News

A new study shows the brain can learn fear not only from direct experiences but also by making inferences. This challenges how we understand emotional learning and could influence future treatments for anxiety and trauma disorders. Published in Nature on May 14, the research from the RIKEN Center for Brain Science in Japan demonstrates how higher-order emotional learning occurs in the brain, offering insights for neuroscience and mental health care worldwide.

A groundbreaking, nationwide study led by Washington University in St. Louis has found that vagus nerve stimulation—a procedure originally developed to manage severe epilepsy—could offer significant relief for people suffering from treatment-resistant depression (TRD), a condition that does not improve with conventional antidepressant medications. This large-scale research, one of the most comprehensive ever conducted on the subject, could influence insurance coverage policies and potentially change how doctors in Thailand and worldwide approach some of the hardest-to-treat cases of depression (St. Louis Post-Dispatch).

A nationwide study led by a major U.S. university suggests that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) may provide meaningful relief for those with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). VNS is a surgical option originally developed for epilepsy, now explored as a potential therapy for patients who do not respond to conventional antidepressants. The findings, one of the most comprehensive to date, could influence insurance coverage decisions and reshape approaches to the toughest depression cases worldwide, including in Thailand.

A new study on out-of-body experiences (OBEs) rekindles the debate over whether consciousness resides solely in the brain or could extend beyond the body. Published in Frontiers in Psychology in April 2025, the research draws from in-depth interviews with ten individuals who describe awareness drifting outside their bodies, challenging conventional brain-centered views. Descriptive references point to the study’s nuanced accounts and their implications for neuroscience and philosophy.

The findings matter beyond theory. For Thai readers, OBEs intersect with Buddhist and local spiritual traditions that speak of consciousness, spirit, or subtle states beyond ordinary perception. In Thailand, conversations about วิญญาณ (spirit or consciousness) often blend cultural beliefs with scientific inquiry, creating a unique arena for discussing how mind and body connect.

Anyone who has rushed up Bangkok stairs or temple steps may have wondered why the ascent takes the wind out of them. New insights from fitness science show that getting winded on stairs is not a sign of poor health or low fitness. Rather, stair-induced breathlessness is a normal response as the body switches from rest to sudden, high-intensity effort.

For Thais working in vertical environments—from bustling transit hubs to multi-story shopping centers and hillside temples—this understanding is especially meaningful. Breathlessness on stairs is common and not something to fear. Recognizing this helps people set realistic health expectations and adopt practical steps to improve.

A communications specialist has revealed the biggest mistake people make during small talk and offered an actionable technique that could reshape how Thais nurture relationships, whether in social circles, educational contexts, or the workplace. As post-pandemic life in Thailand rekindles face-to-face interactions, mastering small talk is more important than ever—but it turns out many of us are making the same subtle social error that undermines genuine connection.

The core insight, as shared by a leading motivational speaker and communications expert on social media, is that the number one mistake in small talk is—ironically—focusing too much on ourselves rather than genuinely engaging with the other person. According to the expert, most people unintentionally steer conversations toward their own experiences or opinions, either out of habit or nervousness. This tendency, while natural, can stifle the dynamic energy of an interaction and leave both parties feeling unfulfilled. The fix, the expert says, lies in adopting a mindset of curious inquiry: instead of waiting for a turn to speak or relate everything to one’s own story, we should actively invite the other person to share more about themselves.

A large Swedish-initiated study finds that regular physical activity in childhood, especially participation in organized sports, may reduce the risk of psychiatric conditions by late adolescence. The findings arrive at a time when youth mental health is a rising concern in Thailand and around the world, underscoring practical, evidence-based paths for prevention. The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in May 2025, followed thousands of children from birth and tracked their activity patterns to later diagnoses of anxiety, depression, and related conditions.

A European study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family finds a troubling pattern in late-life divorce: when wives in middle-aged marriages fall ill, the risk of separation rises sharply, while husbands’ illness does not trigger the same effect. The research, conducted from 2004 to 2022 with over 25,000 couples ages 50 to 64, highlights how gender expectations shape marital stability in later years. The findings were summarized in Psychology Today and are resonating with readers worldwide, including Thai audiences concerned about aging families and changing norms.

A landmark longitudinal study from Sweden has found that regular physical activity (PA), especially participation in organised sports, may significantly reduce the risk of children developing psychiatric conditions by late adolescence. The findings come at a critical time for both Thailand and the global community, as mental health challenges among youth continue to rise and policymakers seek practical, evidence-based solutions. The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in May 2025, tracked a large birth cohort of children over more than a decade, linking their physical activity patterns to later-incidence of disorders including anxiety, depression, and addiction (bjsm.bmj.com).

Thailand is seeing a surge of interest in protein-rich diets driven by social media trends and growing health awareness, but behind the buzz lies a concerning reality: while most healthy adults and younger fitness enthusiasts already consume enough protein, older adults—especially those over 65—may not be getting nearly enough for optimal health and longevity. Recent international studies and expert commentary suggest that protein intake is critical for older people to maintain muscle mass, bone strength, and independence, yet this group is often overlooked in the popular conversation about protein, posing a serious risk to healthy aging in Thailand and across Asia.

A 30-year study involving more than 47,000 women has found that eating a diet rich in fiber and high-quality carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, dramatically increases the chance of healthy aging, according to research published in JAMA Network Open on May 16, 2025 (jamanetwork.com). The findings offer new hope for preventing chronic illnesses and maintaining physical and cognitive function as Thailand—and much of Asia—faces a rapidly aging population.

A landmark 30-year study of more than 47,000 women shows that diets rich in fiber and high-quality carbohydrates—such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes—significantly boost the odds of aging healthily. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, highlights a practical path to better physical and cognitive function as populations age, a matter of growing importance for Thailand and much of Asia.

Why this matters for Thai audiences: Thailand is approaching a “super-aged” era, with projections suggesting a substantial share of residents will be 60 or older by 2040. The rise in chronic diseases and frailty poses a growing healthcare and social challenge. The study’s emphasis on diet quality offers a relevant, scalable approach for healthier aging in Thai communities.

A new study published this week has dramatically shifted the landscape of diabetes research, revealing that hyperactivity within a specific set of neurons in the brain—AgRP neurons in the hypothalamus—may drive type 2 diabetes, regardless of weight or obesity. Scientists from the University of Washington demonstrated that by silencing these neurons in mice, blood sugar levels normalized for months, even as the animals’ weight and food intake remained unchanged—a finding that upends decades of established beliefs about diabetes origins and opens compelling new treatment avenues (Neuroscience News).

Concern is mounting among global health experts as recent research reveals that cancer-causing chemicals—some even found in so-called ‘eco-friendly’ food containers—are leaching into what we eat. These revelations, emerging from multiple studies and echoed by urgent warnings from toxicologists, suggest that Thai consumers, like people worldwide, may be inadvertently exposing themselves and their families to hazardous substances every time they dine on packaged foods.

Interest in safer, more environmentally friendly packaging has soared in Thailand, with a booming market for biodegradable, compostable food containers accompanying a surge in food delivery and street food consumption. However, new findings indicate that many packaging alternatives still contain or leach synthetic chemicals linked to cancer, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), bisphenols, and phthalates, which are common components in coatings, plastics, and even so-called ‘green’ food wrappers. A major investigation by the Food Packaging Forum identified 189 potential and confirmed mammary carcinogens detected in food contact materials, including items marketed as eco-friendly, raising questions about the true safety of these alternatives (foodpackagingforum.org).

Hyrox is reshaping fitness competition worldwide, combining running with functional workouts in a format accessible to beginners and elite athletes alike. In Thailand, where Muay Thai gyms, running clubs, and group fitness are already vibrant, Hyrox offers a new, scalable model for public health, wellness tourism, and tactical training communities.

A Hyrox race features eight one-kilometer runs interspersed with stations such as sled pushes, wall balls, and burpee broad jumps. The standardized format lets participants compare results globally, from casual gym-goers to seasoned athletes. Across events, completion times average about 90 minutes, while top competitors are approaching the 60-minute mark, setting aspirational benchmarks for enthusiasts worldwide. Data from research and practitioner reports highlight Hyrox’s blend of endurance and strength, with running accounting for the majority of the workload.

The world of fitness racing is rapidly evolving, with the Hyrox competition emerging as a new global phenomenon that challenges athletes of all backgrounds in a unique blend of endurance and strength. Recent research and first-hand reports from elite competitors reveal how Hyrox is not only shaking up traditional sporting events but is also transforming training modalities for both everyday gym-goers and military professionals. As Thais increasingly embrace varied fitness pursuits, the Hyrox model—already surging in popularity across Europe and the US—offers accessible inspiration and potential for the Kingdom’s burgeoning wellness and tactical training communities.

As technology evolves rapidly, a master’s degree in computer science is no mere credential—it’s a strategic move in a competitive digital economy. Research from leading career outlets shows that advanced graduate credentials can markedly boost job prospects in a growing field that craves specialized skills.

For Thai audiences, the topic resonates with Thailand’s swift digital transformation across industry and education. The nation’s push toward an innovation-driven economy under initiatives like Thailand 4.0 makes advanced tech education especially relevant. With IT becoming a driver of job creation and GDP, understanding the impact of a master’s in computer science matters for students, professionals, educators, and policymakers. Data from Thailand’s development frameworks indicates a direct link between graduate-level tech skills and local growth.

A major shake-up in the global research community follows MIT’s formal withdrawal of support for a widely circulated AI study. The paper, titled Artificial Intelligence, Scientific Discovery, and Product Innovation, was posted on arXiv in November 2024 and drew attention for claims that AI could dramatically accelerate scientific progress and product development. After a confidential internal review, MIT stated it has no confidence in the data, provenance, or validity of the research, marking a rare public reversal from a leading research university.

In a move that has reverberated throughout the global academic community, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has formally withdrawn its support for a widely circulated research paper on artificial intelligence (AI) authored by a former PhD student in its economics program. The paper, titled “Artificial Intelligence, Scientific Discovery, and Product Innovation,” was first posted to the preprint server arXiv in November 2024 and quickly garnered high-profile attention for purportedly showing how AI can significantly boost scientific discovery and product innovation. However, following a confidential review, MIT has announced it has “no confidence in the provenance, reliability or validity of the data and [has] no confidence in the veracity of the research contained in the paper,” marking a rare and public reversal from one of the world’s top research universities (source).

A new international study sheds light on why some Thai teens respond with heightened fear in everyday, safe situations. Researchers show that early-life adversity—such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction—can impair fear learning. This makes it harder for adolescents to distinguish safety from threat, triggering stronger emotional and physical reactions in daily life. The findings offer important context for Thailand’s ongoing focus on youth mental health and stress the need for culturally sensitive interventions in schools and communities.

A groundbreaking study published in Nature by investigators at the Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester, has linked taurine—an amino acid found in energy drinks and natural food sources—with an increased risk of blood cancers, particularly leukemia. The research, already sparking international dialogue, comes at a time when energy drink consumption is soaring in Thailand, especially among youth and office workers who rely on such products for an energy boost.

A new study published in Nature from researchers at the Wilmot Cancer Institute and the University of Rochester links taurine—an amino acid found in energy drinks and various foods—to an increased risk of blood cancers, notably leukemia. The findings arrive as energy drink use rises in Thailand, especially among young people and office workers seeking quick energy.

Taurine is a staple in popular drinks like Red Bull, Monster, Celsius, and Alani Nu. It has long been considered safe and is produced naturally in the body and in some foods. The latest research, however, suggests taurine might fuel cancer cell metabolism under certain conditions. In experiments with immunocompromised mice, leukemia cells exposed to taurine showed accelerated growth, indicating a potential mechanism for cancer development. These results call for cautious interpretation and further study in humans, as animal models do not always translate to people.

A new research study from Uppsala University sheds fresh light on the long-held belief that higher physical fitness dramatically reduces the risk of premature death, suggesting these benefits might not be as substantial as previously thought. The findings challenge established wisdom in the fields of health and public policy, carrying important implications for how Thai society and policymakers approach physical activity initiatives (Uppsala University).

The prevailing narrative—supported by countless observational studies—has been that individuals with higher fitness are far less likely to die prematurely from causes such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, or all causes combined. The new investigation, however, warns that these links may be significantly overstated due to hidden factors in earlier research designs, and highlights the need for a more nuanced conversation as Thailand continues its campaigns promoting widespread exercise and healthy living.

What really makes men happy in the 21st century? A viral article from Upworthy has captured global attention by distilling the twelve simplest, most relatable factors that contribute to men’s happiness, sparking discussion not only online but also among psychologists, relationship counselors, and everyday readers searching for joyful living. Behind the list, experts indicate, are timeless psychological concepts and cultural undercurrents that resonate strongly in Thailand and worldwide, highlighting both modern pressures and enduring truths about wellbeing.