News

As the rainy season in Thailand brings a surge of sniffles and sore throats, many fitness enthusiasts are left wondering: is it safe to keep up workout routines when you have a cold? According to recent expert guidance, the answer is yes—with an important caveat. Leading physicians say that moderate exercise may be beneficial if your cold symptoms are limited to above the neck, but pushing yourself too hard or working out with more severe symptoms could do more harm than good.

In a major development that could transform both medicine and nutrition science, a team of chemists has successfully confirmed a decades-old theory regarding vitamin B1 (thiamine) — a feat once considered impossible. Their findings, detailed in recent reports, promise to sharpen understanding of how this vital nutrient functions at the molecular level, potentially opening new avenues for treating diseases and improving public health policy worldwide.

The breakthrough centers on the molecular mechanisms underpinning the biological activity of vitamin B1, a nutrient essential for nerve, muscle, and heart function. For years, scientists suspected that thiamine played a more sophisticated role within the body’s metabolic processes than previously confirmed, but technical barriers made it nearly impossible to observe and verify those processes in detail. The research team, leveraging advanced analytical techniques and state-of-the-art laboratory tools, have now provided the first direct evidence that supports these long-standing theories, upending conventional wisdom and energizing researchers around the globe.

A new wave of scientific research has cast doubt on the long-held belief that post-exercise cool-downs are crucial to workout recovery. While the warm-up remains undisputedly important for reducing injury risk and boosting exercise effectiveness, recent studies suggest that the much-touted cool-down may not be as physiologically necessary as traditionally believed—a finding with significant implications for busy Thais striving to fit regular exercise into their packed schedules (The New York Times).

As Thailand’s population enters a new era of aging, concerns about memory lapses — from forgetting names to losing keys — have become commonplace. But where is the line between normal forgetfulness and the early stages of dementia? A new report, featuring leading dementia and aging experts, clarifies this crucial distinction, emphasizing how Thais can recognize early warning signs and when to seek medical advice for themselves or loved ones.

A growing body of research and expert dietary advice is converging on a clear message: increasing the size and substance of meals may be one of the most practical ways for individuals to reduce their consumption of ultra-processed snacks, a major contributor to a range of chronic health problems worldwide. This recommendation, spotlighted in a recent report by Business Insider, is resonating globally and holds considerable relevance for Thai readers, as Thailand grapples with rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases tied to eating habits.

A comprehensive new scientific review has found that exercise can significantly alleviate the side-effects of cancer treatments, a discovery that is being hailed as a game-changer for patients and healthcare providers alike. The findings, reported this week by The Guardian and based on the largest study of its kind to date, highlight the pivotal role of physical activity in improving the quality of life for cancer survivors — a population that has been steadily growing due to advances in oncological care. These insights carry particular significance for Thailand, where the burden of cancer continues to rise and survivorship care is an emerging public health priority.

A groundbreaking scientific study has found that venturing into unfamiliar environments before studying can significantly enhance the brain’s capacity to absorb and retain new information, offering fresh strategies for Thai students and lifelong learners seeking to maximize their educational outcomes. The research, which has implications from primary education to university entrance exams and professional development in Thailand, underlines the value of combining experiences of novelty with the comfort of familiarity to optimize memory and learning.

A groundbreaking new study has revealed that just one hour a week of simple, consistent weight training—split into two half-hour sessions—can significantly boost muscle strength and mass, challenging long-held beliefs about the time commitment necessary for effective resistance exercise. The findings, published in April 2025 in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, are likely to inspire busy Thais who cite lack of time as a barrier to exercise, as well as public health advocates eager to promote more accessible approaches to fitness (Washington Post).

A recent scientific breakthrough has revealed that dedicating as little as 30 minutes, twice a week, to weight training can lead to significant muscle gains and improved strength in healthy adults. The study, published in April in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, challenges the widespread perception that effective resistance training demands extensive hours in the gym and sophisticated routines. For the millions struggling to find time for fitness, this research offers a new path toward better health, with powerful implications for Thai society, where chronic diseases and sedentary lifestyles are growing concerns.

A groundbreaking U.S. government study has found that a single dose of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine may be just as effective at preventing HPV infection as the traditional two-dose regimen, according to new data presented this week. The findings could dramatically reshape vaccination strategies worldwide, including policies and practices in Thailand, where increasing HPV vaccine uptake remains a crucial public health goal.

The new results, unveiled by U.S. government researchers, have been described by experts as “phenomenal,” underscoring the potential for a single-dose schedule to maintain protection against the most common and cancer-causing strains of HPV. The research, detailed in a highly anticipated STAT News report, adds to growing evidence that simplifying the HPV vaccine protocol could enhance global vaccination rates, lower health care costs, and ultimately save more lives.

A growing body of research is challenging the old notion that extended workouts are the only path to good health. The latest studies, including a high-profile review published in Nature Medicine and work from NTNU’s exercise physiology specialists, point to “micro workouts”—short, high-intensity sessions lasting just a few minutes—as being remarkably effective in boosting heart health, muscle strength, and overall longevity. For Thai readers living fast-paced lives amidst city congestion or work demands, the message is clear: even brief bursts of exertion can deliver outsized benefits to yourself and society at large (news-medical.net).

A new wave of international research is reshaping what we know about the best—and worst—times to exercise for a better night’s sleep, with insights directly relevant to Thai health enthusiasts, students, and working professionals navigating busy urban lives. While the long-held belief warned against late-night workouts, new expert consensus suggests that timing, exercise type, and individual “chronotypes” all affect how our bodies wind down for rest and recover throughout the night.

A new study making waves in the health community reveals that even just one or two days of vigorous exercise each week can provide cardiovascular benefits nearly equivalent to those of daily workouts. The findings challenge long-held beliefs that consistent, daily exercise is essential for heart health and offer hope for busy Thais struggling to fit exercise into their routines. This study, highlighted by SciTechDaily, signals a significant shift in thinking about the “weekend warrior” approach to fitness and its potential impact on population health source.

As awareness of holistic health grows globally, new research and expert advice are shining a light on the crucial role diet plays in supporting the human lymphatic system—a network critical for immune defense, fluid balance, and waste removal. The lymphatic system, an intricate web of vessels, nodes, and organs, exists alongside the circulatory system and plays an essential part in keeping us healthy by transporting waste, excess fluids, and immune cells throughout the body. A recent feature in The Globe and Mail explores how nutrition professionals are focusing on dietary strategies not just for general health, but specifically to aid this often-overlooked system.

Emerging scientific evidence is upending long-established beliefs about how and when to consume protein for optimal muscle gains, alleviating the pressure many fitness enthusiasts feel to meticulously schedule frequent protein doses throughout the day. According to recent studies published in respected scientific journals, the notion that the human body can absorb only 20 grams of protein at a time, and therefore requires a steady drip of protein intake every few hours, is now being reconsidered by leading researchers.

A recent wave of research has spotlighted a humble fruit rich in potassium as a powerful ally in combating high blood pressure, offering fresh hope to millions of Thais at risk for heart disease and stroke. Health experts say that regular consumption of this fruit, easily found in Thai markets, could play a crucial role in managing hypertension—a major health threat nationwide.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, afflicts roughly one in four Thai adults, according to the Ministry of Public Health. Left untreated, the condition can silently damage arteries and vital organs, elevating the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Addressing dietary factors is increasingly viewed as essential for prevention and control.

A new study has found that walking a specific number of steps each day may significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer, offering fresh hope for simple, daily lifestyle habits that can have a powerful impact on long-term health. For Thai readers who are increasingly seeking accessible ways to prevent chronic diseases, this research underscores the potential of integrating regular walking into everyday routines as a practical and preventative approach.

A recent study has sounded the alarm over the nutritional quality of widely used baby food pouches, revealing that many of these convenient products are high in sugar and lack essential nutrients critical for infant development. With their growing popularity among busy parents in Thailand and around the world, these findings are likely to raise important questions about the health impacts of processed baby foods and the need for clearer regulations and better consumer awareness.

Feeling sore after exercising is almost a rite of passage in fitness culture, but new research and a recent analysis by international experts reveal that muscle soreness isn’t the badge of honor many believe it to be—and it may not be necessary for fitness gains at all. For Thai readers increasingly participating in gyms, boot camps, or traditional Muay Thai classes, understanding the truth about post-workout pain could transform how the nation trains for both health and happiness.

A new wave of research is challenging long-held assumptions about the differences in raising boys and girls, igniting an important conversation for Thai parents and educators. Recent findings, covered by The Atlantic in “What Parents of Boys Need to Know,” highlight how social norms and expectations — more than biology — shape the trajectories of boys, with implications for their education, emotional health, and long-term success. These insights are especially relevant in Thailand, where evolving gender roles intersect with traditional values, and where national education performance gaps have sparked public debate.

A seemingly simple fitness challenge—doing 11 standard push-ups—has sparked viral debate online and on popular podcasts, raising questions about its scientific merit for health and longevity. The latest surge of interest comes after a U.S. orthopedic surgeon, appearing on the Mel Robbins Podcast and echoed across TikTok, declared that “every woman should be able to do 11 push-ups”—and that modified “girl push-ups” don’t count. As the challenge gains traction on Thai social media, experts caution against over-simplifying the science behind push-ups, fitness, and health.

A new case study on a 77-year-old marathon runner whose physical fitness mirrors that of women five decades younger is causing scientists and the world to rethink what is possible during the aging process. The findings, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology and attracting international attention, highlight both the extraordinary accomplishments of lifelong athlete Jeannie Rice and the broader lessons her life offers for healthy aging globally—including in Thailand, where aging populations are becoming a central health and socioeconomic concern.

A recent story making international headlines details how a man developed a severe skin condition after wearing unwashed thrifted clothing, sparking new concern over the health risks associated with second-hand fashion. This case has resonated with Thai consumers as the popularity of second-hand shops continues to grow amid economic uncertainty and a burgeoning sustainability movement.

According to the New York Post, the individual reportedly began experiencing serious dermatological symptoms, including intense itching, a rash, and swelling, shortly after donning garments bought from a thrift store. Subsequent medical examination confirmed the presence of a transmissible skin infection attributed to pathogens remaining on pre-owned clothes. The precise diagnosis was not disclosed, but experts often cite risks such as scabies, fungi, or bacterial infections in similar cases.

A new international research protocol is shining a spotlight on a long-neglected aspect of patient care: the sexual health, well-being, and pleasure of individuals living with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). By proposing a sweeping review of global literature and lived experiences, this initiative aims to address both the clinical and societal fatigue around topics of intimacy for millions affected worldwide—a conversation now increasingly relevant to Thai patients and families seeking holistic chronic disease management [source: Wiley Online Library].