Health

The universally beloved food, cheese, often sits at the heart of culinary indulgence. Traditionally, cheese is best known for its richness in flavor and its not-so-healthy reputation due to high levels of saturated fat and sodium. However, recent findings from dietitians and food scientists reveal that certain cheeses offer a surprising array of health benefits. Understanding which varieties stand out may not only satisfy our taste buds but also align with Thai dietary goals towards better health.

The recent measles outbreak that originated in Texas earlier this year has rapidly expanded, with confirmed cases across the United States climbing to 483 by the end of March 2025. This alarming rise not only surpasses last year’s figures but raises critical questions regarding adult immunity, particularly for those unsure about their vaccination status. Notably, 93% of the current cases are tied to the Texas epidemic affecting regions including New Mexico and Oklahoma. This outbreak primarily involves individuals who are not vaccinated, prompting discussions on whether adults require a measles booster.

Cheese is beloved for richness, yet its saturated fat and sodium often raise concerns. Dietitians and food scientists now highlight varieties that deliver nutrition without sacrificing taste. For Thai readers pursuing balanced eating, these cheeses can fit into mindful meals.

This shift aligns with Thailand’s growing emphasis on nutritious, flavorful eating. Cheese appears more often in modern Thai menus, from fusion dishes to international cafés, making it timely to reassess its role in a healthy diet. Cheese can be part of a well-rounded plan when chosen and prepared with care.

A recent study in the Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that a 4:3 intermittent fasting pattern can outperform daily calorie restriction for weight loss. The findings align with a growing interest in time-restricted eating as a sustainable approach to metabolic health, a topic relevant as obesity rates rise in Thailand and worldwide.

The trial, conducted by researchers at a major medical center, enrolled 165 adults who were overweight or obese. Participants were randomly assigned to either a 4:3 fasting schedule or a traditional daily calorie-restriction plan for 12 months. The 4:3 group limited calories on three days each week to about 20 percent of normal intake and ate normally on the other four days. The calorie-restriction group reduced daily intake by about 34 percent.

Recent research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine highlights the potential of intermittent fasting, specifically the 4:3 method, as a more effective weight loss strategy compared to traditional calorie restriction. This study resonates with the growing trend of time-restricted eating among those seeking effective and sustainable weight management solutions. Given the rising obesity rates in Thailand and worldwide, the findings bear relevance for those striving to overcome weight-related health challenges.

In a groundbreaking development that could reshape Alzheimer’s diagnosis and treatment, researchers are introducing new lab tests that prioritize the detection of cognitive decline over the presence of brain plaques traditionally associated with Alzheimer’s disease. This novel approach stems from the realization that the presence of amyloid plaques, historically a diagnostic hallmark, does not necessarily correlate with memory loss or dementia. The new tests instead focus on biomarkers that directly indicate cognitive impairment, potentially offering a more accurate assessment of Alzheimer’s progression.

New lab tests are aiming to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease by measuring cognitive decline rather than solely counting brain plaques. Researchers say this approach may better indicate when memory and thinking are actually affected, helping guide earlier and more effective treatments. Historically, amyloid plaques were seen as a hallmark of Alzheimer’s, but their presence doesn’t always align with dementia symptoms.

One notable development is a blood test targeting tau tangles, the abnormal protein clumps linked to Alzheimer’s. Scientists are focusing on a region of tau called MTBR-tau243, which appears more closely tied to cognitive symptoms than amyloid deposits. This shift could improve how clinicians assess disease progression and tailor interventions.

A new metric that blends steps with resting heart rate from smartwatches could improve how we monitor heart health. Researchers from a leading U.S. medical school studied the concept, publishing in a prominent cardiac journal, and introduced the daily heart rate per step (DHRPS). This simple ratio divides average resting heart rate by average daily steps to reflect heart efficiency.

The relevance is clear: heart inefficiency is linked to conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke, and coronary disease. If Thai residents adopt this easy calculation alongside existing routines, personal health management could improve and potentially ease the burden on the healthcare system. The growing use of wearables in Thai cities makes this a timely addition to current wellness practices.

A recent study suggests that a small equation, combining steps taken and resting heart rate data from your smartwatch, might significantly improve heart health monitoring. Researchers at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, in a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, propose a new metric: the daily heart rate per step (DHRPS). This ratio, achieved by dividing the average resting heart rate by the average daily steps, can indicate how efficiently one’s heart is functioning.

A growing body of research challenges the idea that autism is mainly a male condition. New findings reveal that systemic biases have obscured how autism presents in girls and women. For Thailand, where traditional gender roles influence health and education, this shift matters for earlier recognition and support.

Historically, boys were more often referred for autism assessments than girls. Consequently, many girls were misdiagnosed with social anxiety or eating disorders before autism was considered. A recent 2023 analysis suggests that up to 80 percent of girls initially misdiagnosed with other conditions may actually have autism. This data from leading researchers highlights the need to rethink diagnostic practices.

A new study reported in The Lancet Infectious Diseases finds that people who have had COVID-19 face a higher risk of various infections for up to a year after the initial illness. The research suggests lasting changes in the immune system that can leave some individuals more susceptible to bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, including sepsis and respiratory illnesses. For Thai readers, the findings emphasize ongoing health considerations after even mild COVID-19 cases and the importance of continued health monitoring.

A measles outbreak that began in Texas earlier this year has spread rapidly. By late March 2025, confirmed U.S. cases stood at 483. The surge raises questions about adult immunity, especially for those unsure about their vaccination history. About 93% of cases are linked to the Texas cluster, with spillover into nearby states where vaccination coverage varies. The outbreak mainly involves unvaccinated individuals, prompting debates on whether adults need a measles booster.

Statins have long been a cornerstone in lowering bad cholesterol and reducing heart disease risk. In Thailand, as usage climbs, it’s essential to weigh proven benefits against potential side effects. A clear, patient-centered view helps clinicians and patients make informed choices.

Statins mainly reduce LDL cholesterol, which can accumulate in arteries and raise the chances of heart attacks and strokes. They are highly effective at cutting cholesterol, yet some users report side effects that deserve attention. Common concerns include muscle aches, digestive issues, and questions about cognitive effects. While public conversation has raised memory questions, current evidence shows no strong, consistent link between statins and dementia. A five-year study comparing statin users and non-users found no increased dementia risk.

In an eye-opening study published in JAMA Cardiology, researchers have uncovered stark differences in heart disease risk between rural and urban American residents. Contrary to the common belief that life in rural settings, with fewer pollution challenges, might be healthier, the study reveals a different picture. This is of particular interest to Thai readers, as similar patterns might emerge in diverse regions within Thailand, offering insights into potential health risks faced by rural populations.

In a groundbreaking look at autism diagnosis, new research underscores systemic biases that have long obscured the understanding of autism in girls and women. Historically perceived as a predominantly male condition, autism’s complexity among females is becoming increasingly illuminated through the work of researchers like Gina Rippon, as highlighted in her book “Off the Spectrum: Why the Science of Autism Has Failed Women and Girls” source.

Rippon’s insights into how past diagnostic processes neglected girls question long-held assumptions with significant implications for Thailand, where tradition often dictates gender roles. With boys being ten times more likely to be referred for autism assessments, girls were often misdiagnosed with conditions like social anxiety or eating disorders before receiving an accurate autism identification. A 2023 study, illustrated in Rippon’s research, shows that 80% of girls misdiagnosed with other psychological conditions may indeed have autism source.

A new study suggests that a vaccine commonly used to prevent shingles may also lower dementia risk in older adults. Published in Nature, the research found that people vaccinated against shingles had about a 20% lower chance of developing dementia over seven years. The findings add another reason for adults aged 50 and above to consider shingles vaccination, alongside preventing a painful rash and nerve complications.

For Thai readers, the implications are meaningful. Thailand’s population is aging, with more seniors at risk of dementia. If confirmed, the potential brain-health benefits of the shingles vaccine could support public health goals in the country. The Welsh-based study tracked roughly 280,000 medical records, comparing individuals who received the first-generation shingles vaccine with those who did not because of age-based eligibility.

In a remarkable new development, researchers have found that a vaccine traditionally used to prevent shingles, a painful rash-causing condition, may also help mitigate the risk of dementia in older adults. Published in the prestigious journal Nature, this study reveals that individuals vaccinated against shingles faced a 20% lower risk of developing dementia within the following seven years. This discovery adds a compelling reason for individuals, particularly those aged 50 and over, to consider vaccination—a move already advocated to combat the debilitating effects of shingles itself.

A breakthrough in bioelectronics offers a glimpse of a less invasive future for treating congenital heart defects in infants. Researchers have developed the world’s smallest injectable pacemaker that powers itself from the body’s fluids and dissolves after temporary use, reducing the need for open-heart procedures.

The ultra-miniature device is designed to be injected via syringe and works with a soft, chest-worn monitor. The monitor detects irregular heart rhythms and activates the pacemaker through the skin with a light pulse. This approach aims to simplify care while protecting the health of young patients.

Statins have long been hailed as a breakthrough in managing cholesterol and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, recent discussions in medical communities and media spotlight have turned towards the potential side effects of these medications, balancing their cardiovascular benefits against other health risks. As statin use becomes increasingly common in Thailand, understanding these implications is essential for informed healthcare decisions.

Statins are primarily prescribed to individuals with high LDL cholesterol levels—often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. This type of cholesterol can lead to the hardening and narrowing of arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. However, while highly effective in reducing these cholesterol levels, statins are not devoid of potential side effects that might raise concern among users and healthcare providers.

A new international study shows clear differences in heart disease risk between rural and urban populations, challenging the idea that rural life is automatically healthier because of lower pollution. For Thai readers, the findings highlight how rural socio-economic factors shape health outcomes in areas with similar dynamics.

Researchers supported by national health institutes evaluated risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cholesterol. The data indicate rural populations have a 19% higher risk of hypertension, a 27% higher risk of obesity, and a 36% higher overall risk of heart disease compared with urban residents. The study also notes greater vulnerability to diabetes and elevated lipid levels among rural communities.

Researchers at Northwestern University have achieved a breakthrough in bioelectronics with the creation of the world’s smallest injectable pacemaker, a technological marvel capable of powering itself using the body’s own fluids and dissolving after its temporary use. This innovation paves the way for significant advancements in how we treat congenital heart defects, particularly in infants.

This ultra-miniature pacemaker, diminutive enough to fit into a syringe for injection, represents a less invasive alternative to traditional pacemakers, which often require more complex surgical procedures. As explained by John A. Rogers, a leading figure in bioelectronics at Northwestern, the device pairs seamlessly with a soft, flexible, wearable monitor attached to the patient’s chest. This wearable detects irregular heart rhythms and uses a light pulse to activate the pacemaker through the skin.

A new study funded by a major health institute confirms a clear rural-urban divide in cardiovascular health, driven largely by social and economic factors. The research finds higher rates of heart disease and related risk factors in rural areas, with rural adults showing about 7% prevalence versus 4% in urban settings. The gap also appears in high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes, and is especially evident among adults aged 20 to 39.

A growing body of science suggests that a very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) may influence aging markers and could slow biological aging by years, particularly for people with obesity. While findings are early, they are drawing interest from scientists and health professionals in Thailand and around the world.

Recent research indicates VLCKD can drive meaningful weight loss while also affecting molecular markers associated with aging. Experts say ketosis may influence cellular processes that underlie aging, possibly through improved insulin regulation and metabolic health. For aging researchers, these results offer a new lens on how dietary patterns might shape long-term health outcomes.

A recent study highlights a critical link between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and communication challenges in romantic relationships, driven by a fear of emotions. Conducted by researchers at Penn State, the findings reveal that individuals suffering from PTSD often experience heightened emotional fear, leading to conflictual communication patterns with their partners. This study sheds light on the intricate dance between psychological trauma and interpersonal dynamics, a topic that resonates deeply with many couples grappling with PTSD.