News

A groundbreaking new study published in American Psychologist is challenging established conceptions of mental health care, arguing that time-honored Indigenous healing practices—centered on rituals, storytelling, and ancestral wisdom—offer powerful alternatives to the predominantly Western psychiatric model. The transnational team behind the study calls for a radical “decolonial turn” in psychology, urging global mental health systems to embrace Indigenous cosmologies, ceremonies, and community knowledge as vital resources, not mere curiosities (madinamerica.com).

A new study from the University of Tsukuba reveals that even gentle exercise—like light jogging, yoga, or leisurely cycling—can set off a cascade of brain chemicals linked to improved memory and brain health. Researchers have found that dopamine and noradrenaline, two powerhouse neurotransmitters, are directly involved in ramping up activity in the hippocampus, the brain’s key memory center, during light physical activity. This discovery shines fresh light on why just a bit of daily movement can sharpen minds and potentially help counter age-related cognitive decline or memory disorders.

In an event reverberating across the scientific community, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has publicly rescinded its institutional support for a recent artificial intelligence (AI) research paper. The move, reported by Retraction Watch, raises fundamental questions about the future of AI-authored academic articles and the ethical challenges facing research institutions worldwide.

The decision by MIT, a global powerhouse in science and technology innovation, has significant implications for the credibility and accountability of scientific literature. AI-generated content, increasingly prevalent in both drafting and data analysis duties, is under the microscope for issues relating to originality, transparency, and academic integrity. For Thai academic institutions, researchers, and the broader public, this case exemplifies the urgent need to establish clear policies and ethical guardrails as the adoption of AI tools accelerates throughout the research landscape.

A new survey has caused ripples in the world of human resources, revealing that nearly half of Generation Z job seekers admit to lying on their job applications—a trend that marks a significant shift from previous generations and raises pressing questions for educators, employers, and policymakers both in Thailand and worldwide (Fox News; AOL).

The findings, derived from a fresh survey conducted in 2024, indicate that as much as 44% to 56% of Gen Z respondents confessed to either having lied or strongly considered lying during the hiring process (Resume Genius). Comparatively, only 37% of Baby Boomers admitted similar behavior, highlighting a widening generational gap in attitudes towards job application honesty. Millennials and Gen X also registered lower, at 50% and 40% respectively (Benefit News). This generational divergence has implications for trust, vetting procedures, and workplace culture that are now being debated across societies—including in Thailand, where Gen Z is rapidly ascending into the professional landscape.

Receiving the right psychiatric diagnosis can be life-changing, yet for many sufferers of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), this clarity comes years after symptoms first appear. Recent revelations and mounting research highlight the widespread misdiagnosis of OCD as general anxiety disorder—a trend that has profound consequences for mental health treatment across the globe, including in Thailand.

The latest publicised case is recounted by a UK health reporter whose experiences echo the challenges many OCD patients face. For years, the journalist’s persistent, distressing intrusive thoughts were brushed aside as “just anxiety” by doctors and therapists. Only after seeking specialist help, and on the advice of an OCD-trained psychologist, did she receive an accurate diagnosis—a development that she described as “life-changing” (Daily Mail).

A groundbreaking new study has revealed that women gain more substantial mortality and cardiovascular benefits from exercise compared to men—and can do so with less time spent working out. This research, published in 2024 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, sheds new light on how physical activity impacts health differently based on sex, prompting calls for women in Thailand and worldwide to make exercise a non-negotiable part of daily life.

A major new study has revealed that regular aerobic exercise significantly reduces symptoms of depression in adolescents aged 14 to 18, offering fresh hope for Thai families and educators grappling with the rising tide of youth mental health challenges. Reporting in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Norwegian researchers found that ramping up physical activity during these formative years may protect teens from developing depressive symptoms—a finding with powerful implications for Thailand’s youth and broader society (Psychology Today).

In a striking revelation from one of the largest ever studies examining sex differences in exercise benefits, scientists have found that women experience greater reductions in mortality—both from heart disease and all causes—than men for the same amount of physical activity. The research, published in 2024 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, offers new insight intended to empower individuals, especially Thai women, to use exercise more strategically to extend their healthy lifespan.

A wave of recent research is challenging the stereotype that men’s sexual health fades harmlessly with age, with new evidence suggesting that certain sexual health traits may be linked to longevity. Several academic and medical sources now indicate that men who maintain robust sexual health, including frequent sexual activity and normal testosterone levels, may enjoy a significant survival advantage compared to their peers.

The question of whether men who are sexually active or who display high sexual health indicators live longer has attracted scientific attention worldwide. In Thailand, where cultural discussions of male sexual wellbeing are often discreet, such research is particularly resonant as demographic shifts shape health policy priorities. The findings matter for Thai men and their families, integrating a vital aspect of sexual wellness into broader public health.

A century-old mystery surrounding the striking orange coats of domestic cats has finally been unraveled by new genetic research published on May 15 in the journal Current Biology (source). Scientists have identified a unique “meow-tation” in feline DNA that not only gives orange cats their distinctive hues, but also explains why the vast majority of them are male—a question that has perplexed geneticists and cat fanciers alike since the early 20th century.

A groundbreaking study published in BMC Geriatrics highlights the intricate web connecting physical exercise, frailty, depression, and loneliness among older adults—a topic of urgent relevance as Thailand’s population rapidly ages. This latest research finds that regular physical activity not only diminishes feelings of isolation but does so by mediating both physical frailty and depressive symptoms, offering hope for millions seeking to age with dignity and connection (BMC Geriatrics).

Loneliness is widely recognized as a severe public health issue among older adults. Defined as a distressing emotional state arising from a perceived lack of meaningful social bonds, chronic loneliness is linked to higher rates of physical and mental health problems, including hypertension, depression, and even elevated mortality (BMC Geriatrics). In the Thai context, where family and communal ties are traditionally considered bedrocks of wellbeing, the cracks showing in these supports due to urbanization, migration, and shifting social structures intensify the risks.

For fitness enthusiasts and athletes alike in Thailand, tracking heart rate has become a popular way to measure workout intensity and safeguard heart health. Yet, fresh concerns—and new research—are sparking vital questions: What really happens when your heart rate climbs too high during exercise? And is there such a thing as too much workout for your heart? The latest findings indicate both benefits and risks, making heart rate monitoring more crucial than ever for Thai exercisers.

A wave of recent research is transforming how the world—and Thailand—views the dangers of social isolation. According to leading experts and new studies, living in prolonged social isolation can be as detrimental to human health as smoking a pack of cigarettes each day, elevating the threat to a global public health priority. This comparison, once surprising, is now backed by a growing body of research and calls for urgent public action to address an emerging epidemic affecting millions.

In an age when every slot on our calendars seems to be filled—and often double-booked—many people feel overwhelmed by their own schedules, constantly regretting the commitments they’ve made. New psychological research is pointing to four “hidden drivers” that push us into cycles of compulsive busyness, as well as offering four concrete ways to break free from the trap of over-commitment (“Why We Overbook Ourselves—and Constantly Regret It,” published in Psychology Today on May 16, 2025) (Psychology Today).

For many Thai parents, the idea of watching a steamy scene in a film alongside their teenage child seems awkward, if not unthinkable. A recent article in The Times has sparked debate by challenging this discomfort, presenting accounts of parents intentionally exposing adolescents to stories with sexual themes as a springboard for open conversations. But what does the latest international research say about sharing sexual content as a family – and what are the implications for Thai families seeking to guide youth through modern media?

A recent feature in Fit&Well shines a spotlight on the soleus muscle, a crucial yet often neglected muscle in the lower leg that plays a pivotal role for runners and active individuals of all levels. While most fitness routines for runners in Thailand focus on strengthening the glutes and hamstrings, a prominent running coach emphasizes that the soleus is arguably the most important muscle for performance and injury prevention—a point especially relevant for the Kingdom’s vibrant running community and the rising popularity of marathon events nationwide (Fit&Well).

A recently published European study has uncovered a deeply troubling trend in the world of late-life divorce: when wives in middle-aged marriages fall ill, the risk of divorce significantly increases, while the same does not hold true if it is the husband who becomes unwell. This discovery, revealed in February 2025 research appearing in the Journal of Marriage and Family and spotlighted in a widely-discussed article in Psychology Today, points to a persistent imbalance in marital roles and expectations that continue to shape the intimate lives of older adults across the globe—including in Thailand.

In an age of mounting mental stress worldwide, new research and celebrity testimony are converging to spotlight actionable tools for living with anxiety. At the recent New York Times Well Festival in Brooklyn, a panel featuring acclaimed singer-songwriter and Broadway star Sara Bareilles, a leading psychology professor from the University of California, Berkeley, and the host of the popular podcast “10% Happier” outlined practical ways in which anxious individuals can reclaim their sense of peace. The conversation, which built on the latest well-being science, is especially relevant as anxiety rates continue to rise—reflecting a pressing concern for many Thai readers following the global mental health crisis.

As technology continues to evolve at breakneck speed, the pursuit of a master’s degree in computer science is proving to be more than just an academic accomplishment—it’s becoming a strategic step for those seeking to thrive in an increasingly competitive digital landscape. Recent analysis from US News underscores how advanced graduate credentials can significantly boost job prospects, especially as the global demand for specialized tech skills intensifies (US News).

For Thai readers, this topic holds particular resonance given the rapid digital transformation underway in the Kingdom’s economy, infrastructure, and educational systems. The evolving role of advanced tech degrees not only responds to global job market trends but also aligns with Thailand’s push toward an innovation-driven economy under national development initiatives such as Thailand 4.0. With the information technology sector becoming a pillar of both job creation and GDP growth, understanding the impact of a master’s in computer science is vital for students, professionals, educators, and policymakers alike (World Bank).

A groundbreaking, nationwide study led by Washington University in St. Louis has found that vagus nerve stimulation—a procedure originally developed to manage severe epilepsy—could offer significant relief for people suffering from treatment-resistant depression (TRD), a condition that does not improve with conventional antidepressant medications. This large-scale research, one of the most comprehensive ever conducted on the subject, could influence insurance coverage policies and potentially change how doctors in Thailand and worldwide approach some of the hardest-to-treat cases of depression (St. Louis Post-Dispatch).

A communications specialist has revealed the biggest mistake people make during small talk and offered an actionable technique that could reshape how Thais nurture relationships, whether in social circles, educational contexts, or the workplace. As post-pandemic life in Thailand rekindles face-to-face interactions, mastering small talk is more important than ever—but it turns out many of us are making the same subtle social error that undermines genuine connection.

The core insight, as shared by a leading motivational speaker and communications expert on social media, is that the number one mistake in small talk is—ironically—focusing too much on ourselves rather than genuinely engaging with the other person. According to the expert, most people unintentionally steer conversations toward their own experiences or opinions, either out of habit or nervousness. This tendency, while natural, can stifle the dynamic energy of an interaction and leave both parties feeling unfulfilled. The fix, the expert says, lies in adopting a mindset of curious inquiry: instead of waiting for a turn to speak or relate everything to one’s own story, we should actively invite the other person to share more about themselves.

A landmark longitudinal study from Sweden has found that regular physical activity (PA), especially participation in organised sports, may significantly reduce the risk of children developing psychiatric conditions by late adolescence. The findings come at a critical time for both Thailand and the global community, as mental health challenges among youth continue to rise and policymakers seek practical, evidence-based solutions. The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in May 2025, tracked a large birth cohort of children over more than a decade, linking their physical activity patterns to later-incidence of disorders including anxiety, depression, and addiction (bjsm.bmj.com).

Thailand is seeing a surge of interest in protein-rich diets driven by social media trends and growing health awareness, but behind the buzz lies a concerning reality: while most healthy adults and younger fitness enthusiasts already consume enough protein, older adults—especially those over 65—may not be getting nearly enough for optimal health and longevity. Recent international studies and expert commentary suggest that protein intake is critical for older people to maintain muscle mass, bone strength, and independence, yet this group is often overlooked in the popular conversation about protein, posing a serious risk to healthy aging in Thailand and across Asia.

A 30-year study involving more than 47,000 women has found that eating a diet rich in fiber and high-quality carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, dramatically increases the chance of healthy aging, according to research published in JAMA Network Open on May 16, 2025 (jamanetwork.com). The findings offer new hope for preventing chronic illnesses and maintaining physical and cognitive function as Thailand—and much of Asia—faces a rapidly aging population.