Neuroscience

Thailand’s young generation confronts an invisible epidemic as excessive digital consumption fundamentally alters brain structure and function, creating widespread cognitive decline that educators, parents, and health officials across the kingdom can no longer ignore. Revolutionary neuroscience research demonstrates that prolonged exposure to social media, gaming, and superficial online content produces measurable deterioration in memory, critical thinking abilities, and emotional regulation among adolescents and young adults. This phenomenon, recently dubbed “brain rot” and selected as Oxford’s Word of the Year 2024, represents far more than generational anxiety—it signals a genuine neurological crisis threatening Thailand’s educational achievements and economic competitiveness.

A wave of digital overload is sweeping through the world’s youth, and Thailand is no exception. Recent neuroscience research reveals that excessive social media, gaming, and screen time can harm memory, impair critical thinking, and leave young people feeling fatigued, unfocused, and emotionally detached. As Thais of all ages spend more time glued to screens, new findings provide urgent insights—and practical steps—to guard our brains in the digital age.

The term “brain rot,” notably named Oxford’s Word of the Year 2024, has rapidly entered global consciousness to describe the subtle yet significant meltdown of cognitive capacities linked to the overconsumption of digital content, particularly that which is superficial or emotionally distressing. For Thai society—where mobile internet penetration is among Asia’s highest and app-based lifestyles are ubiquitous—the risk and reality of this phenomenon present far-reaching implications for education, mental health, and even national productivity.

Groundbreaking international research unveils the strongest scientific evidence yet that human genes and biological sex fundamentally determine how individuals experience and interpret smells, opening revolutionary possibilities for personalized medicine and deeper understanding of neurological health. The landmark study, conducted by University of Leipzig researchers and published in Nature Communications, identified ten distinct genomic regions directly connected to specific odor detection abilities, with seven representing entirely new scientific discoveries. Most remarkably, three of these genetic regions demonstrate sex-specific activation patterns influenced by hormone fluctuations, explaining why scent perception can shift dramatically during menstruation, pregnancy, and other life transitions.

A quiet crisis is unfolding in Thailand as heavy daily screen time reshapes the brains of many young people. New neuroscience research connects prolonged exposure to social media, gaming, and endless online content with measurable declines in memory, reasoning, and emotional regulation among adolescents and young adults. While some headlines sensationalize the term “brain rot,” the underlying message is clear: digital overload is affecting learning, behavior, and well-being across the country.

A landmark international study provides the strongest evidence to date that human genetics and biological sex influence how people perceive and interpret smells. Conducted by researchers at the University of Leipzig and published in Nature Communications, the work maps ten genomic regions linked to specific odor detection, with seven representing newly identified genetic factors. Notably, three regions show sex-specific activation tied to hormone changes, helping explain scent perception shifts during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and other life stages.

A landmark international study has uncovered the strongest evidence yet that our genes—along with biological sex—shape how we experience smells, opening new possibilities for understanding brain health and personalized medicine. The research, conducted by the University of Leipzig and published on July 30, 2025, in Nature Communications, identified ten distinct regions of the human genome connected to the ability to detect specific odors. Remarkably, seven of these genetic links had never before been documented, while three regions proved sensitive to sex-specific factors such as hormones, helping explain why smell perception can shift during life events like menstruation or pregnancy.

A wave of new research is reshaping debates about what students should learn and when they should learn it. In Thailand and across Asia, experts urge policymakers to let brain development science guide curriculum design. The takeaway is clear: one-size-fits-all benchmarks can overlook how children’s minds grow naturally.

Critics have scrutinized the Common Core standards introduced in the United States in 2013 and adopted by many states. Some studies suggest the reform did not close gaps and may have widened them for certain groups. Large-scale evaluations point to declines in reading for younger students and mathematics for older students after its adoption, with the most vulnerable learners bearing the heaviest impact. This serves as a warning for any system aiming to boost equity.

A significant new wave of research and analysis is reshaping the debate over educational standards, following mounting evidence that the Common Core—a sweeping U.S. reform once heralded as a solution to persistent achievement gaps—has fundamentally failed to deliver on its promises. Recent studies urge policymakers in Thailand and across Asia to look closely at how brain development science should inform what, when, and how students are taught, warning of the dangers of imposing one-size-fits-all benchmarks that ignore children’s natural cognitive growth.

A recent study offers a practical mental technique, described as “time travel,” to strengthen memory. By mentally re-creating the original learning moment—including thoughts and feelings—learners can improve recall of material studied earlier. The research, reported in a leading science journal, suggests the method works best soon after study and is less powerful as time passes.

For Thai readers, the implications are significant. Forgetfulness and exam anxiety affect students, teachers, and Thailand’s competitive education landscape. This approach provides a scientifically grounded, low-cost strategy that aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen cognitive health and learning outcomes across generations.

A new study has revealed that a mental technique dubbed “time travel” can help restore fading memories, providing fresh promise for students, educators, and anyone hoping to recollect lost information. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on July 28, this research offers compelling evidence that mentally returning to the context in which a memory was formed—by recalling thoughts and emotions from that time—can significantly rejuvenate retention of learned information, sometimes making old memories nearly as accessible as new ones. This discovery may revolutionize current understandings of memory loss and learning efficiency from classrooms in Bangkok to university libraries across the globe (Live Science).

A groundbreaking review in neuroscience is challenging commonly held beliefs about how reading and listening shape what we learn, revealing that each medium activates the brain in unique ways and is not simply interchangeable. While today’s digital landscape overflows with audiobooks, podcasts, and voice-driven AI, new research highlights that reading in print or on screens still plays an irreplaceable role in effective learning—especially when grappling with complex material (The Conversation, 2025).

A new neuroscience review shows that reading and listening engage the brain in distinct ways. The message is clear: you cannot simply substitute one for the other. In Thailand, where audiobooks, podcasts, and voice AI are increasingly common, reading still plays a crucial role in mastering complex material. This matters for Thai students and lifelong learners navigating exams, language development, and career growth.

As more people in Thailand use podcasts during commutes and English lessons on the go, the findings offer practical guidance for study habits and education policy. Understanding how the brain processes reading versus listening can shape classroom design, teacher training, and everyday learning strategies across the country.

A growing body of brain science suggests that finishing dinner earlier could help the brain consolidate memories during sleep. Early animal studies and promising human data indicate that going to bed with an empty stomach might enhance sleep-supported memory processing, potentially improving cognitive performance by morning. In Thailand, where cognitive health and aging are rising public priorities, simple meal-timing adjustments could offer a low-cost strategy for students and older adults alike.

A new wave of neuroscience research suggests that abstaining from eating before bedtime might help supercharge the brain’s ability to cement memories during sleep, offering intriguing possibilities for both public health and everyday learning strategies. Insights from studies on rodents and emerging human data indicate that going to sleep hungry may enhance the brain’s natural memory-processing rhythms, potentially leading to improved cognitive function by morning (ZME Science).

This recent research holds significant relevance for Thai readers, as cognitive health and aging are national concerns in Thailand’s rapidly greying population. Against this backdrop, simple lifestyle interventions such as meal timing could offer low-cost approaches to boosting memory retention, aiding students and older adults alike.

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have unveiled a “neurobiotic sense”—a newly identified gut-to-brain communication system that lets the brain know, in real time, when your body has had enough to eat. This research, published by a team at Duke University School of Medicine in the scientific journal Nature, uncovers how specialized colon cells detect bacterial signals and quickly send appetite-suppressing messages to the brain, potentially reshaping our understanding of diet, obesity, and the intricate link between gut microbes and behavior (Neuroscience News; Nature Journal).

A new discovery reveals a real-time gut-to-brain signal that tells the brain we’ve had enough to eat. Researchers describe this as a neurobiotic sense. A study from Duke University School of Medicine, published in Nature, shows that colon cells detect bacterial signals and quickly curb appetite via the vagus nerve. This advances our understanding of diet, obesity, and the gut–brain connection, with practical implications for Thai health strategies.

For Thai readers, the research offers a fresh lens on weight management, cravings, and mood, highlighting the gut microbiome as a key factor alongside diet and willpower. With rising obesity and metabolic disorders in Thailand, these insights could shape future public health guidance, nutrition advice, and mental well-being interventions.

A simple habit—finishing dinner early—could influence how the brain stores memories. Early animal research and emerging human data suggest that delaying the last meal of the day may support memory consolidation during sleep. Thai educators, students, and health professionals are weighing what this could mean for schools, workplaces, and aging in Thailand.

In Thailand, improving memory and supporting healthy aging are national priorities. The idea of timed eating intersects with a culture that values traditional meals while navigating modern, around-the-clock lifestyles. Late-night snacking and screen time are common topics of public interest as communities explore potential cognitive benefits.

A wave of new scientific research is shining light on an unexpected daily habit that may powerfully enhance memory: fasting before bedtime. Recent animal and human studies reveal that deliberately abstaining from food in the hours leading up to sleep could help ‘supercharge’ the brain’s memory circuitry, making it more efficient at transforming today’s experiences into lasting knowledge. These findings, drawing global headlines, are now sparking conversations among Thai educators, students, and health professionals eager to explore how simple lifestyle tweaks might foster better cognitive performance (ZME Science; Neuroscience News).

Thai readers concerned about memory lapses or the prospect of cognitive decline have good news: maintaining a healthy brain may be simpler — and more accessible — than ever. New research confirms that staying physically active, nurturing social relationships, and deeply pursuing personal interests can significantly boost brain health at any age, making these strategies both practical and effective for people across the Kingdom.

As Thailand’s population grays and concerns about dementia and cognitive impairment rise, the findings, published in the reputable journal Brain Sciences and recently highlighted by major international media (Times of India), provide hope — and specific guidelines — for safeguarding the mind. The research, conducted at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, focuses on how everyday habits can nurture the precious “grey and white matter” of the brain, and offers Thai citizens actionable tips backed by robust scientific evidence.

New research underscores three practical habits that support brain health at any age: staying physically active, strengthening social connections, and pursuing personal interests. These habits protect both grey matter, which processes information, and white matter, which transmits signals, offering a clear path for readers nationwide.

The study, published in Brain Sciences, was conducted by researchers at a leading Norwegian university. It shows that regular movement, social engagement, and curiosity uplift neural health. Thai experts say the findings resonate with local values around community, activity, and lifelong learning.

Children given greater access to green spaces before birth and during early years face significantly lower risks of neurodevelopmental disorders, according to new research from Rutgers University published this week in the journal Environment International. The study, which surveyed data from over 1.8 million mother–child pairs in the United States, reveals that exposure to lush, vegetated environments, measured down to the ZIP code level, can reduce rates of ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and learning delays—even after factoring in socio-economic differences. For urban-dwelling families, particularly among Black and Hispanic populations, the effects are especially pronounced, suggesting a path forward for more equitable child health outcomes.

A new study reveals notable brain differences in individuals with psychopathic traits, providing fresh neurological insights into behavior. The findings point to structural gaps in regions linked to empathy and moral reasoning, potentially guiding Thailand’s approach to mental health care, rehabilitation, and crime prevention.

Psychopathy is a complex personality pattern marked by shallow emotion, detachment, and reduced remorse. For years, experts have debated biology versus environment in shaping these traits. The latest findings, based on advanced brain imaging, suggest that certain neural connections in emotional networks may be less developed in some individuals with psychopathic tendencies. Independent reviews in respected journals have supported the idea that the brain’s emotional systems can differ from typical patterns, though interpretations vary.

In a revelation that has ignited international discussion, new research highlights alarming gaps in the brains of individuals displaying psychopathic traits, offering fresh neurological explanations for their chilling behaviors. The findings, which delve deep into the neurological underpinnings of psychopathy, provide unprecedented evidence of structural “voids” in regions key to emotion and empathy. For Thailand, a society balancing traditional values with modern criminal justice challenges, these insights shed crucial light on contentious debates about mental health, crime prevention, and rehabilitation.

A large, peer-reviewed study in Environment International finds that greater access to green spaces before birth and through early childhood is associated with lower risks of neurodevelopmental disorders. Analyzing nearly 1.84 million mother–child pairs, researchers linked higher neighborhood green cover, measured at the ZIP code level, with reduced rates of ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and learning delays. The protective effects persisted after adjusting for socio-economic factors, with stronger benefits seen among urban, Black, and Hispanic families.