News

A growing body of global research is spotlighting an increasingly simple, yet potentially transformative, dietary strategy: meal sequencing—eating your foods in a specific order, starting with protein and fiber-rich vegetables and ending with carbohydrates. Recent studies reveal that not only what you eat, but the order in which you eat it, can have powerful effects on blood sugar, appetite, and long-term health, especially for Thai people seeking practical ways to prevent diabetes and manage weight.

As recent high-profile air disasters reverberate around the globe—including January’s deadly U.S. plane crash, the worst in over two decades—more people than ever are wrestling with intense anxieties about flying. Psychologists, flight attendants, and industry experts are witnessing a sharp uptick in flight-related worries, with even seasoned travelers and aviation workers expressing unprecedented discomfort in the wake of recent events (AP News, National Geographic, MSU Denver RED, NY Post). For Thai travelers—many of whom journey by air within ASEAN and beyond for work, leisure, or pilgrimage—the resurgence of “fear of flying” (aviophobia) presents unique personal and cultural challenges.

Despite widely agreed-upon benefits, working out still feels like a chore for many—even as research keeps confirming that regular physical activity is crucial for overall health. A recent article from CNET, “7 Ways to Sneak More Exercise into Your Daily Routine Without It Feeling Miserable,” breaks down the science and psychology behind building movement into everyday life, offering practical—and surprisingly enjoyable—ways to stay active with less resistance and no gym membership required (read more at CNET: https://www.cnet.com/health/fitness/7-ways-to-sneak-more-exercise-into-your-daily-routine-without-it-feeling-miserable/).

A startling new study is sounding the alarm about a possible factor behind the rising rates of colorectal cancer in younger people—a gut-derived toxin that could be fueling early-onset cases of the disease. The research, recently covered by NPR (source), shines a spotlight on an emerging health concern that cuts across demographics worldwide, including right here in Thailand.

For many Thais, colorectal cancer has been long thought of as an illness affecting mainly older adults. However, recent statistics from both global and Thai cancer registries show a disquieting trend: people under 50 are being diagnosed with the disease at significantly higher rates than in previous decades (source, source). As lifestyles change, with more Westernized diets, sedentary habits, and rising obesity, experts have wondered what else might be driving the sharp increases among the young.

Can holding onto a pull-up bar really predict how long you’ll live? Recent research suggests this basic grip strength test—something many might remember from their first gym class—offers surprising insight into overall health and lifespan. As Thai society faces rapid demographic change and embraces health-conscious trends, understanding the science behind this test takes on new significance for individuals and healthcare practitioners alike (AOL).

At its core, grip strength—your hands and forearms’ ability to grasp or hold—emerges as a powerful biomarker for longevity. According to a detailed review published in Clinical Interventions in Aging, grip strength is tightly linked not just to bone health and mobility, but also to metabolic health, sleep quality, mental well-being, and overall survival rates. “It’s sort of like a window into your body’s overall strength and function,” explains Heather Milton, an exercise physiologist at NYU Langone Sports Performance Center (AOL). For clinicians, it’s a quick and reliable way to assess an individual’s muscular health—a factor proven to be crucial as people age.

A growing body of international research suggests that children learn discipline most effectively by observing the daily routines and habits of their parents, especially in the crucial hours after waking up. This insight takes centre stage in a recent article from The Times of India, which highlights “10 Morning Habits Parents Should Role Model to Instill Discipline in Kids.” While the original article offers a practical guide, the underlying message aligns closely with both Thai family values and the latest behavioural science: what parents consistently model each morning can shape a child’s character and self-control for life source.

A new research study has found that metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol levels, and excess belly fat—significantly elevates the risk of early-onset dementia, but highlights that individual lifestyle choices can make a profound difference in reducing this risk. As reported by Yahoo News, the findings bring fresh urgency to public health conversations, especially in Thailand, where metabolic syndrome rates are rising due to changing diets and sedentary lifestyles (see source).

The quiet streets of Berkshire, England, have recently become the unlikely front lines in the fight against HIV thanks to an innovative pop-up sexual health van. Since its rollout in July 2024, the Florey Clinic’s mobile unit has seen a remarkable surge in HIV testing, with about 75% of those tested never having previously sought an HIV test, according to a BBC News report (source: BBC News Berkshire). As community health leaders race to meet the United Kingdom’s goal of ending new HIV transmissions by 2030, this grassroots success is drawing attention not just in the UK but globally—including among Thai health authorities and advocates eyeing similar strategies.

Research breakthroughs are challenging what most of us believe about “muscle memory,” showing that the roots of athletic resilience and recovery run deeper than just the brain’s capacity to recall an old dance step or bicycle ride. Instead, our muscles themselves can “remember” past training and respond faster to exercise after a break – thanks to changes in gene expression known as epigenetic memory. Recent studies, including pioneering work by Dr. Adam Sharples and colleagues, have brought this hidden capacity to light, offering hope and guidance for athletes, patients recovering from injury, and anyone striving to maintain strength over a lifetime (Wired; Nature).

A fresh perspective on exercise is shaking up how we approach physical wellbeing, with new recommendations from Harvard Health Publishing advocating a “three-pronged” strategy for optimal fitness. This approach, derived from years of research and now the subject of renewed attention in 2025, consists of combining moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, vigorous-intensity aerobic bursts, and regular strength training—a formula that promises to boost cardiovascular health, maintain muscle strength, and promote longevity (Harvard Health).

A surge of cutting-edge research is underscoring the transformative effects of exercise in both fighting cancer and supporting recovery, with new evidence suggesting that physical activity can meaningfully reduce cancer risk, improve the efficacy of treatments, and elevate survivors’ quality of life. These findings are especially relevant for Thais navigating cancer—whether as patients, caregivers, or those seeking to prevent the disease—prompting a shift in both medical advice and public health approaches in the Kingdom.

A viral question on social media—do parents have fewer friends than people without kids?—has set off a nationwide debate and inspired fresh research into how parenthood impacts adult friendships. Recent reports and expert insights reveal that while parents don’t necessarily “lose” friends, the dynamics, quality, and expectations of adult relationships undergo substantial changes once children arrive. This growing body of research and real-life testimony, which has resonated with many Thai parents and would-be parents, underscores the broader social implications of Thailand’s shifting family structures and the urgent need for supportive communities in the face of urbanization and changing lifestyles (TODAY.com, The Cut, Mother.ly).

A newly published study offers hope for millions of older adults at risk of Alzheimer’s disease, showing that even light forms of exercise may help slow cognitive decline. This large clinical trial, called the EXERT study, found that both low-intensity activities, such as stretching, and moderate-to-high intensity aerobic exercise kept cognitive function stable over a 12-month period for seniors with mild memory problems – a group considered high-risk for Alzheimer’s. The findings, reported in two papers in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, could signal a practical path forward for Thai families concerned about brain health amid a rapidly aging population.

For decades, fitness enthusiasts and nutrition experts in Thailand and around the world have debated whether eating animal-based or plant-based protein is better for muscle building. Now, new research from the University of Illinois—published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise—has found that both plant and meat proteins support muscle growth equally, so long as overall protein intake is sufficient. This finding could shift the way Thai athletes, gym-goers, and health-conscious citizens approach their diets, expanding acceptance of plant-based eating patterns while reassuring those who consume traditional animal protein sources.

A groundbreaking qualitative study has brought new hope and practical strategies for postmenopausal women facing intimacy challenges, showing that with self-awareness, open communication, and support from partners and society, women can rediscover fulfilling relationships well beyond menopause. The findings, published in BMC Public Health and covered by News-Medical, are especially relevant as Thailand’s population rapidly ages and conversations around healthy aging remain prominent in both families and public health policy (News-Medical, Springer).

A recently published Italian study has sent shockwaves across the health world, revealing that eating more than 300 grams of chicken per week—equivalent to just 19 standard bites, or roughly four typical servings—may significantly increase a person’s risk of dying from gastrointestinal cancers and from any cause. The findings challenge longstanding beliefs about chicken being a superior “health” alternative to red meat, raising important questions for people in Thailand and worldwide who rely on chicken as a dietary staple (source).

A rising tide of research and real-world experience is challenging the notion that parenting should be a solitary journey. In a compelling new article from The Guardian, journalist Marina Lopes shares five vital lessons from communities around the globe—Mozambique, Brazil, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Singapore—highlighting the profound benefits of communal parenting, intergenerational support, and greater independence for children (“Please, yell at my kids! Five lessons I’ve learned about good parenting from around the world” The Guardian, 2025). Lopes’ revelations echo a growing body of research and hold special significance for Thai families balancing tradition and modernity in a time of rapid social change.

In the wake of tragedies like those witnessed in Pahalgam, communities around the world are asking the same, urgent question: how can trauma survivors deal with the emotional fallout and rebuild their lives? Recent research offers a blend of insight and hope for individuals struggling with the deep psychological wounds caused by trauma—a topic that resonates in Thailand, where many have experienced crises ranging from natural disasters to personal loss.

Worried that a break from your gym routine will unravel all your hard-earned gains? New scientific research suggests you can breathe easier—brief time away from training might not only preserve, but sometimes even enhance your muscle growth and strength over the long run. This news comes as a relief to many Thais juggling tight schedules, family obligations and the occasional weekend trip to the provinces, who fear missing days at the gym could set back months of progress.

A new study published just days ago in “Developmental Psychology” has spotlighted the remarkable impact of responsive parenting on infants born with sensitive or “turbulent” temperaments—a revelation with far-reaching significance for Thai families and global parenting practices alike (Neuroscience News). Researchers report that attuned caregiving, in which parents accurately and consistently respond to a baby’s cues, can “rewire” the developing brain to foster better emotional regulation and empathy, especially in babies most at risk for later anxiety and emotional difficulties.

A new wave of research and social commentary is shining a critical light on the true cost of “doing it all” as a parent — and the findings are deeply relevant for families across Thailand. The latest Psychology Today article, “Running on Empty: The True Cost of Doing It All” by Drs. Alona Pulde and Matthew Lederman, argues that today’s culture of “good parenting” glorifies exhaustion and self-sacrifice, leaving parents depleted, relationships strained, and personal well-being on the line (source). At a time when both global and Thai parents are expected to juggle relentless schedules, this new perspective asks: Are we sacrificing too much at the altar of good parenting, and what can we do differently for the health of both families and children?

Scientists have taken a dramatic leap forward in unraveling one of neuroscience’s greatest mysteries: understanding how the human brain actually becomes consciously aware of the world around it. In an innovative experiment, a team from Beijing Normal University has identified a compact yet influential region deep within the brain—the thalamus—as the apparent “switchboard” that regulates conscious perception. Their findings, published in the journal Science, stand to reshape both scientific theory and practical approaches to neurological disorders worldwide, and offer thought-provoking implications for Thai medical practice and cultural conceptions of mind Wired.

Recent research and expert statements have highlighted an often silent struggle faced by cancer patients worldwide—including here in Thailand: the significant unmet need for sexual health support during and after cancer treatment. As treatments improve and survival rates rise, the quality of life, especially intimate wellbeing, has emerged as an urgent concern for many survivors and their families. Medical professionals from the Cleveland Clinic and Thai academic circles now urge healthcare providers, patients, and policy-makers to recognize sexual health as an integral part of cancer care—one that is too often neglected, misunderstood, or left unaddressed (Cleveland Clinic, 2024; J Med Assoc Thai PDF).

A recent column in The Washington Post prompted fierce debate after a grandmother described her daughter’s strategy of letting a 2½-year-old granddaughter cry for up to 30 minutes rather than picking her up—a response designed, the parents say, to encourage independence and make things easier for teachers at preschool. But is “crying it out” appropriate or potentially harmful at this age? New neuroscience studies and child psychology experts urge a more nuanced, compassionate approach, especially for young Thai families navigating traditional and modern parenting advice.