Health

The spread of the drug-resistant fungus Candida auris has prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to classify it as an “urgent antimicrobial resistance threat,” according to a recent hospital study. Identified in the U.S. in 2016 and rapidly escalating since, the fungus has been spreading in Georgia and within Miami’s Jackson Health System, raising significant concerns. It is known to predominantly affect vulnerable patients in healthcare settings, especially those using medical devices like catheters or breathing tubes, as the pathogen can enter the body through these devices.

A measles outbreak across West Texas and parts of New Mexico has raised concerns beyond the virus itself. At a major pediatric hospital in Lubbock, clinicians report abnormal liver function in unvaccinated children treated for measles, prompting questions about vitamin A. Authorities caution against unverified health tips circulating online.

Experts warn that false claims about vitamin A preventing measles have circulated widely, fueling confusion among families. Public health leaders reiterate that vaccination remains the strongest, evidence-based defense. Two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine are about 97% effective, making immunization the most reliable protection. Supplements cannot substitute proven vaccination.

A shift in U.S. health policy under the current administration raises questions about the future of mRNA research. Health and Human Services leadership signals potential changes in funding that could affect ongoing projects, including studies on mRNA vaccines and immune responses. Once celebrated for accelerating vaccine development during the COVID-19 era, mRNA technology now faces renewed scrutiny. For Thai readers, the implications extend beyond one country, touching global science, public health strategy, and regional collaboration.

A growing collection of near-death experiences (NDEs) shared by Thai readers is sparking thoughtful discussion online. A long-running Reddit thread continues to host personal stories, with contributors describing a range of sensations and emotions during life-threatening events.

NDEs captivate a global audience by touching questions about consciousness and what comes after death. Accounts vary from intense peace to memories of altered perception. One storyteller recalls a car crash with vivid impressions of a truck’s grille and fragmented sounds, yet reports no recollection of a white tunnel or light. Another describes a calm, dreamlike state during severe anemia and waking in a hospital with a sense of serenity. Data from studies led by researchers such as Bruce Greyson suggest these experiences may arise from brain processes under extreme stress rather than supernatural encounters.

A riveting collection of first-hand accounts of near-death experiences (NDEs) is captivating the online community, offering insights into what it feels like to hover on the brink of life and death. A Reddit thread that has been active for over a decade continues to gather deeply personal stories, with contributors describing a spectrum of sensations and emotions associated with nearly dying.

This phenomenon, often described as the ultimate existential inquiry, carries significant interest not just in Thailand but globally, as it challenges our understanding of consciousness and the afterlife. The narratives range from feeling utter peace to experiencing a void that resembled dreamless sleep. One contributor recalled a car accident that left them with vivid memories of a truck’s grill and disjointed snippets of auditory memories, but no recollection of a white tunnel or light. Another described a serene state amidst life-threatening anemia, awakening in a hospital with a profound sense of peace source.

A drug-resistant fungus, Candida auris, is prompting renewed warnings from global health authorities. A U.S. hospital study shows the pathogen, first identified in 2016, has spread within healthcare settings and is proving difficult to treat with standard antifungal drugs. The spread is most evident in Georgia and within Miami’s hospital network, where vulnerable patients with medical devices face heightened risk.

Candida auris presents a major treatment challenge because many antifungal medications are ineffective against it. A health expert notes that patients with weakened immune systems may rely on their own defenses when therapies fail, underscoring the stakes for high-risk groups.

The Trump administration’s recent actions, particularly under the leadership of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have raised significant concerns about the future of mRNA research. Initially hailed as a major achievement during the COVID-19 pandemic, mRNA technology now faces potential setbacks due to swelling vaccine skepticism within high government ranks. This development is crucial as mRNA technology represents one of the most promising advancements in medical science with applications far beyond COVID-19.

As the COVID-19 pandemic gradually becomes a chapter in history rather than a current crisis, its profound impact on public health and public perception continues to echo globally, including in Thailand. A recent NPR report discusses how the pandemic, despite fostering incredible advances in public health, has simultaneously fueled science skepticism, particularly in relation to vaccines. This dual legacy poses challenges that resonate deeply within Thai society as well.

In the early days of the pandemic, rapid development and widespread distribution of COVID-19 vaccines marked a significant public health achievement. Initiatives such as the Trump administration’s Operation Warp Speed ensured vaccines were available faster than any previously developed. According to experts, such as University of Washington’s Carl Bergstrom, these vaccines saved millions of lives and demonstrated unprecedented scientific achievement. The mere possibility of mRNA technology, used in COVID vaccines, being applied to other infectious diseases represents a substantial leap forward for global health (NPR).

A recent longitudinal study has sparked interest in the potential of plant-based diets to significantly influence the prospects of healthy aging. Conducted over 30 years, researchers tracked the dietary habits of 105,015 middle-aged health professionals in the United States. The compelling results published in Nature Medicine suggest that adherence to diets rich in plant-based foods, with minimal intake of ultra-processed foods, may profoundly enhance the likelihood of reaching 70 without major chronic diseases—a statistic that only 9.3% of participants achieved.

A sweeping, three-decade study suggests plant-forward diets may extend the years lived free of major chronic diseases. Over 105,000 middle-aged health professionals in the United States were followed for 30 years. The findings, published in a leading medical journal, indicate that diets rich in plant-based foods and low in ultra-processed items were associated with a higher likelihood of reaching age 70 without chronic illness. Only about 9 in 100 participants achieved this milestone, highlighting the potential impact of midlife food choices.

As Diabetes Alert Day shines a spotlight on the widespread but underrecognized condition of prediabetes, recent findings underscore the urgent need for increased awareness and early detection. Diabetes is characterized by the body’s inability to properly regulate sugar, potentially leading to severe complications like heart attack, stroke, and nerve damage over time. Despite the critical role of prediabetes as a precursor to diabetes, about 80% of individuals with prediabetes remain unaware of their condition, greatly hindering preventive efforts.

The global fascination with raw pet food continues to grow, with colorful bowls of uncooked meats and organs capturing attention on social media platforms such as TikTok. However, a recent National Geographic article has unveiled new risks associated with the $3.1 billion raw pet food industry, linking it to the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus. This development raises significant concerns about the safety of feeding pets raw diets, emphasizing the need for awareness among pet owners in Thailand and beyond.

Recent shifts in pet care have seen more households embrace raw diets for their cats and dogs. In Thailand, pet owners are re-evaluating feeding practices as new information links raw pet foods to health risks, including potential connections to the H5N1 bird flu. This prompts a practical rethinking of safe feeding for Thai families and their furry companions.

Raw pet food has long sparked debate due to uncooked meats that can carry harmful germs. A reported case connected a batch of raw turkey food to an H5N1 exposure, culminating in a cat’s death after ingestion. Genetic testing identified the product as the likely source of the virus, with similar incidents reported elsewhere where felines became ill after consuming various raw diets. Thai veterinarians emphasize that these cases illustrate broader safety concerns around raw feeding.

Prediabetes signals blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet diabetes. On Diabetes Alert Day, Thai health experts emphasize awareness and early screening to prevent progression to type 2 diabetes. The condition affects a large portion of adults globally, yet many people remain unaware, delaying preventive action.

Prediabetes often has no symptoms, so routine screening is crucial. An aging population and rising obesity rates heighten risk, especially for adults aged 35 to 70 who are overweight or obese. The Hemoglobin A1c test provides a reliable snapshot of average blood sugar over the past two to three months. Early screening enables timely lifestyle changes that can dramatically reduce diabetes risk. Research shows that losing just 5% to 7% of body weight halves the likelihood of developing diabetes. Regular physical activity and a high-fiber, nutrient-rich diet with lean proteins support sustained risk reduction.

A comprehensive review shows that Thailand has both advanced public health and growing science skepticism. The findings reveal how trust and doubt shape vaccine perceptions as the country moves beyond the acute phase of the pandemic. Local health leaders are urged to reinforce credible information through trusted community voices.

In the early pandemic years, rapid vaccine development and mass immunization stood out as major public health milestones. The speed of scientific progress demonstrated what can be achieved in crisis conditions. The broader use of mRNA technology marks a turning point with potential benefits for preventing other infectious diseases. Research from leading medical centers indicates these advances may influence global health for years to come, including in Thailand.

A new wave of research shows meat allergy linked to tick bites may involve more tick species than previously thought. In the United States, health officials indicate that not only the lone star tick but also other widespread species could trigger alpha-gal syndrome, a delayed allergic reaction to red meat.

Alpha-gal syndrome occurs after certain ticks transmit a carbohydrate called alpha-gal into the skin. Reactions typically appear hours after eating meat, which can delay diagnosis and complicate treatment. While it has been most associated with the lone star tick, recent findings suggest western black-legged ticks and deer ticks may also play a role. This broader risk could affect more people and influence dietary choices in areas once deemed safe.

A team of engineers from MIT, in collaboration with Brigham and Women’s Hospital, has developed an innovative drug delivery system that could significantly extend the duration of drug efficacy, a breakthrough that may transform patient care globally. The study, published in Nature Chemical Engineering, reveals methods to achieve long-lasting medication effects through simple, injectable formulations. This advancement is particularly impactful in the context of developing nations, where access to healthcare services and resources can be limited.

A collaboration between MIT engineers and Brigham and Women’s Hospital has introduced an injectable drug-delivery system that sustains medication effects for months or years. Published in Nature Chemical Engineering, the study demonstrates how simple formulations can achieve longer-lasting treatment, offering potential benefits for health systems facing access challenges, including Thailand.

Led by mechanical engineering professor Giovanni Traverso, the MIT team envisions depots that form after a minimally invasive injection and release drugs steadily over extended periods. The concept grew from a Gates Foundation initiative aimed at expanding contraceptive options in resource-limited settings. Vivian Feig, formerly an MIT postdoc and now a faculty member at Stanford, helped merge implant stability with the convenience of injections.

A recent study in Nature Medicine shows diet matters more for aging healthfully than many people realize. The research followed over 105,000 participants for three decades, examining how eating patterns influence cognitive, physical, and mental well-being in later life. The take-away: sticking to certain dietary patterns can significantly increase the chances of aging with fewer chronic diseases.

For Thailand, the findings are particularly relevant. The country is aging quickly, with forecasts suggesting nearly 30% of the population will be 60 or older by 2040. Understanding which foods support healthy aging can inform national dietary guidelines, policy decisions, and everyday choices, contributing to a resilient health system.

In a groundbreaking study published in Nature Medicine, researchers have identified dietary patterns that significantly influence healthy aging, which is becoming increasingly crucial as the global population ages. The study involved a massive sample size of 105,015 participants monitored over a span of 30 years. The findings underscore the role of diet in achieving not only longevity but also maintaining cognitive, physical, and mental health into the elder years (source).

New studies highlight a troubling risk not previously fully understood—a meat allergy derived from tick bites, now found to be associated with a broader range of tick species than previously recognized. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alongside local health officials, points to more than just the lone star tick as a culprit behind alpha-gal syndrome in the U.S. source.

Alpha-gal syndrome, a rare allergic reaction to the alpha-gal sugar found in red meat, occurs following certain tick bites. Traditionally linked to the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum), new reports suggest that the western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) and the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis)—both more broadly distributed—may also spur this condition. This revelation possibly expands the risk zone and the number of people vulnerable to this allergy, unexpectedly affecting their dietary choices and lifestyle in regions previously thought safe.