News

A new wave of scientific research is shedding light on the best times of day to savour dark chocolate, suggesting that timing could play a role in maximising its numerous health benefits. While dark chocolate has long been celebrated for its anti-inflammatory properties, heart and brain health support, and mood-boosting effects, experts say new findings indicate when you eat your favourite treat may influence the outcomes you experience, a revelation now gaining attention among health-conscious Thais seeking optimal wellness strategies. (Health.com)

A growing chorus of experts says simple wardrobes can boost focus and creativity. Notable figures across tech and science—Iconic Apple co-founders, celebrated physicists, and leading startup founders—have long worn nearly identical outfits. A recent analysis highlights the cognitive benefits behind this habit and what it could mean for Thai readers who juggle careers, study, and family life.

The trend captured global attention when public figures were seen daily in similar ensembles—think black turtlenecks or grey T-shirts. What seems quirky on the surface is viewed by psychologists as a practical strategy to reduce decision fatigue. This term describes how making numerous small choices drains mental energy, leaving less room for high-stakes decisions that shape careers and innovations.

New research reveals a surprising twist: longing for a loved activity or reunion can lead people to delay returning, not jump back in. The study, published in PNAS Nexus and summarized by Neuroscience News, shows that intense anticipation can cause a ritualized postponement of joy. This has broad implications for personal happiness and social connection.

For Thai readers, the findings resonate in a post-pandemic world where family dinners, local festivals, and Songkran celebrations were paused or altered. The research challenges common assumptions about motivation and invites a closer look at the psychological barriers people face when re-engaging with positive moments.

Generative AI is rapidly reshaping the global publishing landscape, altering how traffic, revenue, and recognition flow to newsrooms and book publishers. Industry insiders warn that, if Thai publishers and readers do not adapt, independent journalism could be at risk. AI-powered tools can summarize and answer questions about articles and books by drawing on vast written content, often without permission from authors or publishers. Data from recent industry analysis suggests that such tools can significantly reduce traffic from search results, challenging digital revenue models built on advertising and subscriptions.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping classrooms around the world, and Thailand is no exception. Tools like ChatGPT are being explored for lesson planning, student engagement, and administrative tasks. A recent international survey by Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation found that six in ten US K-12 teachers use AI regularly, a trend that is accelerating among high school instructors and early-career educators. The findings offer lessons for Thai teachers, students, and policymakers navigating AI’s growing role in education.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the teaching profession on a global scale, as tools like ChatGPT find new roles in classrooms ranging from lesson planning to student engagement. Recent developments, highlighted by a survey released by Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation, suggest that six out of ten US K-12 public school teachers now incorporate AI tools into their daily work, with the trend rapidly accelerating among high school instructors and early-career educators. As debates about AI’s place in education intensify, both the benefits and challenges of these technologies are becoming increasingly relevant for Thai teachers, students, and policymakers.

“High-protein” labels are everywhere these days, from milkshakes to pancakes to even popcorn, tempting Thai consumers to believe they need more protein in their diets to be healthy, fit, and strong. But new research and leading nutritionists are urging caution: For the vast majority, especially in countries like Thailand, these boosted-protein products may simply be unnecessary—and little more than a marketing ploy.

Increasingly, food companies are leveraging consumer concerns about muscle loss, fitness, and general wellbeing to sell protein-fortified snacks, drinks, and even breakfast cereals. “Adding protein to foods is very beneficial—for the profits of that food. It is not based on health, it is not backed by science,” said the nutrition lead at Imperial College London and a prominent nutritionist at the health science company ZOE, in an interview with The Boston Globe’s recent report.

A simple exercise that can be done anywhere—seated calf raises—has stirred growing excitement in diabetes circles, following viral reports of its effectiveness in managing blood sugar levels. The renewed focus comes after a social media influencer detailed his dramatic improvement in blood sugar control, sparking questions in Thailand and globally: Can something as simple as calf raises truly help fight the diabetes epidemic?

The news gained traction after a viral video featured a young professional who revealed he had reduced his HbA1c from a prediabetic 6.1% to a healthy 5.4% over several months simply by integrating regular seated calf raises into his routine after meals, based on his nutritionist’s advice. Unlike brisk walking, which is often recommended yet hard to fit into a busy schedule, this exercise only requires 10 minutes, sitting right at your own desk. He cited research on the effectiveness of these movements for blood sugar and inspired many to attempt the regimen themselves (Times of India; also highlighted in MSM news outlets: MSN).

A new digital grassroots movement is gaining momentum on American college campuses, where students, inspired by social media and a growing distrust of mainstream nutrition advice, are rejecting ultra-processed foods, plastics, and so-called “forever chemicals” in favor of a “crunchy,” whole foods lifestyle. As reported in a recent New York Post feature, this subculture—previously confined to niche communities—has found energised new leaders among young people broadcasting their holistic health crusades on TikTok.

Working out daily is often paired with the advice to rest between sessions, but a growing body of fitness expertise and medical research is highlighting one critical exception: the core. According to a recent expert review on TODAY.com, fitness professionals now recommend that you can safely train your core muscles every day, a message reinforced by leading trainers globally and findings supported by several reputable health organizations (TODAY.com, Mayo Clinic, Healthline). For Thai readers, this insight opens up new opportunities to build lifelong health, prevent pain, and shape efficient, time-saving home routines—whether in a busy Bangkok condo or a countryside home in Isaan.

Daily core training is increasingly endorsed by fitness professionals and medical experts as a safe habit—when varied and properly paced. Leading trainers agree that you can train core muscles every day, provided you mix exercises to target different areas and allow for adaptation. Biological health organizations and reputable outlets support the core’s importance beyond aesthetics, offering a timely chance for Thai readers to build sustainable wellness routines at home or in small urban spaces.

As Thailand grapples with one of its hottest years on record, new research and expert guidance underscore the life-threatening dangers of exercising or playing sports in extreme heat—a warning that comes as the country continues to experience lingering heatwaves and high humidity. Health professionals are urging community members, particularly athletes, students, and outdoor workers, to take heightened precautions after scientists warn that the body’s ability to safely cool itself becomes severely compromised in such conditions (ABC News).

A recent column by a retired psychotherapist in The Mercury News has reignited an ongoing debate on the efficacy of ‘gentle parenting’—an approach that emphasizes empathy and connection rather than punishment—particularly for parents struggling with toddlers who display aggressive behaviors such as hitting. The expert argues that while gentle parenting techniques prioritize the development of conscience, empathy, and emotional regulation, accumulating research now suggests these strategies may fall short when tackling persistent or physically aggressive misbehavior in young children. This timely question has global resonance and is particularly significant in Thailand, where parenting traditions, disciplinary norms, and family structures are rapidly changing.

A simple, desk-friendly exercise is gaining attention in diabetes circles. Seated calf raises—performed while sitting—are being touted as an accessible way to support blood sugar control, especially for those who struggle to fit longer workouts into a busy day. A viral personal account described how adding these short movements after meals helped him improve his HbA1c from 6.1% to 5.4% over several months, prompting questions about their relevance for Thai readers.

As Thailand faces another relentless hot season, one question sits on nearly every tongue: should you reach for ice-cold water or stick to something closer to room temperature? New research and expert guidance highlighted in a recent Washington Post article reveal that for most people, hydration comes down more to personal comfort than scientific necessity—but there are notable exceptions worth considering (Washington Post).

Staying hydrated is crucial for all, especially in Thailand’s tropical climate, where soaring temperatures and high humidity can trigger rapid fluid loss, raising the risk of heat-related illnesses. Water regulates body temperature, lubricates joints, and helps eliminate waste. Thai health authorities align with global recommendations, suggesting that men aim for about 13 cups and women about 9 cups of water and other beverages daily, with increased needs during outdoor activities or periods of intense heat. But what about the temperature of that life-saving glass?

A surge in innovative educator-driven strategies is reshaping how computer science is taught in schools, as new research and classroom experiences reveal fresh methods to engage young learners and equip them for a digital future. A recent story from EdSurge highlights how a blend of professional learning and grassroots creativity is making computer science “click” not only for students, but for teachers with little or no prior technical background (EdSurge).

New research and recent analyses highlight a simple, powerful strategy for strengthening parent-teen relationships: exercising together. For Thai families juggling digital distractions, busy schedules, and shifting roles, a family jog, bike ride, or gym session may be as important for emotional closeness as for physical health.

A 2025 analysis in the Journal of Human Biology spans decades of data and shows that physically active teens also report stronger emotional connections with their families. The study frames exercise as social glue, not just a health habit. In Thailand, where family cohesion is highly valued, shared activity offers a practical, non-confrontational way to foster communication. A walk in a city park or a rural bike ride can become meaningful moments for dialogue and trust.

Recent research and a new analysis highlighted by The Wall Street Journal have brought fresh attention to a simple yet powerful method for deepening parent-teen relationships: exercising together. With Thai families navigating modern challenges—including digital distractions, increasingly busy schedules, and generational divides—this growing body of evidence signals that a family jog, bike ride, or trip to the gym may be as essential for emotional closeness as for physical health (WSJ, MSN).

When a young Toronto photographer committed to daily yoga at the start of the pandemic, it was the first step in a profound personal transformation — not only of her body, but her attitude toward health, fitness, and food. Her five-year journey, recently profiled in Business Insider, reflects experiences increasingly echoed by research and expert opinion: embracing a movement routine that sparks joy can fundamentally reshape mind and body, leading to sustainable, holistic well-being. The story holds timely lessons for readers in Thailand, a country where yoga’s popularity continues to rise and where many seek balance between modern health ideals and traditional values.

A Toronto photographer’s five-year daily yoga commitment during the pandemic illustrates a broader truth: a movement routine built on joy can reshape body, mind, and everyday habits. This story, reflected in recent health journalism, resonates with Thai readers as yoga grows popular from Bangkok gyms to community parks and online platforms. It suggests lasting well-being comes from consistent, enjoyable movement rather than intense bursts of effort.

What started as a 20-minute online session during lockdown blossomed into a daily practice. Over five years, the photographer gained strength, learned to perform feats like her first pull-up, and developed a healthier relationship with food and body image. The key takeaway is not appearance but mastery of poses, ease, and body awareness. For Thai audiences, this aligns with a growing interest in mindful fitness that fits busy urban lifestyles and traditional values.

The rise of generative AI is urgently reshaping the global publishing landscape, as powerful chatbots undermine the traditional flows of traffic, revenue, and recognition on which news and book publishers depend. Recent research and first-hand industry accounts suggest this disruption could threaten the very existence of independent journalism worldwide, especially if Thai publishers and readers fail to adapt to this new reality.

Generative AI platforms—such as ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews, Claude, Grok, and Perplexity—can now summarize and answer questions about online articles and books, often by drawing on vast troves of written content without explicit permission from authors or publishers. According to a comprehensive study referenced in The Atlantic’s “The End of Publishing as We Know It,” Google’s AI Overviews feature alone has slashed website traffic from search results by over 34%. As a result, news providers reliant on digital traffic for advertising and subscriptions are experiencing dramatic declines in visitors, forcing staff layoffs at prominent outlets and sparking anxiety about the future of professional journalism (The Atlantic).

A large Pew Research Center study compares religious identity and spiritual beliefs across 36 countries, revealing how the United States remains notably devout even as other high-income nations move toward secularism. For Thai readers, the report offers insights into how everyday faith shapes life, policy, and culture in a globally connected world.

In the global landscape, the United States stands out for high religious identification and belief in an afterlife. About seven in ten Americans say they identify with a religion, spanning Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, and more. Roughly half also believe that nature holds spiritual energies within mountains, rivers, or trees. This enduring spiritual vibrancy persists even as formal church attendance has declined in recent years. By comparison, religious identification is much lower among adults in Western Europe and parts of Asia; for example, about 44 percent in Japan and 46 percent in the Netherlands. Data from global comparisons show that Indonesia and Israel report even higher religious affiliation, with near-universal identification among surveyed adults, though belief in an afterlife remains varied—only about 61 percent of Israelis say life after death is definite or probable.

A landmark study published in The Lancet warns that after five decades of steady gains, childhood vaccination coverage is stalling or declining worldwide. The analysis draws on 50 years of country-level data and highlights a troubling rise in “zero-dose” children—those missing even the most basic vaccines. Inequalities, lingering COVID-19 disruptions, and increasing vaccine misinformation are contributing to uneven progress, according to the study led by researchers at the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation and supported by the Gates Foundation and Gavi.

As Thailand endures another scorching season, a common question arises: should we drink ice-cold water or stick to room temperature? New research summarized by health experts suggests that hydration largely depends on personal comfort, with a few exceptions worth noting.

Hydration is essential in Thailand’s tropical climate, where high temperatures and humidity accelerate fluid loss and raise the risk of heat-related illnesses. Water supports body temperature regulation, joint lubrication, and waste elimination. Thai health authorities align with global guidelines, indicating that men should target about 13 cups of fluids daily and women about 9 cups, with higher needs during outdoor work or extreme heat. The big question remains: does water temperature matter?