News

A boy born with hydranencephaly, a condition that leaves most of the cerebral cortex absent, displays clear signs of consciousness and emotion. A Mind Matters News feature published on June 1 highlights the life of a pseudonymously named child, “Joey,” whose behavior challenges long-held beliefs about what makes us aware. The story urges scientists to reexamine central theories of consciousness in light of real-world evidence.

Modern neuroscience largely links consciousness to the cerebral cortex, the brain’s outer layer responsible for memory, perception, and thought. Prominent theories such as Integrated Information Theory (IIT) and Global Workspace Theory (GWT) argue that consciousness emerges from complex cortical activity. Without a cortex, these models contend, consciousness should be impossible.

A new study is making headlines across the global health community: vitamin D supplementation may actually help slow biological aging, according to recently published findings that could have far-reaching implications for how Thais approach preventive health. The research, published in late September 2024, investigated whether vitamin D—commonly known for its role in bone health and immune function—can safeguard the body from a fundamental mechanism of cellular aging, offering hope to millions looking for ways to live healthier, longer lives (Everyday Health).

A wave of recent scientific research is challenging the common perception that meditation and mindfulness are universally beneficial, ignoring their potential to cause significant harm for some practitioners. While meditation, rooted in centuries-old Buddhist traditions and widely promoted in modern Thailand as a stress-relieving and wellness-enhancing practice, reports now highlight overlooked adverse effects—including anxiety, depression, dissociation, and even psychotic episodes. As mindfulness gains popularity across Thai schools, corporate offices, and healthcare settings, these revelations carry urgent implications for local practitioners, educators, and policymakers.

Doctors’ notoriously difficult-to-read handwriting has triggered a wave of legislative action worldwide and raised enduring questions for patients, pharmacists, and even policymakers. But why do so many healthcare professionals—and people in general—struggle to write clearly? Recent interdisciplinary research offers nuanced answers drawn from anthropology, neuroscience, and psychology, revealing that poor penmanship is far more than a simple lack of care or discipline. For Thais who depend on handwritten medical notes for prescriptions or hospital charts, understanding the roots of this phenomenon is crucial for both safety and effective communication.

New international research suggests that kids who stay active before adolescence have a markedly lower risk of anxiety and depression later. For Thai readers, the findings reinforce urgent calls to boost physical exercise and organized sport among children and teens.

A large, prospective study published in June 2025 tracked activity levels and mental health from ages 5 to 11. Researchers found that boys who were physically active at ages 5 and 11 experienced nearly a 40% reduction in anxiety risk. Depression risk also declined for active boys, by 19% at age 5 and 23% at age 8. By age 11, active girls showed protective benefits too, with a 12% lower likelihood of future mental health diagnoses; for boys, the reduction reached 23%. The results align with growing evidence that early movement helps build psychological resilience.

A ground-breaking international trial has revealed that regular exercise can dramatically increase survival rates among colon cancer patients, with those who participated in a structured program experiencing a 37% reduction in risk of death and significantly lower cancer recurrence rates. This latest research, published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, could fundamentally change global approaches to treating colon cancer—including new implications for clinical practice in Thailand.

In a comprehensive study involving 889 colon cancer patients, researchers assessed the impact of sustained physical activity after chemotherapy. Half of the participants were placed on a supervised exercise regimen, while the other half received standard health advice through informational leaflets. After a five-year follow-up, the results were dramatic: 80% of those in the exercise group remained cancer-free, compared with just 74% in the control group—indicating a 28% reduction in the chance of recurrence or a new cancer developing (BBC News).

A major clinical trial reinforces the global consensus: increasing dietary fiber through plant-based foods can lower cancer risk, with notable benefits for metabolic health and the gut microbiome. Researchers from a leading cancer center presented their work at a prominent nutrition conference, underscoring fiber’s role in disease prevention. For Thailand, where fiber intake remains low, the findings offer a timely reminder of how traditional, plant-forward eating can support long-term health.

Half a century after the iconic image of helicopters ferrying the last Americans from Saigon, Asia is once again witnessing tremors from a major shift in U.S. engagement. As the United States gradually pulls back from its long-held position of influence in the region, China is moving decisively to fill the gap, triggering both hope and uncertainty among Asian nations. This changing dynamic raises critical questions about the future of regional stability, the role of global powers, and the enduring resonance of American ideals—issues that hold particular poignancy for Thai policymakers, civil society, and the public.

A recent wave of research and educator testimony is highlighting a troubling trend: Gen Z parents are reading less to their children, a shift that experts fear may have long-term consequences for childhood literacy and development. According to a survey commissioned by HarperCollins UK and reported by The Guardian, fewer than half of Gen Z parents described reading to their children as “fun for me,” while nearly a third see reading as “more of a subject to learn” rather than an enjoyable activity—a marked difference from previous generations (The Guardian).

International tourists, once a familiar sight at American landmarks and city centers during the peak summer vacation months, are increasingly opting to take their holidays elsewhere, according to the latest news analysis and tourism research. With North America’s iconic destinations now reporting fewer foreign visitors—particularly from Canada, Europe, and other long-standing source markets—the trend signals a shift with broad implications for both the global and Thai tourism sectors (Wall Street Journal via MSN).

A new scientific breakthrough could accelerate global efforts to treat cocaine use disorder. Researchers at a major university have created the world’s first fruit fly model of cocaine addiction. By disabling the flies’ bitter-sensing nerves, the team caused them to self-administer cocaine-laced sugar water, a behavior never before seen in fruit flies. The study, published in a leading neuroscience journal and summarized by science outlets, signals a fast, cost-effective path to uncover genetic factors behind addiction.

A major new clinical trial has added to the mounting scientific evidence that eating more dietary fiber, a nutrient found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts, significantly lowers cancer risk—particularly for blood cancers like multiple myeloma. The study, presented by researchers at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center at the flagship meeting of the American Society for Nutrition this week, found that high-fiber, plant-based diets also improved important health factors including body mass index (BMI), inflammation, metabolic health, and the gut microbiome. These findings echo longstanding global dietary recommendations and are especially pertinent for Thailand, a country where fiber intake remains low for much of the population, and cancer rates are on the rise.

A new wave of research and expert commentary highlights a relatable truth: some of the happiest people aren’t just lucky—they’re intentional about investing in everyday “small joys.” Drawing on insights from psychologists and positivity experts, a recent feature published by YourTango summarizes eight low-cost pleasures that contribute to personal happiness without guilt, affirming what many Thais and global readers have long intuited about the simple art of treating oneself (yourtango.com).

A major new study has revealed that replacing even a small amount of sitting each day with physical activity—or even sleep—can dramatically slash the risk of heart attack and death, offering an accessible solution for millions at risk in Thailand and across the globe. The research, conducted by a major US university and published in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, indicates substituting just 30 minutes of sedentary time daily with moderate physical activity cuts cardiac event risk by up to 61%, while even low-intensity movement or extra sleep provide significant benefits (EatingWell, Medical News Today).

A remarkable case of a boy born without the cerebral hemispheres traditionally thought necessary for self-awareness is forcing scientists to reconsider longstanding beliefs about the nature of human consciousness, according to a provocative new account published on June 1 by Mind Matters News (mindmatters.ai). The report details the life and case notes of a child pseudonymously called “Joey,” who, despite being born with hydranencephaly—a devastating condition that obliterates most of the cerebral cortex—demonstrated clear signs of consciousness and a rich range of emotions, fundamentally challenging many of neuroscience’s most prominent theories.

A groundbreaking 17-year international study has found that a structured exercise program, prescribed and monitored for people recovering from colorectal cancer, can reduce risk of death by 37% and lower recurrence rates by 28%. The findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, are being hailed as a major shift in the standard of care for one of the world’s most common and deadly cancers, with direct implications for Thai patients and healthcare providers grappling with rising colorectal cancer rates.

A new study suggests that experienced meditators may have brain ages nearly six years younger than their actual ages. The finding has sparked interest in mindful practices among health-conscious Thai readers, highlighting meditation as a potential-friendly option for healthy aging.

In Thailand, meditation sits at the intersection of culture and daily life. With an aging population—authorities project a substantial rise in citizens aged 60 and older by 2040—low-cost, accessible brain-health strategies are increasingly valued. The idea that meditation could support cognitive vitality resonates with Thai communities who already view mind-body balance as integral to well-being.

A major international trial shows that regular, supervised exercise after chemotherapy can significantly improve survival for colon cancer patients. The study found that participants in a structured program had a 37% lower risk of death and reduced cancer recurrence compared with those who received only standard health advice. Published in a leading medical journal, these findings have important implications for cancer care in Thailand.

Data from the study, which followed 889 patients over five years, indicate that after treatment, those who engaged in exercise maintained cancer-free status at higher rates. About 80% of the exercise group remained free of cancer compared with 74% in the control group, suggesting a meaningful reduction in recurrence risk. While the results are promising, researchers emphasise that even relatively modest activity can yield benefits when incorporated into care plans.

As healthy living becomes a priority in Thailand, protein shakes, grilled chicken, and high-protein snacks fill supermarket shelves. Yet new research urges caution about excess protein intake, especially from animal sources. Experts warn that more protein is not always better and emphasize nuanced guidance for different ages and lifestyles.

Protein remains essential for muscle maintenance and many body functions. However, consuming too much—particularly from red meat, eggs, and dairy—can raise insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a hormone linked to cell growth. Elevated IGF-1 has been associated with accelerated aging and heightened risk for several conditions, including certain cancers, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. For many adults, the potential downsides may outweigh short-term fitness gains.

A new child psychology concept, the “otrovert,” is drawing attention as researchers describe kids who thrive in one-on-one settings but feel uncomfortable in larger groups. Dr. Rami Kaminski introduced the term in his latest book, The Gift of Not Belonging, to highlight a personality style distinct from traditional labels like introversion and extroversion. For Thai families, this offers fresh insight into children’s social needs and how best to support their growth in school and community life.

In a scientific advance with potential global impact, researchers have engineered the world’s first fruit fly model of cocaine addiction—an innovation that promises to accelerate our understanding of cocaine use disorder and speed the development of effective treatments. By genetically modifying fruit flies to disable their bitter-sensing receptors, a research team led by a psychiatry specialist at the University of Utah has successfully encouraged addictive, voluntary cocaine self-administration in the insects, an outcome described in their recent Journal of Neuroscience publication and highlighted by Neuroscience News.

A groundbreaking international study has unveiled a novel way our brains reconfigure themselves while listening to rhythmic sounds, challenging long-held beliefs about brainwave activity and offering profound implications for music cognition, mental health, and brain diagnostics. The research, published this week in Advanced Science and led by teams at Aarhus University and the University of Oxford, introduces a method that captures the intricate dance of brainwaves as they respond to rhythm moment by moment—a discovery that could help redefine how scientists understand perception and consciousness (Neuroscience News).

A major new study reveals that children who engage in regular physical activity before their teenage years are significantly less likely to develop anxiety and depression as they grow older, adding new urgency to efforts aimed at boosting physical exercise among Thai youth. The research, published in June 2025, underscores the mental health benefits of sports and activity, especially as today’s youth are becoming less physically active.

The study, highlighted by The Washington Post, tracked children’s physical activity levels and mental health outcomes at ages 5, 8, and 11. Researchers discovered that boys who were physically active at ages 5 and 11 had their risk of anxiety slashed by almost 40%. Similar benefits were seen for depression: boys active at age 5 had a 19% lower risk, rising to 23% at age 8. By age 11, girls also began to experience the protective benefits, with organized sports participation linked to a 12% lower risk of future mental health diagnoses; the figure for boys was 23% lower (Washington Post).

A recently published study has brought good news for coffee lovers: regularly drinking coffee is now associated with a longer and healthier life, according to research reported by The New York Times. The findings, released in early June 2025, offer compelling evidence that coffee may play a significant role in promoting both increased longevity and healthier aging—a development that could have important implications for millions of Thai consumers.

Coffee is an integral part of daily routines for people around the world, including in Thailand, where café culture continues to thrive in cities and towns alike. For years, scientists have debated the potential health effects of coffee, with some studies raising concerns about caffeine while others suggested possible benefits, such as protection against certain chronic diseases. The latest research, however, appears to tip the balance in favor of coffee drinkers, reporting a strong association between regular coffee intake and a decreased risk of early death, cardiovascular disease, and other age-related illnesses.