News

A new study published this week has dramatically shifted the landscape of diabetes research, revealing that hyperactivity within a specific set of neurons in the brain—AgRP neurons in the hypothalamus—may drive type 2 diabetes, regardless of weight or obesity. Scientists from the University of Washington demonstrated that by silencing these neurons in mice, blood sugar levels normalized for months, even as the animals’ weight and food intake remained unchanged—a finding that upends decades of established beliefs about diabetes origins and opens compelling new treatment avenues (Neuroscience News).

Concern is mounting among global health experts as recent research reveals that cancer-causing chemicals—some even found in so-called ‘eco-friendly’ food containers—are leaching into what we eat. These revelations, emerging from multiple studies and echoed by urgent warnings from toxicologists, suggest that Thai consumers, like people worldwide, may be inadvertently exposing themselves and their families to hazardous substances every time they dine on packaged foods.

Interest in safer, more environmentally friendly packaging has soared in Thailand, with a booming market for biodegradable, compostable food containers accompanying a surge in food delivery and street food consumption. However, new findings indicate that many packaging alternatives still contain or leach synthetic chemicals linked to cancer, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), bisphenols, and phthalates, which are common components in coatings, plastics, and even so-called ‘green’ food wrappers. A major investigation by the Food Packaging Forum identified 189 potential and confirmed mammary carcinogens detected in food contact materials, including items marketed as eco-friendly, raising questions about the true safety of these alternatives (foodpackagingforum.org).

The world of fitness racing is rapidly evolving, with the Hyrox competition emerging as a new global phenomenon that challenges athletes of all backgrounds in a unique blend of endurance and strength. Recent research and first-hand reports from elite competitors reveal how Hyrox is not only shaking up traditional sporting events but is also transforming training modalities for both everyday gym-goers and military professionals. As Thais increasingly embrace varied fitness pursuits, the Hyrox model—already surging in popularity across Europe and the US—offers accessible inspiration and potential for the Kingdom’s burgeoning wellness and tactical training communities.

In a move that has reverberated throughout the global academic community, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has formally withdrawn its support for a widely circulated research paper on artificial intelligence (AI) authored by a former PhD student in its economics program. The paper, titled “Artificial Intelligence, Scientific Discovery, and Product Innovation,” was first posted to the preprint server arXiv in November 2024 and quickly garnered high-profile attention for purportedly showing how AI can significantly boost scientific discovery and product innovation. However, following a confidential review, MIT has announced it has “no confidence in the provenance, reliability or validity of the data and [has] no confidence in the veracity of the research contained in the paper,” marking a rare and public reversal from one of the world’s top research universities (source).

A groundbreaking study published in Nature by investigators at the Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester, has linked taurine—an amino acid found in energy drinks and natural food sources—with an increased risk of blood cancers, particularly leukemia. The research, already sparking international dialogue, comes at a time when energy drink consumption is soaring in Thailand, especially among youth and office workers who rely on such products for an energy boost.

A new research study from Uppsala University sheds fresh light on the long-held belief that higher physical fitness dramatically reduces the risk of premature death, suggesting these benefits might not be as substantial as previously thought. The findings challenge established wisdom in the fields of health and public policy, carrying important implications for how Thai society and policymakers approach physical activity initiatives (Uppsala University).

The prevailing narrative—supported by countless observational studies—has been that individuals with higher fitness are far less likely to die prematurely from causes such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, or all causes combined. The new investigation, however, warns that these links may be significantly overstated due to hidden factors in earlier research designs, and highlights the need for a more nuanced conversation as Thailand continues its campaigns promoting widespread exercise and healthy living.

What really makes men happy in the 21st century? A viral article from Upworthy has captured global attention by distilling the twelve simplest, most relatable factors that contribute to men’s happiness, sparking discussion not only online but also among psychologists, relationship counselors, and everyday readers searching for joyful living. Behind the list, experts indicate, are timeless psychological concepts and cultural undercurrents that resonate strongly in Thailand and worldwide, highlighting both modern pressures and enduring truths about wellbeing.

A recent psychological study has found that adolescents who experienced adversity in childhood are more likely to respond with unwarranted fear to safe situations, revealing key insights into the long-term mental health risks faced by vulnerable Thai youths. Researchers discovered that teens exposed to early stressors such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction show greater difficulty distinguishing between safe and threatening cues, leading to heightened physiological and emotional reactions in everyday life. These findings, published in the prestigious Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, may help to explain the rising rates of anxiety and depression among Thai adolescents and underscore the urgent need for culturally sensitive mental health interventions (PsyPost.org, Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry).

A groundbreaking new study has revealed that the brain is capable of learning fear not just through direct experiences, but also by making inferences—a discovery that could shift our understanding of how humans develop complex emotional responses and may help unravel the roots of anxiety and trauma disorders. The research, published in the prestigious journal Nature on May 14 by a team at the RIKEN Center for Brain Science in Japan, demonstrates for the first time how higher-order emotional learning occurs in the brain, with profound implications for both neuroscience and mental health treatment worldwide (Neuroscience News).

A groundbreaking new theory is reshaping scientific understanding of how psychedelics affect the human brain, proposing that substances like psilocybin, LSD, and others may temporarily grant dominance to the right hemisphere. According to a recently published model—known as HEALS (Hemispheric Annealing and Lateralization Under Psychedelics)—this shift could fuel increases in empathy, creativity, and emotional intelligence, marking a significant step forward in the quest to harness psychedelics for therapeutic purposes (Neuroscience News).

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, may not always look as it does in popular culture—repetitive hand-washing, flicking light switches, or arranging objects in a precise order. According to the latest research highlighted in a recent feature by The New York Times, OCD manifests in numerous, often hidden ways that many individuals and even clinicians may not recognize, leading to under-diagnosis and misunderstanding of this complex mental health disorder (nytimes.com).

This development is especially significant for Thai readers and healthcare professionals, as it expands the conventional image of OCD and aims to reduce stigma while encouraging early identification and more effective treatment in Thailand. Mental health awareness is on the rise nationwide, but recognizing the less visible faces of OCD remains a challenge both for those affected and society at large.

A new scientific study detailing the enigmatic phenomenon of out-of-body experiences (OBEs) is sparking fresh debate on a long-standing question: Does consciousness reside entirely inside the brain, or could it exist somewhere beyond our physical bodies? Published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology in April 2025, the research offers a rare look into the lived accounts of individuals who claim to have experienced their awareness drifting outside their bodies, challenging conventional, brain-centric views of human consciousness (yahoo.com).

A groundbreaking analysis of over 200 parent-child relationships has highlighted seven core parenting strategies found consistently among families whose children display high levels of emotional intelligence. In a contemporary world laser-focused on grades and achievement, these findings underscore the growing importance of emotional skills as the true secret edge for navigating life’s complexities, especially for Thai families balancing tradition with modern realities.

In recent years, educators and psychologists around the globe have turned more attention to how childhood emotional intelligence (EI)—the ability to perceive, manage, and express emotions effectively—shapes long-term success and wellbeing. According to a study detailed by the Thailand Tatler, the emotionally successful children in this diverse cohort almost universally had parents who put emotional development at the heart of their daily routines Thailand Tatler.

A new wave of research is challenging the long-held belief that regular exercise alone is enough to protect the aging brain. The latest findings from a major Vanderbilt University-led study, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, reveal that sitting for long hours each day can cause the brain to shrink—regardless of how much you exercise. This discovery has sparked global concern as it highlights the unseen dangers of modern, sedentary lifestyles, even among those who maintain healthy activity levels, and carries special significance for Thailand, a nation witnessing growing urbanization and longer working hours.

A leading psychologist has issued a stark warning to couples, highlighting a seemingly common but deeply destructive phrase that can deeply corrode romantic relationships: “Why can’t you be more like [insert other person’s name]?” This message, often delivered in moments of frustration or conflict, is flagged as one of the most toxic forms of communication, known in the psychological community as the “death-by-comparison” effect. Experts say this phrase, and the mindset behind it, can undermine trust, erode self-esteem, and ultimately destroy the intimate bond between partners, according to recent reports and expert commentary published by the Daily Mail (dailymail.co.uk).

A new wave of scientific research has shown that smartwatches—coupled with health apps and digital coaching—can play a crucial role in helping patients with Type 2 diabetes start and sustain essential exercise regimens. This finding, drawn from the recently published MOTIVATE-T2D study in BMJ Open, could mark a transformative step in diabetes care, especially for those newly diagnosed and adapting to new lifestyles [News Exeter][ICT Health].

This development comes at a crucial moment in Thailand, where over 4 million people are living with diabetes—most with Type 2 diabetes—and where sedentary lifestyles and dietary risks continue to drive rates higher, particularly in urban centers [WHO Thailand Diabetes data][Bangkok Post Report]. For Thai readers, the research speaks directly to the increasing integration of digital health tools in everyday life, as the popularity of smart devices continues to rise across the country.

A growing body of research highlights the power of small, daily habits – and leading sports psychologists agree that simple routines can make a profound difference not only for athletes but for everyone seeking better mental health, resilience, and productivity. According to the latest feature from The Athletic, top experts in the field have identified five small habits that, done consistently, can transform lives both on and off the playing field. For Thai readers, embracing these behaviors may lead to improved well-being, greater focus, and deeper satisfaction in both personal and professional arenas.

A new report has turned expectations about employability on their head, showing that graduates of nutrition, construction services, and animal/plant sciences have the lowest unemployment rates among recent U.S. college graduates—beating even traditional STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) fields such as chemistry and physics. The findings, released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and published in Entrepreneur on May 16, highlight changing dynamics in the labor market and have important implications for Thai students considering their future studies.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced plans to ban a widely used supplement marketed for children over mounting evidence linking its consumption to cases of brain damage, according to several major news outlets including New York Post. The move raises immediate concerns for Thai families, doctors, and educators, as Thailand’s urban middle class has long trended toward American-style supplement use for children, in hopes of boosting learning and health outcomes.

A new wave of rapid-fire, AI-generated memes known as “Italian brainrot” has swept onto kids’ screens worldwide, capturing Gen Alpha’s imagination and leaving many parents and educators in a state of confusion—or concern. This latest TikTok phenomenon features oddball characters such as ballerinas with espresso cup heads, crocodile-bomber hybrids, and three-legged sharks in blue sneakers. Speaking in exaggerated pseudo-Italian and chanting nonsensical phrases, these digital creations embody an internet culture that is as bizarre as it is viral, reflecting a new level of absurdist humor among younger users (ABC News, Capital FM, MARCA).

A new wave of psychological research is shedding light on the Camino de Santiago, the historic pilgrimage route spanning northern Spain, revealing how the experience profoundly improves well-being by fostering simplicity, social connection, and mindful presence. For Thai readers amid growing interest in wellness tourism and spiritual retreats, the findings offer a window into how ancient traditions can meet modern mental health needs, and may even inform future innovations in Thailand’s own tourism and healthcare sectors.

Millions of people, from office workers in Bangkok’s sky-rise towers to monks ascending temple steps, have wondered: why does even a short climb leave so many of us out of breath? According to new research and fitness science, getting winded walking up stairs is not a sign of poor health—or unique to those out of shape. In fact, exertional intolerance on stairs is a normal physiological response that affects almost everyone, regardless of fitness level, and reflects the body’s transition from rest to sudden, high-intensity activity (CNET).

A new international brain imaging study has shed light on how sudden moments of insight—often called “aha! moments”—not only feel exhilarating, but also play a profound role in reshaping the brain and boosting memory. This research, led by neuroscientists from Duke University in the US and Humboldt and Hamburg Universities in Germany, provides compelling evidence that these flashes of creative discovery strengthen learning and may have important implications for educational practices, including those in Thailand (medicalxpress.com).

The idea that probiotics, known primarily for supporting gut health, may also offer benefits for mood and emotional wellbeing is gaining scientific traction. A recent wave of compelling studies, including a landmark clinical trial published in April 2025 in the journal npj Mental Health Research, suggests that probiotics can help reduce negative mood—even in generally healthy individuals—highlighting a promising new frontier in the quest for practical mental health support Nature.com, News Medical, Healthline, scitechdaily.com.