News

A new wave of scholarship is challenging the common belief that America had a golden age of health—a notion recently revived by public figures such as the US Secretary of Health and Human Services, who has made headlines with the “Make America Healthy Again” campaign. This movement assumes that Americans were once notably healthier, but an in-depth look at historical records and leading expert analysis reveals a more complex—and less nostalgic—story (Bloomberg; New York Times).

A landmark study from leading U.S. researchers reveals a stark surge in ‘extremely severe’ obesity among American children over the past decade and a half, igniting alarm among health experts worldwide. Drawing on nationally representative health data, the study, published in JAMA Network Open, found the proportion of kids with the most extreme forms of obesity more than tripled between 2008 and 2023—a trend that poses urgent questions for public health both in the United States and in countries like Thailand where childhood obesity is a rising concern (Gizmodo).

While Thailand welcomes summer as a season filled with holidays, vibrant festivals, and beach escapes, for some, the long, sun-soaked days can bring unexpected emotional struggles. Recent coverage by The Weather Network has spotlighted a phenomenon called “Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder” (Reverse SAD), which sees symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia spike not during the chilly months but in the heart of summer’s blazing heat (The Weather Network). This emerging mental health condition challenges the common belief that mood dips are only tied to dreary, winter days. For countries like Thailand, where the sun blazes far more often than it hides, understanding Reverse SAD is particularly relevant as climate shifts make our summers hotter and longer.

A growing body of research now points to a troubling reality for millions worldwide: exposure to artificial light after dark—whether from smartphones, bright hospital lamps, or night shifts—may be fundamentally rewiring the human brain, with ripple effects throughout the body. New findings highlight the health risks tied to Thailand’s own rapidly urbanizing, brightly lit environment, raising concerns for workers and families across the nation.

Rapid urbanization in Thailand has brought the glow of artificial light to every corner, from Bangkok’s neon-lit streets to rural provinces seeing a surge in 24-hour service culture. While most Thais associate bright lighting with modern comfort and safety, scientists are finding that our brains remain hardwired for ancient, natural cycles of light and darkness—a system increasingly disrupted by modern habits. According to recent research by leading neuroscientists at West Virginia University, the effects extend well beyond sleeplessness: chronic exposure to artificial light at night has been shown to disturb our body’s master clock, or circadian rhythm, which in turn can weaken the immune system, increase inflammation, change appetite-regulating hormones, and disrupt mood.

A new study has found that simply increasing your walking speed may offer profound benefits for mobility and independence among older adults, with implications for Thailand’s rapidly aging population. With over 13 million Thais aged 60 and older and the number projected to keep rising, the findings could transform the nation’s approach to healthy aging and frailty prevention.

Frailty, a common challenge in older age, is marked by physical symptoms such as unintentional weight loss, muscle weakness, exhaustion, reduced activity, and slow movement. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine—which defines frailty by the presence of at least three of these symptoms—frail older adults often struggle with routine everyday tasks, leading to greater risk of falls, hospitalization, and loss of independence (Johns Hopkins Medicine). Thai society, with its strong familial ties and respect for elders, faces social and economic burdens when older adults lose mobility.

A recent wave of Christian scholarship is shedding light on a fascinating intersection between physical health and spiritual well-being, with new research and commentary suggesting that regular physical exercise may not only benefit the body, but also shape the soul and nurture deeper spiritual growth. Drawing on leading voices in contemporary Christian thought as featured in an article titled “The Body Shapes the Soul: Three Spiritual Lessons from Physical Exercise” (desiringgod.org), these insights present thought-provoking practical lessons that resonate far beyond the gym—reminding believers in Thailand and worldwide of the holistic nature of faith and health.

A new study from an international team of researchers has uncovered a simple yet powerful eye contact trick that can instantly make someone appear more trustworthy. Published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, the findings suggest that it’s not just making eye contact that matters—it’s how and when you glance, lock eyes, and redirect your gaze that truly communicates intent and trustworthiness to others. This discovery holds implications for everything from everyday social encounters to the design of robots interacting with humans, raising questions about how such non-verbal cues are interpreted across different cultures, including Thailand.

A new global study has pinpointed four simple, cost-free exercise routines that can significantly alleviate sleep problems for adults, offering hope to millions of Thais who struggle nightly with restlessness and exhaustion. Published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine in July 2025, the research highlights yoga, Tai Chi, walking or jogging, and resistance training as the most effective forms of physical activity for improving not just sleep duration but quality and resilience against common disruptions—without the need for medication or expensive therapy (New Atlas, Science Daily).

For many in Thailand, it’s nearly unthinkable to exercise without a pumping playlist or soothing tunes to set the mood, whether at a bustling Bangkok gym, a local park jog, or a home-based workout session. The intertwining of music and movement, however, is far from a modern phenomenon. As recent historical research reported by The Conversation reveals, the ancient Greeks and Romans were just as keen on combining exercise and music—perhaps giving new meaning to the phrase, “old habits die hard” (The Conversation).

The age-old debate over whether poor diet or insufficient exercise is the main culprit behind rising obesity rates has taken a new turn, with a major international study concluding that the overconsumption of calories — especially from ultra-processed foods — is far more responsible for obesity than a lack of physical activity. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, analyzed an unprecedentedly diverse cohort and challenges assumptions long held in both public health messaging and everyday Thai life.

A groundbreaking new study from the University of Georgia has revealed that what truly matters for reaping the mental health benefits of exercise isn’t just how much or how hard you work out, but the context in which the activity takes place—who you’re with, why you’re moving, and the environment around you. This fresh perspective may transform how Thai people and the global community approach physical activity as a tool for mental well-being, with implications extending from bustling Bangkok gyms to local parks and even community muay Thai classes.

A groundbreaking new clinical trial has pinpointed a twice-weekly intermittent fasting regimen, commonly called the “5:2 diet,” as the most effective and sustainable strategy among three popular diets for improving blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. The findings, presented at the ENDO 2025 conference in San Francisco, not only illuminate a promising approach for diabetes management but also have significant implications for Thailand, where diabetes rates are rising and dietary trends are keenly watched by both the medical community and the public.

A recent parenting advice column in Slate sparked heated discussion about parental boundaries and adolescent privacy after featuring a case in which a mother gave her 13-year-old daughter a diary—on condition that she be allowed to read it. The father’s concerns, echoed by parenting experts, centre on the risk that such surveillance could erode trust and impact a young person’s developing sense of autonomy and emotional wellbeing. This conversation, though emerging from a single family’s dilemma, mirrors broader debates in Thailand and globally about how parents should balance child safety with respect for adolescent privacy.

A new wave of psychological research is unlocking the secrets of individuals with “scary levels of concentration,” revealing not only the uncommon things these ultra-focused people avoid but also offering practical guidance for anyone struggling with modern distractions. As Thailand navigates a digital era where interruptions are constant—from phone notifications to bustling urban rhythms—these insights could reshape how students, professionals, and families build mental resilience for success.

The ability to focus deeply is more than a personal asset; it is a pillar of productivity, creativity, and even mental health. Recent analysis of articles like “9 Things People With Scary Levels Of Concentration Never Ever Do, According To Psychology” from YourTango yourtango.com, together with additional psychological research, highlights that hyper-focused individuals follow a rigorous set of “don’ts” that sharply distinguishes them from those at the mercy of distractions. These findings matter to Thai readers as the country invests heavily in education reform, moves rapidly toward a creative digital economy, and faces high rates of adolescent and adult attention difficulties, as shown in both local and global data.

In the age of “rizz” and viral TED Talks, having charisma is often viewed as a shortcut to career success and popularity. But the latest research from psychologists and leadership experts reveals a surprising twist: while boosting your charisma can indeed help you make friends and climb the career ladder, too much charisma may actually become a liability, even for those born with the social “gift.” New insights from studies published in 2024 and 2025—including an influential feature in The Atlantic and key academic reviews—are rewriting our understanding of what charisma is, how it shapes happiness, and why there is such a thing as being too magnetic for your own good The Atlantic.

A recent wave of parental advice circulating online has reignited a heated debate over whether children should hit back when provoked, challenging decades-old practices in child-rearing and school etiquette. The conversation has gained traction after a mother shared her controversial stance through a viral TikTok video, insisting that while her children should never hit first, they are encouraged to defend themselves physically if struck by another child. The issue has drawn fierce reactions—dividing parents, teachers, and child development experts—while raising important questions about conflict resolution and child safety in Thailand’s classrooms and playgrounds.

In a groundbreaking study published this week in the Journal of the American Heart Association, researchers have found that adopting simple lifestyle habits can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases—even for individuals with a genetic predisposition. The findings provide hope for people in Thailand and globally, emphasizing that regardless of one’s family health history, everyday choices can act as powerful shields against conditions such as heart disease, dementia, and diabetes (AOL.com).

A new study published by BMC Public Health has revealed a dramatic rise in public attention toward infertility in China, using Baidu search data to map nationwide trends and public sentiment around reproductive health issues. As infertility rates have soared from 7.5% in 2007 to an estimated 18.2% in 2020—now affecting one in five Chinese couples of reproductive age—the demand for information and solutions is reaching new heights, underscoring both societal anxieties and gaps in healthcare infrastructure. The findings provide powerful insights for Thai policymakers and families as Thailand faces similar demographic transitions and a shifting culture around fertility and family planning.

A recent high-profile case of a bride-to-be becoming infertile after months of strict dieting and intense exercise in preparation for her wedding has thrown a spotlight on the hidden dangers many women face in the pursuit of a “perfect” appearance. Triggered by the story detailed in People Magazine, where a woman reported losing her menstrual cycle and developing infertility after aggressively trying to slim down before her big day, new research underscores the significant reproductive risks for women who undertake extreme weight loss regimens. These findings arrive as social media-fueled pressures to “look perfect” on special occasions are more pervasive than ever in Thai society and beyond, raising urgent health and social questions.

New research underscores that lifelong musical training offers powerful protection for the brain as we age, helping older adults to hear and process speech more efficiently—especially in challenging, noisy environments. Published in PLOS Biology and led by researchers from the University of Toronto, Baycrest Academy, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the study reveals that older musicians’ brains function in ways remarkably similar to those of much younger individuals, bolstering the argument for picking up an instrument at any age (PLOS Biology).

In a remarkable reversal of years-long decline, public confidence in higher education has risen among Americans for the first time in a decade, according to a new Lumina Foundation-Gallup survey published on July 16, 2025 by The Chronicle of Higher Education (chronicle.com). The survey found that 42 percent of Americans now say they have either “a great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in colleges — a six-point increase over the previous year’s levels and the highest reading since 2015.

New research published in July 2025 has found that voluntary celibacy—choosing to abstain from sexual activity for personal, cultural, or psychological reasons—has become notably common, especially among women. The study, highlighted by Psychology Today, offers a fresh look at shifting sexual behaviors and attitudes in contemporary society.

Celibacy is often assumed to be rare in the age of dating apps and sex-positivity movements, but the new findings challenge this stereotype. In recent years, changes in societal values, evolving gender dynamics, and personal considerations about health and well-being have contributed to a marked increase in voluntary sexual abstention, particularly among women. The implications stretch beyond individual choices, touching on issues ranging from mental health to relationship expectations in Thailand and around the world.

Parents across Thailand may be all too familiar with this daily scene: You pick up your child from school. Maybe they were praised by their teacher for their good behaviour, but the moment they get home, a sudden emotional meltdown explodes. Crying, shouting, or even tantrums erupt with surprising intensity, often leaving parents exhausted and confused. Recent international research—and insights provided by Thai health experts—shed new light on why these after-school meltdowns, now widely recognised as “after-school restraint collapse”, are so dramatic for children and what parents can do to help.

Recent research is challenging popular beliefs circulating on social media that women require substantially more sleep than men, with emerging scientific evidence showing only a slight, but measurable, average difference in how long women sleep compared to men. The discussion, rooted in a new explainer by a leading sleep psychologist (The Conversation), highlights a complex weave of biological, psychological, and social influences shaping women’s sleep patterns — issues acutely relevant in Thailand, where rapid social change is reshaping the traditional roles of women in family and society.