News

A new study published in Nature reveals that even when you’re zoning out or aimlessly exploring, your brain may be hard at work preparing itself for future challenges. Researchers at the prestigious Janelia Research Campus, part of HHMI, recorded the neural activity of tens of thousands of neurons in mice. Their findings suggest that unstructured, goal-free exploration triggers the brain’s visual cortex to build an internal model of the environment—one that primes the mind for faster, more effective learning later on (Neuroscience News).

Employers around the world—and increasingly in Thailand—are finding themselves overwhelmed by a tidal wave of job applications, many crafted not by diligent candidates but by artificial intelligence (AI) tools. The rise of generative AI, like ChatGPT, is making it easier than ever for jobseekers to flood recruiters with impressive-looking, keyword-optimised résumés, catapulting both job seekers and employers into an “AI arms race” that is transforming the hiring landscape.

In the space of just 12 hours, a relatively routine remote tech job advertised on LinkedIn in the United States received over 400 applications; in 24 hours, that number grew to 600. By the time the posting was removed a few days later, 1,200 résumés had landed in the recruiter’s inbox. More than three months later, the HR consultant was still sorting through the glut nytimes.com. This surge in applications isn’t unique to America: With LinkedIn reporting a 45% increase in application submissions over the past year, totalling an astonishing 11,000 job applications per minute, the trend is going global and is rapidly affecting Thai enterprises as well.

Emotionally intelligent individuals have a secret weapon for escaping the trap of overthinking—and it can be summed up in three powerful words: “Give it a try.” This action-oriented phrase, now supported by new research and psychology insights, offers a pathway for anyone paralysed by indecision to regain momentum and clarity in decision-making, with lessons that are especially relevant to Thai readers navigating work, relationships, and family choices.

Overthinking is a familiar, often stressful reality in modern life. Whether it’s the anxiety of picking a career, choosing a school for your child, or simply deciding which restaurant to visit with friends, the cycle of endless analysis can feel overwhelming. The significance of this news lies in its practical, research-validated advice for moving past hesitation—a common concern among Thais, where cultural emphasis on kreng jai (consideration of others’ feelings) can magnify decision-making anxiety. As reported by the American Psychological Association, a staggering 73% of adults admitted to feeling overwhelmed by overthinking at least once a week in a 2020 survey (APA).

As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in daily life, debates rise about how learning should evolve. Some worry that schools may lean toward task completion and shortcut solutions rather than cultivating critical thinking, creativity, and holistic understanding. For Thai students and educators, this discussion has immediate relevance as AI tools shape study habits, assessment, and everyday classroom life.

A recent essay, “A Behavioristic View of AI,” argues that AI can reinforce the habit of asking for instant answers rather than engaging in deep problem solving. The piece compares AI-driven responses to a behaviorist view of learning, where reinforcement encourages routine actions. It suggests that the ease of obtaining polished, AI-generated work could narrow students’ opportunities for independent inquiry and authentic self-expression.

A global review of nearly 100 clinical trials suggests alternate-day fasting could offer slightly better improvements in weight and cholesterol than intermittent fasting. The findings come as Thailand faces rising rates of metabolic syndrome and obesity, highlighting new options—and important caveats—for Thai readers exploring dietary strategies.

Globally, 2.5 billion adults are overweight and more than 890 million live with obesity, according to the World Health Organization. Thailand mirrors this trend, with national health data showing a steady rise in overweight and obesity in recent years. These patterns are closely linked to higher rates of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, affecting families and the health system alike.

A new global analysis suggests alternate-day fasting may offer slightly greater benefits for weight and cholesterol management than intermittent fasting, according to evidence from nearly 100 clinical trials. As interest in dietary strategies grows in Thailand, especially amidst rising rates of metabolic syndrome and obesity, this research highlights fresh possibilities—and caveats—for Thai readers considering alternative nutritional approaches.

With 2.5 billion adults worldwide classed as overweight and more than 890 million living with obesity according to the World Health Organization (who.int), weight management is an increasingly urgent public health issue. Thailand is not exempt, with national surveys showing the prevalence of overweight and obesity rising steadily in recent years (healthdata.org). These trends are tightly linked to escalating rates of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, deeply affecting Thai families and healthcare systems alike.

A recent opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal—titled “AI’s Biggest Threat: Young People Who Can’t Think”—has sparked intense debate across global education circles and among Thai educators. The article raises urgent concerns that artificial intelligence (AI), while transformative, may expose and even accelerate a crisis of eroding critical thinking skills among today’s youth. The implications reverberate beyond technology, stirring questions for education systems in Thailand and across the world about how to prepare the next generation for an AI-dominated future.

A wave of AI-driven decision making is prompting a rethink of what it means to think. A recent expert-led analysis argues for “matter over mind”—a focus on body, environment, and action as sources of cognition. BEAM thinking reframes intelligence as distributed and enacted through movement and surroundings, not just neural processing.

BEAM thinking shifts away from the idea that the brain alone contains all intelligence. It emphasizes how bodily sensations, physical spaces, and purposeful actions influence thinking. This approach argues that AI cannot fully replicate embodied cognition, which underpins decision-making, creativity, and problem-solving in real life.

Chocolate has long divided Thai readers: is it a health ally or a risk? New evidence shows the answer depends on type, amount, and individual health needs. For Thai audiences, the message is nuanced—dark chocolate offers notable benefits when eaten in moderation, but excess sugar, fat, and contaminants warrant caution.

The key difference among chocolates is cacao content. Cacao solids are retained in dark and milk chocolate but are absent in white chocolate. These solids are rich in flavonoids, powerful antioxidants also found in tea, berries, and red wine. Dark chocolate, in particular, contains higher levels of flavonoids that support cardiovascular health. Research summarized by nutrition experts highlights this connection between dark chocolate and heart wellness.

Recent research highlighted by Psychology Today suggests that true self-care goes far beyond popular notions of pampering or taking breaks when overwhelmed. The article argues that authentic self-care demands a profound change in mindset and the way individuals relate to themselves, especially as many people still approach self-care reactively, only turning to rest and restoration after crisis and exhaustion have set in (Psychology Today).

This new wave of psychological research is particularly significant for Thai readers, as the stresses of modern living in Thailand—whether in bustling Bangkok or throughout the countryside—mirror global trends: rapid urbanisation, rising work demands, and recently, the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health. Many Thais turn to rest practices only when they reach the point of exhaustion, reinforcing cycles of burnout. The research calls into question the sustainability of this “crisis-driven” approach to self-care, urging a more proactive and sustained relationship with one’s own well-being.

A viral claim suggests that children born in certain months—especially January, February, and March—are more likely to show higher intelligence. Yet the science behind these statements remains unsettled, and many headlines blur fact with speculation. This is a timely topic for Thai families and educators who want evidence-based guidance for nurturing young minds.

Thai audiences are highly attuned to educational outcomes. Schools, families, and policymakers continually seek ways to optimize learning. The question of birth months taps into broader discussions about school start ages, cognitive development, and how to support every child’s potential.

Thai workers, students, and professionals know the sting of embarrassment—tripping in front of a crowd, forgetting to mute a Zoom mic, or realizing a shirt is on backward during a crucial meeting. New analyses suggest embarrassment is not just a cringe-worthy feeling but a key driver of trust, learning, and social cohesion. Research released in June 2025 highlights embarrassment as a meaningful self-conscious emotion with real benefits for individuals and communities.

Emotionally intelligent individuals are tapping into a simple, powerful strategy to break free from overthinking: act. The phrase “give it a try” shifts attention from perfect outcomes to actionable steps, a mindset supported by recent psychology research. This lesson is especially relevant for Thai readers navigating work decisions, family choices, and educational paths.

Overthinking is a common source of stress in today’s life. From choosing a career to selecting a school for a child or deciding where to dine with friends, endless deliberation can stall progress. In Thailand, the struggle is often intensified by kreng jai—the consideration for others’ feelings— which can fuel hesitation. Data from a major psychology survey shows many adults feel overwhelmed by overthinking weekly, underscoring the need for practical strategies.

Amidst the rise of artificial intelligence, a recent thought-provoking essay has sparked global discussion about the transformation of learning in the age of ChatGPT and similar technologies. As AI becomes deeply woven into everyday life and education, some experts warn that schools—whether intentionally or not—are acting more like vocational training grounds, emphasizing task completion through technological shortcuts rather than the cultivation of critical thinking, original expression, and holistic intellectual growth. This trend, experts suggest, may have profound implications for Thai students, educators, and society at large (Psychology Today).

A prominent psychiatrist has expressed deep remorse over his role in transforming the landscape of autism in America—a change that saw US autism rates leap from 1 in 2,000 children in the 1980s to approximately 1 in 31 today. The surge, he says, is largely attributable to expanded diagnostic criteria introduced in the 1990s and further broadened in the 2010s, with far-reaching consequences for families, public health policy, and social attitudes across the globe—including in Thailand.

A master’s degree in computer science is increasingly pivotal as the digital economy accelerates globally and Thailand strengthens its own tech ambitions. New market data shows that an advanced CS credential opens doors to high-demand, well-paid roles—both abroad and, more importantly, at home as the Kingdom builds a robust digital ecosystem.

For Thai readers, the value extends beyond technical know-how. A CS master broadens career options, boosts salary potential, and enhances employability in an AI-driven era. Industry experts note that a master’s degree provides graduates with a versatile toolkit for designing comprehensive digital solutions, enabling them to contribute to AI, data analytics, software development, and more. This versatility aligns with Thailand’s push toward digital transformation and local innovation.

The decision to pursue a master’s degree in computer science (CS) is more relevant than ever as the digital economy accelerates worldwide, with Thailand placing itself firmly on the regional tech map. Recent research and market data reveal that an advanced degree in CS can open doors to high-demand, high-paying roles—not only abroad, but increasingly here at home as the Kingdom transforms into a digital powerhouse.

For Thai readers considering further study, the value of a master’s in computer science lies not simply in gaining technical expertise, but in substantially boosting career prospects, salary potential, and employability in an AI-driven era. According to industry specialists and global job market trends, a master’s degree gives graduates the “bigger set of legos,” in the words of one American academic, allowing them to build not only tools but entire architectures of new digital solutions (snhu.edu). This added versatility—skills in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and software development—makes these professionals sought after across sectors.

A wave of fresh scientific research has reaffirmed a growing understanding in psychology: even when traumatic memories seem to fade from the mind, the human body continues to carry traces of distress for years, sometimes decades. This discovery, recently highlighted by mental health advocates and major studies alike, is forcing a rethink of how therapy and recovery are approached—particularly for Thais who may have lived through periods of violence, natural disaster, or family turmoil.

A new wave of scientific research challenges some of the most common beliefs about using cannabis to treat health problems such as pain, insomnia, and mental health symptoms like paranoia, highlighting important lessons for Thai readers at a time when medical marijuana access is rapidly expanding in Thailand and across Asia.

The use of cannabis as medicine has surged since Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to decriminalize cannabis plants in 2022—a move initially aimed to stimulate medical innovation and boost the economy through wellness tourism. But as ever more Thais purchase cannabis products online and at street dispensaries, fresh global research underscores that the effectiveness—and risks—of cannabis for many health problems are far from settled, with strong implications for the Thai public, patients, and caregivers (Washington Post, Medical News Today).

In a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence and algorithm-driven decision-making, new research is calling for a renewed embrace of what it means to “think like a human.” According to ideas introduced in a recent Psychology Today article by a business professor and leadership expert, the mantra “matter over mind”—highlighting the critical role of our bodies, environment, and actions in cognition—should become central for individuals and workplaces striving to stay relevant and resilient in the digital age (Psychology Today).

A study from St. Andrews University in Scotland challenges the idea that water is always the best hydrator. It suggests that drinks with nutrients—like milk, which contains sugar, fat, and protein—can help retain hydration longer. For Thai readers facing high temperatures and a wide range of drinks—from iced coffee to herbal brews—this finding offers practical insight: milk may support longer-lasting hydration, but the full story is more complex.

Data from this research shows water is absorbed quickly, but beverages with small amounts of sugar, fat, or protein slow stomach emptying and help water stay in the body longer. Milk stood out because its combination of lactose, fat, protein, and sodium helps conserve fluids. Sodium helps the kidneys retain water, reducing urine output and aiding steadier hydration. This aligns with why oral rehydration solutions, which balance sugar and salts, are recommended for dehydration from illness, a concern for Thai communities during hot seasons.

A global analysis suggests that 30–40 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise each day can offset much of the health risk from sitting for hours. The finding comes from large-scale studies using fitness trackers and aligns with recent WHO guidelines. For workers, students, and families across Thailand, this provides a practical target to curb the health impact of desk-bound routines.

In Thailand, rising urban living and office work have driven sedentary behavior higher. A national pattern shows many adults spend seven or more hours seated daily, and by 2023 Thais averaged over 14 hours of sitting per day. The COVID-19 era, with remote work and lockdowns, further reduced daily movement. These trends elevate risks for non-communicable diseases, diabetes, and early mortality.

Approach anxiety, the fear and discomfort associated with initiating conversations or interactions, especially in social, romantic, or unfamiliar contexts, remains a persistent challenge for many. According to the recent analysis by Dr. Nerdlove, featured in a widely circulated advice column, this anxiety can manifest acutely at large gatherings, such as conventions or meet-ups, where social barriers often feel insurmountable for those seeking connection. New research and psychological perspectives shed light on why this phenomenon is intensifying and how individuals, including Thai readers navigating changing social landscapes, can overcome it to foster better relationships, career growth, and mental well-being.

A new study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has ignited debate over the cognitive impact of AI writing tools like ChatGPT, revealing that their use significantly reduces brain activity and leads to less creative, more “soulless” work. The findings, published in June 2025, raise questions over the future role of artificial intelligence in education, as policymakers and educators across the world—including in Thailand—navigate the integration of new technologies in the classroom.