News

A growing body of new research is drawing attention to the health consequences of low magnesium levels, with scientists now connecting the mineral’s deficiency to a broader range of health problems than previously understood. Recent studies indicate that even mild magnesium deficiency can contribute to increased risk for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and mood disorders. For Thai readers, these findings underscore the importance of paying closer attention to dietary magnesium—particularly as local diets and lifestyles change with urbanisation and the Westernisation of eating habits.

Concerns about men’s reproductive health are spurring a wave of recent research, with studies confirming that male fertility has become a significant public health issue worldwide, including in Thailand. New findings reveal that sperm health is highly sensitive to lifestyle, metabolic health, and even infectious diseases like COVID-19, underscoring the urgent need for greater awareness and proactive measures among Thai men and their families.

For decades, discussion around infertility has focused disproportionately on women. Yet, male factors are implicated in nearly half of all infertility cases, according to global health experts and major clinics such as Banner Health in the United States. New research reviewed by leading Australian reproductive health experts has revealed that male sperm counts worldwide have halved since the 1980s—a phenomenon attributed to complex, multifactorial causes that are only now being unraveled (Banner Health).

In an age where busy schedules and digital distractions are the norm, a rising number of millennial parents are embracing the concept of the “kitchen table family”—a household practice in which family members consistently gather to share meals and meaningful conversations away from screens and outside pressures. This renewed intention to carve out daily or weekly moments of togetherness, highlighted in a recent POPSUGAR feature, is being lauded by mental health experts as a simple but effective way to strengthen family bonds and foster emotional well-being, especially among children.

A new wave of research is shining a spotlight on the power of rhythm and music to help older adults kickstart lasting fitness habits—just when the benefits of exercise become more crucial than ever. With Thailand’s rapidly aging society and persistent challenges in promoting healthy lifestyles for its seniors, findings from a US research team may offer practical cues for local interventions to support independent, active living in later life.

Raising a toddler remains one of life’s most remarkable, yet challenging journeys, according to fresh insights emerging from recent parenting research and expert reflection. While the joys of watching a child’s first steps and hearing their first words are widely celebrated, the lesser-discussed hardships—ranging from unpredictable tantrums to ever-shifting sleep routines—can leave many Thai parents unprepared. As families across Thailand embrace modern child-rearing strategies amid traditional expectations, understanding the nuanced realities of toddlerhood can help bridge the gap between expectation and experience.

A groundbreaking new study published by an international research team led by the University of Ottawa is challenging decades-old beliefs about how serotonin works in the brain, uncovering a sophisticated web of interactions among serotonin neurons that could help redefine the treatment of mood disorders such as depression. Researchers found that instead of acting independently, clusters of serotonin neurons in the brainstem actively compete and collaborate, shaping both the timing and manner of serotonin release across different brain regions—a finding that overturns prior conceptions of a uniform serotonin signal and points to a more nuanced understanding of brain function and behavior (Neuroscience News).

A long-standing debate among health-conscious Thais may finally have an answer: coffee does count toward your daily water intake, according to a new synthesis of research and leading expert opinions. As millions start their day with a hot cup of coffee in Bangkok or iced café yen in Chiang Mai, questions about whether those popular caffeinated beverages actually help hydrate—or dehydrate—continue to linger. Recent analysis clarifies that, for most people, drinking coffee can be part of staying well-hydrated, though moderation and individual sensitivity must be considered.

A new study by researchers at the University of Bath has found that two surprisingly simple—and, crucially, cost-free—habits can substantially increase exercise motivation and activity levels: step-monitoring and mindfulness practice. The findings, published and reported by Woman & Home, offer valuable, evidence-based tips for anyone in Thailand struggling to maintain regular physical activity, especially as health authorities continue to stress the importance of exercise in fending off diseases and supporting mental wellbeing.

A recent study has revealed that engaging in brisk walking or cycling three times per week can reduce the “brain age” of older adults by as much as ten years within just six months, offering renewed hope for those concerned about cognitive decline as they get older. The study, led by US-based researchers and published in the journal Neurology, found that regular, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise not only brings physical benefits but also has a remarkable effect on mental fitness—particularly for people already showing symptoms of cognitive impairment without dementia. This revelation is poised to resonate strongly in Thailand, where an ageing population and rising rates of chronic disease are focusing national attention on strategies to maintain quality of life in later years.

Recent research from the University of Arizona Health Sciences has shed new light on the hidden dangers faced by women working in fire services: exposure to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety may be harming their reproductive health. The study, one of the first to investigate psychosocial health and its intersection with reproductive outcomes in this group, highlights an urgent need for greater understanding and support within a profession long dominated by men.

A recent study is making international headlines by finding a significant association between hormonal contraceptive use and a heightened risk of developing depression, raising important questions for millions of Thai women who rely on these family planning methods. The research, covered by reputable sources such as Drug Topics, suggests that women using hormonal contraceptives—such as birth control pills, patches, injections, and implants—may be more likely to experience depression, especially soon after starting these medications.

Social media’s obsession with “cortisol belly” and “cortisol face” has racked up millions of views among Thai users, amplifying fears that the stress hormone cortisol is sabotaging health and appearance. However, scientists and medical experts are pushing back, clarifying that everyday cortisol fluctuations from modern stressors are far from the catastrophic threat depicted in TikTok and Instagram trends—findings that come as a relief for many in Thailand and across the globe. This latest conversation is rooted in a detailed analysis published by a medical researcher through The Conversation, and corroborated by endocrinologists and global health organizations, signaling an urgent need for critical media literacy around health information online.

A new focus in cancer care is emerging, shining a light on an often neglected aspect of patient well-being: sexual health. Recent discussions among medical professionals highlight that, while cancer treatments have advanced and survival rates are improving, the sexual health needs of patients are still frequently overlooked in both research and clinical practice. This oversight has a profound impact on quality of life and recovery, underscoring an urgent need for change in patient care protocols around the world—including Thailand, where taboos around sexual health and limited support services persist.

Employee burnout, a phenomenon once considered a personal struggle, is now recognized as a crisis that threatens business productivity and the broader economy, with recent studies estimating that companies are losing millions each year due to lost productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher turnover. The urgency for leaders to act has never been higher as organizations in Thailand and around the world face growing pressure to address this silent epidemic and implement effective solutions (Forbes).

In a fast-changing digital landscape, Thai parents face unprecedented challenges—some of which may come as a shock. As children grow up surrounded by screens, social media, and a seemingly endless cycle of online stimulation, their developing brains and emotional wellbeing may be at higher risk than previously understood. Recent research and global headlines underscore the importance of understanding the profound ways that technology is reshaping childhood—and what every parent needs to act on before it’s too late.

A recent viral personal account has reignited the debate over vaccine hesitancy, shining a spotlight on the real-life consequences faced by those raised in anti-vaccination households. The article, published by BuzzFeed and titled “17 Brutally Honest Confessions From A Woman Who Was Raised By Anti-Vax Parents,” offers a candid look at how parental skepticism toward vaccines can shape every facet of a child’s development—physically, emotionally, and socially. Its frank revelations underscore issues of public health and personal risk that resonate worldwide, including in Thailand, where anti-vaccine sentiment has gained traction in some circles.

As cases of anxiety climb in a world still grappling with the aftershocks of the Covid-19 pandemic, a fresh spotlight has turned toward non-pharmaceutical approaches to mental wellbeing. A recent article on YourTango compiles insights from 23 wellness professionals, each sharing the techniques they personally use to reduce anxiety—without the need for medication. With Thailand’s rates of anxiety and stress reportedly on the rise in recent years, these expert-backed strategies offer new hope and practical steps for individuals seeking alternatives amid uncertainty and change.

Some common medicines and dietary supplements could reduce the effectiveness of hormonal birth control, putting Thai women at unseen risk of unintended pregnancies, according to updated research and expert guidance from global health agencies. The expanding use of both pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter supplements in Thailand means understanding these interactions is more important than ever.

Hormonal contraceptives—whether pills, patches, injections, or implants—remain among the most popular choices for family planning in Thailand, recommended by healthcare providers for their convenience and high success rate. However, new evidence and official health warnings reveal that a handful of widely-used substances can lower the reliability of these contraceptives, sometimes drastically. For Thai readers, recognizing how everyday medicines or herbal remedies—often purchased at pharmacies, traditional medicine vendors, or online—can compromise birth control is crucial for informed, safe reproductive health choices.

For many Thais hitting the gym, jogging at Lumphini Park, or playing football after work, a curious urge might follow an intense bout of exercise: the near-uncontrollable need to keep moving, even when exhaustion beckons. Instead of collapsing on a bench or mat, you might find yourself pacing back and forth, performing squats and stretches, or simply unable to sit still. Recent research, highlighted in an accessible review published by an exercise physiology professor, explains this phenomenon while revealing why active movement after strenuous activity is not just instinctive, but vital for optimal recovery (The Conversation).

Millions of children in the United States are diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and the vast majority are prescribed stimulant medications such as Ritalin and Adderall. However, a new wave of research reported by NPR and detailed in The New York Times Magazine raises pressing questions about the effectiveness and long-term consequences of these treatments, as well as the very nature of ADHD itself (NPR, 2025).

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed last year that more than 11% of American children had received an ADHD diagnosis—a record high, and a dramatic increase from the early 1990s figure of just 2 million. In 14-year-old boys, the rate soars to 21%. These statistics portray a nation deeply invested in identifying—and medicating—children with ADHD. But why are diagnoses rising, and are treatments truly serving those diagnosed?

Beetroot powder is fast becoming the darling of health supplement aisles in Thailand and around the world, with promises of enhanced energy, better athletic performance, and even improvements in heart health. But as the market fills with brightly packaged tubs and social media buzzes with endorsements, many Thais are asking: do the scientific facts really support these bold health claims?

The spotlight on beetroot powder is well earned. Beets are naturally rich in dietary nitrates, compounds known to convert into nitric oxide in the body—a molecule pivotal for expanding blood vessels, thus improving blood flow and potentially lowering blood pressure. These effects have attracted attention not just from supplement marketers but from scientists, athletes, and health-conscious individuals seeking a natural performance edge and cardiovascular boost (Men’s Health; Cleveland Clinic). For Thai consumers, where non-communicable diseases like hypertension and cardiovascular illness are a rising health concern, the potential of a plant-based, accessible solution resonates deeply.

In a startling development that has rung alarm bells across the global public health community, scientists have confirmed for the first time that the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus, better known as bird flu, has not only crossed into U.S. dairy cattle, but is now capable of cow-to-cow transmission. This unprecedented leap, tracked to a single wildlife spillover event in Texas in 2023, has rapidly escalated into a multi-state outbreak, deepening fears over the virus’s pandemic potential. The implications of this discovery stretch far beyond the borders of the United States, raising difficult questions for countries like Thailand, where livestock and poultry farming are vital to the economy and public health infrastructure is acutely attuned to zoonotic threats.

A wave of new research is shedding light on the intriguing ways that your birth order—whether you’re a firstborn, middle child, youngest, or only child—can impact not just your personality, but also your risks for certain mental and physical health conditions. The longstanding folk wisdom about eldest siblings being responsible, middle children overlooked, and youngest siblings more carefree has some scientific roots—but the picture is far more complex, with direct relevance for families in Thailand and around the world.

As global efforts intensify to destigmatize men’s sexual health, the latest research and advocacy underscore the urgent need for open dialogue—challenging outdated expectations and transforming silent suffering into collective well-being. This movement toward normalization is rapidly gaining ground, with far-reaching implications for Thai society where traditional views on masculinity persist.

Men’s health has long encompassed more than just the physical; mental and emotional well-being are increasingly recognized as critical. Yet, across the world, men statistically have a shorter life expectancy than women due in large part to heart disease, diabetes, mental health disorders, and cancer, with underlying causes being intertwined lifestyle choices and social barriers. Reluctance among men to seek preventative care or address issues early is often tied not only to the stigma of vulnerability, but also misinformation and societal attitudes that equate open discussion with weakness (Life & Style, 2025).