News

A growing body of research shows that humans rely on smell far more than many assume. In Thailand, everyday aromas—from jasmine rice to temple incense—play a meaningful role in experiences, learning, and well-being.

Smell is one of our oldest senses. Scent detection emerged long before vision or hearing. Humans have hundreds of odorant receptors that detect a wide range of molecules, enabling rich aroma experiences. When you inhale a fragrance, millions of receptors fire in distinct patterns, creating meaningful perceptions in the brain.

Tinned fish—once the mundane fare of convenience stores and hurried home-cooked meals—has recently undergone a dramatic repositioning in the world of food trends. Spurred by aesthetically pleasing packaging, ethical sourcing claims, and a surge of TikTok influencer endorsements, tinned fish is now being lauded as both chic and healthy, with a 91% increase in popularity on social media platforms in the last year alone, according to consumer data from Spate (Vogue). As Thai consumers become increasingly attuned to global health trends, the tinned fish phenomenon raises a pertinent question: How healthy are these shelf-stable seafoods, and how should they fit into the Thai diet?

A broad review of more than 150 studies from 1996 to 2023 highlights a persistent gap in understanding men’s role in family planning across 23 African countries. Researchers urge health systems worldwide, including Thailand, to rethink how men contribute to reproductive choices and outcomes. Meaningful male involvement is seen as essential for gender equity and the long-term success of family planning programs.

Traditionally, family planning has been framed as a female duty. Public campaigns often show women visiting clinics to decide on contraception and family size. The review argues this narrow view misses men’s influence—shaped by household decision-making, cultural attitudes, and shared responsibility for reproductive health.

A groundbreaking study published in June 2025 is reshaping the way we think about physical activity, revealing that even those who “hate” exercise can train their brains to not only tolerate but actually enjoy working out. By leveraging the latest neuroscience and psychological techniques, researchers have demonstrated that our mental resistance to physical discomfort can be gradually recalibrated, making regular exercise more appealing and sustainable—even for the most sedentary individuals (SciTechDaily).

A major new study from Norway has found that children born later in the school year—those who are the youngest in their class—are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with mental health problems than their older classmates. The research, which analyzed data from over one million children, has ignited global debate over how education systems, including Thailand’s, may inadvertently disadvantage their youngest students through rigid school entry cut-off dates. Experts are now urging policymakers and educators to reconsider age-based class placements and provide additional support to mitigate these long-term mental health risks.

A viral social media trend is reframing the age-old after-meal stroll as the so-called “fart walk,” claiming benefits for digestion, gut relief, and even blood sugar control. While the cheeky name has sparked widespread attention, medical experts confirm that the underlying health advice is sound, particularly for individuals struggling with bloating, gas, or metabolic issues.

The “fart walk” is not as novel as it sounds. In Thailand, as in many cultures, an after-dinner saunter—often around the family compound or local neighborhood—has long been practiced, sometimes as a way to connect with relatives or enjoy the evening air. However, recent online conversation has repackaged this gentle walk, typically taken within an hour after eating, into a wellness hack purported to ease gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort and aid overall health. The trend’s catchy rebranding may have helped drive new attention to some well-founded medical advice: walking after a meal genuinely encourages healthy digestion and offers a range of additional benefits.

A growing online trend highlights the health benefits of a short stroll after meals. While the playful name grabs attention, experts emphasize real value: a gentle walk within an hour of eating can aid digestion, support gut health, and improve blood sugar control. These benefits are especially relevant for those experiencing bloating or metabolic concerns.

In Thailand, post-meal walking is a familiar practice. Families often enjoy a relaxed stroll around the neighborhood or local park after dinner, blending social connection with the cooler evening air. The trend reframes this common habit as a practical health strategy. Research suggests that even a brief walk after eating helps move food through the gut, reducing fullness and discomfort.

Asia is experiencing a rapid acceleration in climate change, warming at twice the rate of the global average, according to a new report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This alarming trend, highlighted in the WMO’s latest assessment released in June 2025, points to sweeping and devastating impacts for millions across the continent—including Thailand—underscoring urgent calls for adaptation and resilience measures.

For Thai readers, this news is particularly significant given the country’s vulnerability to heat waves, shifting rainfall patterns, and sea-level rise. Thailand, with its extensive agricultural sector and dense urban populations near coasts and rivers, stands at the frontline of Asia’s climate crisis.

A new wave of scientific consensus is pushing a familiar Thai pantry staple—beans—into the spotlight, with leading nutrition authorities recommending that adults add at least half a cup of beans, lentils, or peas to their daily meals for major health gains and budget-friendly nutrition. This guidance, highlighted in a recent Washington Post report and reflecting both US and global dietary guidelines, has important implications for Thai diners looking to optimize health without overspending.

AI is prompting a debate about faster drug approvals, with claims that technology could shorten timelines. For Thai readers, the promise of quicker access to therapies must be weighed against safety, ethics, and robust regulatory safeguards.

The U.S. FDA currently manages a lengthy evaluation process for new medicines, a challenge amplified by rising public demand for speed. Some researchers argue that AI could streamline reviews, but experts urge caution and strong protections before any major changes.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) drug approval process would allow new medications to be approved “very, very quickly,” according to a recent statement made by a prominent U.S. presidential candidate. The assertion, made at a high-profile live event, has ignited renewed debate about the potential of AI to revolutionize pharmaceutical regulation—raising questions of safety, ethics, and global implications, including for Thailand’s own drug approval landscape.

A groundbreaking study by Chinese researchers has finally shed light on the deeper mechanisms behind how long-term exercise slows ageing, pinpointing a naturally occurring compound called betaine as a critical player in the process. This research, published in the journal Cell in late June 2025, offers not just a better scientific understanding but also raises exciting possibilities for new anti-ageing interventions—even for those who have difficulty exercising due to age or health challenges (SCMP; PubMed; Nature).

Rural mental health care is facing a widening gap. New research echoes experiences from remote Minnesota, where demand often outstrips capacity. The pattern resonates with Thailand and other countries facing similar challenges.

Experts warn that delays in mental health care can trigger crises. In rural Minnesota, shortages of professionals and lingering stigma contribute to the problem, a situation familiar to Thai rural communities and policymakers globally. Limited resources and cultural attitudes intensify the burden, making timely intervention harder.

A sweeping new study has found that rates of depression and severe psychological distress differ widely across job sectors, with employees in retail, food service, media, and healthcare support among the most at risk. The findings underscore the urgent need for tailored workplace mental health strategies, particularly as young adults and women are shown to be disproportionately affected.

The research, led by a team at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, analyzed data from over 536,000 working adults across 37 US states, collected between 2015 and 2019. The results, published in JAMA Network Open (JAMA Network Open, June 2025), paint a nuanced portrait of how occupation, age, gender, and insurance status shape mental well-being across the labor market. This information is particularly timely for Thailand, where the impacts of economic change, urbanization, and shifting industry are reshaping the workforce and its vulnerabilities.

A new study from Monash University suggests a simple way to increase daily exercise: go to bed earlier. Researchers found that people who consistently sleep earlier tend to be more physically active the next day, even when total sleep duration is similar. The findings, published in a premier science journal, could influence public health messaging in Thailand where late nights and sedentary habits are rising concerns.

The research is timely for Thailand, which faces increasing risks from obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Regular physical activity is a key defense, and urban Thais often report late-night phone use and changing work schedules. The study points to a practical approach communities can adopt to weave more movement into daily life.

New research is shedding light on a surprisingly simple strategy for increasing daily exercise: go to bed earlier. Scientists at Monash University in Australia have uncovered compelling evidence that people who consistently sleep earlier are more physically active the next day, compared to night owls and even those with average sleep schedules. The findings, released this week in the respected Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could reshape public health advice not only in Australia but around the world—including Thailand, where late nights and sedentary lifestyles are common modern challenges (Gizmodo; Monash News).

A growing body of research challenges the notion that Thai children must always be busy with activities or screens. Experts say occasional boredom can boost creativity, emotional resilience, and self-reliance—critical traits for navigating today’s complex world.

Many Thai families have embraced “structured parenting,” with after-school programs and digital learning filling every moment. Yet researchers warn that over-scheduling can curb curiosity and problem-solving. Unplanned time, they say, can spark cognitive and emotional growth. Developmental psychologists describe boredom as fertile ground for imagination, patience, and initiative.

A growing body of research, highlighted in a recent feature by The Times of India, is challenging conventional wisdom about childhood boredom. Contrary to the belief that children’s schedules should be filled with constant activities and digital entertainment, experts now recommend that parents allow their children to experience periods of boredom. This approach, they argue, can nurture creativity, emotional resilience, and self-reliance—traits essential for thriving in today’s complex world (Times of India).

A growing global trend points to travelers longing to unplug from relentless digital interruptions, political turmoil, and everyday drama. According to a recent Booking.com survey, more than half of global travelers—56 percent—are now seeking “off the beaten path” getaways, opting for seclusion and tranquility over crowds and connectivity, as recently reported by The New York Times (nytimes.com). From wood-fired hot tubs on the glacial shores of Lake Superior to starlit beds on remote Swedish islands, new research and industry reports reveal how a desire for peace, personal reconnection, and even a touch of adventure are driving the boom in “off-the-grid” resorts worldwide.

A growing body of scientific evidence shows that exercise alone may do far less for weight loss than once believed. Recent studies, as discussed in Psychology Today, confirm that while physical activity confers significant health benefits, its direct effect on body mass index (BMI) is minimal—especially compared to dietary changes. For many Thais striving to lose weight, this revelation upends traditional advice and encourages a fresh, evidence-based approach to managing obesity and related health concerns.

A recent study from the Chinese Academy of Sciences highlights how regular physical activity can slow ageing, with betaine playing a central role. Betaine, a naturally occurring compound boosted by sustained exercise, appears to reduce inflammation and protect organ health by inhibiting TBK1, a protein linked to ageing processes.

Researchers used a staged approach. Healthy young men paused intense activity for 45 days, then resumed a jogging routine of five kilometers every other day for 25 days. After the intervention, scientists observed notable changes in immune cells and metabolism. Parallel experiments in aged mice showed that betaine supplementation improved muscle strength, skin health, and several physiological markers. Lab work confirmed that betaine directly targets and inhibits TBK1.

Financial stress is harming mental health and disrupting sleep, a trend that hits Thai youth and working adults hardest as living costs rise. The issue travels beyond borders: a US study showed more than half of adults lose sleep over money worries, and many max out credit to cover essentials. Here in Thailand, local research confirms similar or greater distress, underscoring the need for culturally attuned support.

Chronic financial worry triggers a prolonged stress response, increasing allostatic load and raising risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, weakened immunity, and mental health struggles. Thai universities have highlighted the magnitude of the problem. A 2022 Bangkok study found about 40% of students experience frequent stress, around 30% endure persistent depression, and 4% have contemplated suicide. Debt from loans and informal lenders compounds the burden. Beyond campus, surveys show many Thai adults have faced mental health challenges in recent months, with stress, insomnia, and anxiety at the forefront.

A new wave of research is shedding light on the heavy toll financial stress is exacting on individuals’ mental health and sleep, with implications that resonate strongly in Thailand’s own escalating cost-of-living crisis. While a recent US-based study conducted by the Affordable Housing Hub found that over half of surveyed adults lose sleep over money worries, the underlying story has deep international relevance—including for Thai society, where struggles with financial anxiety, depression, and insomnia are rising sharply (ksby.com).

As Thailand faces rising temperatures and energetic outdoor lifestyles, new research highlights the power of certain fruits to restore vital electrolytes, offering a refreshing and natural way to stay hydrated and healthy during the nation’s sweltering months. Recent analysis published by TODAY, featuring insights from leading dietitians, reveals a list of nine fruits particularly high in key electrolytes—minerals critical for nerve, muscle, heart, and brain function, and especially important for those vulnerable to dehydration.