disposable masks, the water supply, and proximity to medical technologies such as X-ray equipment and chemotherapy facilities were thoroughly evaluated and found not to pose risks. Staff and patients were assured that no environmental hazard within the hospital has been identified at this stage.

In a world grappling with escalating dementia, stroke, and depression cases, new research offers hope by identifying 17 modifiable factors that can significantly reduce risks for these conditions. Published in the prestigious Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, this groundbreaking review unravels crucial insights for safeguarding brain health. With over 55 million people living with dementia worldwide, and numbers expected to triple by 2050, coupled with the predicted doubling of stroke deaths by then, the study’s implications are profound and potentially life-changing.

In a groundbreaking study published by researchers at the University of Colorado, the intermittent fasting method known as the 4:3 routine has proven to be more effective for weight loss than traditional daily calorie restriction. The study offers a fresh perspective for those seeking sustainable and efficient weight loss solutions, an area of keen interest as obesity levels continue to rise globally.

The 4:3 intermittent fasting schedule involves eating normally for four days a week and limiting caloric intake by 80 percent for three days. The researchers conducted a year-long study involving 165 participants aged between 18 and 60, all classified as overweight or obese. This cohort was divided into two groups: one following the 4:3 intermittent fasting strategy and the other adhering to a daily caloric restriction diet, reducing their intake by 34 percent each day. The study reported that participants practicing intermittent fasting lost an average of 7.6 percent of their body weight, equivalent to 7.7 kilograms (17 pounds), compared to the 5 percent weight loss (4.8 kilograms, or 11 pounds) achieved by the daily dieting group source.

In a puzzling development, five nurses working on the same floor of a Boston-area hospital, Massachusetts General Brigham Newton-Wellesley, have been diagnosed with benign brain tumors. This worrisome cluster of health issues was identified among 11 employees from the hospital’s fifth-floor maternity unit, prompting an in-depth investigation by the hospital in collaboration with governmental health and safety bodies. Despite thorough scrutiny, the investigation has not identified any environmental factors within the hospital that could explain this phenomenon.

A recent edition of the Chasing Life podcast, hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, spotlighted mobility as a core pillar of health. The show features Dr. Kelly Starrett, a leading advocate in the mobility movement, urging people to weave movement into daily routines to boost longevity. According to research summarized on the program, mobility goes beyond traditional workouts to support lasting well-being.

For Thai readers juggling busy schedules and family commitments, incorporating mobility can be a practical, high-impact habit. Simple actions—like opting to sit on the floor while watching television—can improve joint health and normalize frequent movement, a point emphasized by Dr. Starrett.