News

A recent article published on May 15, 2025, by the Times of India (“10 phrases that will help a kid stand up for themselves against bullies”) is causing a stir in education and parenting circles throughout Asia, including Thailand. The article highlights practical, research-backed language that children can use to assertively defend themselves when faced with bullying—a critical issue in Thai schools and society. Experts believe adopting these concise, respectful phrases could equip Thai youth with vital confidence-building tools, potentially improving school climate and wellbeing for thousands across the Kingdom.

A landmark new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine has found that regular participation in sports and exercise during childhood has a significant, protective effect on mental health as young people grow into their teenage years. The research stands out for its scale, clarity, and detailed consideration of how sport and physical activity influence mental wellness among both boys and girls, offering critical insights for parents, educators, and policymakers in Thailand and beyond (usnews.com).

A new international study has found that regular physical exercise can significantly enhance the academic self-confidence of college students, with personality traits like future orientation and mental resilience playing a pivotal mediating role. The findings could inform Thai universities and educators looking to support students’ mental well-being and scholastic achievement amid mounting educational challenges.

The research, conducted with 624 university students, examined how physical activity contributes not only to physical health, but to psychological traits that underpin academic success. By using structured questionnaires and advanced statistical analysis, the investigators uncovered a strong positive link between engaging in exercise and students’ belief in their ability to excel academically—what psychologists call “academic self-efficacy” (Frontiers in Psychology).

A recent international study finds that regular physical activity can significantly raise college students’ academic self-confidence. The research highlights future orientation and mental resilience as key mediators, suggesting ways universities can support student well-being and achievement in Thailand’s evolving education landscape.

The study tracked 624 university students to examine how exercise influences not just physical health but psychological traits linked to academic success. Using structured surveys and robust statistical methods, researchers identified a strong positive link between regular exercise and academic self-efficacy—the belief in one’s ability to succeed academically. Data from research organizations involved indicates that this confidence helps students overcome obstacles, stay motivated, and persist through challenges.

A new health craze called “fibermaxxing” is sweeping social media, especially among younger users on TikTok and similar platforms. Health experts warn that while fiber is essential, dramatically increasing intake can backfire without proper guidance. Thai health authorities and nutritionists emphasize evidence-based eating to help people decide what to adopt and what to avoid.

Fiber is a key component of a balanced diet. Increasing fiber is linked in many studies to better heart health, steadier blood sugar, improved digestion, and lower risk of certain diseases. In Thailand, where diets traditionally include rice, vegetables, legumes, and fruit, shifting toward more fiber-rich foods could help counter rising rates of diabetes and heart conditions. Yet simply consuming more fiber, without consideration of hydration and overall nutrition, may not be beneficial for everyone.

Chronic stress affects millions in urban Thailand, where work pressures, family duties, and nonstop connectivity collide. A recent expert analysis in The Conversation synthesizes evidence-based strategies to reduce stress and protect daily well-being. The discussion arrives as public interest grows in practical, science-based approaches to curb stress, beyond just appearance or quick fixes.

In Thai culture, the idea of jai yen—keeping a calm, cool heart—remains a guiding ideal even as modern life tests it. Bangkok and other cities face rapid lifestyle changes, with longer hours and constant digital contact, making manageable stress even more important for students, workers, and families.

As modern Thai society grapples with mounting pressures from work, family, and digital connectivity, the question of how best to manage chronic stress remains urgent. A recent article by a behavioural psychology expert published on The Conversation (theconversation.com) offers a timely synthesis of evidence-based strategies to counteract stress and its impact on daily life. Drawing on the latest science, the guidance comes at a moment when “cortisol face”—a social media phrase referencing the puffy eyes and cheeks that some associate with prolonged stress—has captured public attention. Yet, the expert emphasizes, effective stress management is about more than appearance; it’s about supporting holistic body and mind health.

A wave of recent research is reviving the idea that flow—the immersive state where time seems to fade and self-consciousness recedes—could be a key to genuine happiness. Since Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi popularized it in the 1970s, flow has influenced classrooms and businesses worldwide, including in Thailand. But what exactly is flow, how can Thais cultivate it amid busy lives, and what does science say about its benefits?

This topic matters in Thailand as the country debates mental health, productivity, and student well-being. Thai culture already emphasizes mindfulness and presence, rooted in Buddhist-inspired concentration practices. With rising stress and burnout reported by the Ministry of Public Health and mental health hotlines, the prospect that flow might offer relief and happiness is compelling.

A recent story making headlines reveals the sobering fallout of artificial intelligence’s relentless advance: a seasoned software engineer, once commanding a $150,000 annual salary, found himself abruptly replaced by AI, rejected from over 800 subsequent job applications, forced to drive for DoorDash and live in a trailer just to make ends meet (yahoo.com). His words echo a growing sentiment: “AI obsolescence is coming for basically everyone in due time.”

This account is not simply a tale of individual struggle; it is the latest bellwether of a seismic shift reverberating through the global workforce. For readers in Thailand, this signals an urgent need to examine our own societal preparation for the age of AI—a transformation that extends far beyond Silicon Valley.

A prominent New York cardiologist has sounded the alarm on a silent risk lurking in the medication cabinets of millions: phthalates—chemicals used to make soft gel capsules—may significantly increase the risk of heart attacks, according to new research and expert warning. This revelation, which directly affects commonly used medications such as pain relievers, multivitamins, stool softeners, and cold remedies, is poised to raise concern among medicine users globally and in Thailand, where health awareness continues to rise and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals remain readily accessible.

A leading New York cardiologist warns that phthalates—chemicals used to soften gel capsules—may raise the risk of heart attacks. This finding affects everyday medicines such as pain relievers, multivitamins, stool softeners, and cold remedies. The message is timely for Thai readers as over-the-counter medicines are widely available and health awareness grows across the country.

Phthalates, also known as plasticizers, are added to many products to provide flexibility. They are present in a range of items from children’s toys to food packaging, and crucially, in the shells of many oral medications. A senior cardiologist at Mount Sinai notes that phthalates in medical capsules can trigger arterial inflammation and oxidative stress, accelerating artery hardening and narrowing—processes linked to heart disease. A cautious interpretation comes from recent reporting and ongoing research, underscoring the need for careful handling of medicines.

A major new book, “The Family Dynamic” by Susan Dominus, is challenging long-held beliefs about how families can raise high-achieving children, offering vital insights for Thai parents pressured by rising academic and social expectations. Drawing on extensive reporting and scientific research, Dominus turns the conventional wisdom about parenting for success on its head, revealing that high achievement in children often comes with underappreciated emotional costs—and that much of what parents agonize over may matter less than they think.

How much of mathematics can ever be truly known? This age-old question is back at the forefront after a recent high-profile lecture at Harvard, where a renowned quantum computing expert explored how the frontiers of computer science, philosophy, and mathematical logic intertwine to define the boundaries of the knowable in mathematics (Harvard Math - Fifth Annual Yip Lecture).

The lecture, titled “How Much Math Is Knowable?”, highlighted that while mathematics is often thought of as the bastion of certainty, the reality is more nuanced and constrained by the very limits of computation itself. The core message: computer science doesn’t just create new tools for mathematicians—it draws the actual lines that define what humanity can, or cannot, ever formally prove or know in mathematics.

A new UNICEF assessment shows Japanese children excel in physical health, yet their mental well-being ranks among the lowest in developed nations. The 2025 study places Japan 32nd out of 43 nations for youth mental health, highlighted by a troublingly high suicide rate. This contrast—strong physical health alongside fragile mental well-being—calls for urgent policy action and broader public discussion in Japan and across Asia, including Thailand.

According to UNICEF, the report evaluates countries on mental well-being, physical health, and academic and social skills. Japan’s overall score has improved to 14th place from 20th, with a notable rise in academic and social skills. Physical health remains consistently strong. However, mental health remains a critical vulnerability, with suicide among youths ranking as one of the highest in the sample. Data from multiple sources underscore the severity of the issue, indicating a persistent mental health gap despite other gains.

A recent report by UNICEF has revealed that while Japanese children excel in physical health, their mental well-being remains among the poorest in the developed world. Ranking 32nd out of 43 developed and emerging nations, Japan’s position is largely attributed to a troublingly high youth suicide rate, despite improvements in other areas of child development. This stark finding underscores an urgent need for both national awareness and targeted policies to address the mental health crisis among Japanese youth, offering important lessons for countries across Asia, including Thailand.

A groundbreaking new study has found that men with better semen quality—particularly higher counts of motile (moving) sperm—may live two to three years longer than their peers with poor semen quality, offering an unexpected connection between male reproductive health and overall lifespan. The research, published recently in Human Reproduction and led by a team at Copenhagen University Hospital, marks the largest-ever exploration of the relationship between semen parameters and all-cause mortality among men, bringing attention to an overlooked marker of men’s health with broad implications, including for Thai men navigating lifestyle and healthcare choices (News-Medical.net).

A high-profile online advocate of an all-meat eating pattern has publicly acknowledged that his extreme carnivore regimen may have been misguided. In a recent Netflix documentary, the Liver King admits he was wrong about the benefits of consuming only animal products, including raw organs. The confession fuels renewed debate about social-media health fads, nutrition science, and misinformation, with implications for readers in Thailand and beyond.

The Liver King rose to global prominence by presenting a hyper-masculine image built on animal-derived foods and a nearly komplett exclusion of plants. His family joined the act, sometimes eating bull testicles and raw liver on camera under a branding banner of an “ancestral” lifestyle. He claimed the diet helped his children’s health and allergies, attracting millions of followers and spawning a lucrative supplement line.

A new national study shows that childhood food insecurity in the United States remains an urgent, uneven challenge. The latest Map the Meal Gap report indicates that nearly 14 million American children live in households without reliable access to nutritious food, with some rural counties reporting that 40% to 50% of children are affected. This information underscores how hunger can affect health, learning, and future opportunities for young people. For Thai readers, the findings illuminate issues to watch as Thailand continues its battle against malnutrition and poverty.

New neuroscience suggests music can actively reshape memory by coloring recollections with the emotions of the surrounding soundtrack. In a study published in Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience, researchers found that listening to music during memory recall can add new emotional details to neutral memories, rather than simply reviving them.

For Thai readers, where music anchors national ceremonies, religious rituals, education, and daily life, these findings have wide-reaching significance. The results offer scientific support for the long-observed emotional effects of Thai classical, pop, and religious music, while hinting at practical use for therapy, classrooms, and everyday listening.

A recent Danish study published in Neurology reveals that silent mini-strokes, or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), may be a hidden driver of persistent fatigue for months after the event. This challenges the long-held belief that TIA symptoms fade within 24 hours and prompts Thai health professionals to rethink long-term care for stroke survivors.

TIAs are often undetected; current estimates suggest only about one in 30 people realize they have had a TIA. Brief interruptions of blood flow to the brain can cause subtle symptoms such as weakness, headaches, or vision changes, but they rarely trigger urgent medical visits. The new research shows that fatigue can linger for up to a year, especially among those with pre-existing anxiety or depression, underscoring a more complex aftermath than previously understood.

A recent report from Rochester Regional Health underscores a global pattern: open conversations about sexual health are often missing in everyday life, yet specialized counseling can significantly boost well-being and relationship quality. Research by the American Sexual Health Association shows that fewer than one in four couples feel able to discuss their sexual lives openly, leaving many unprepared to address concerns. As sexual health becomes a core part of overall quality of life, new clinical insights offer hope for those grappling with intimate issues.

A recent article from the Rochester Regional Health system highlights the growing recognition among medical professionals that open, honest conversations about sexual health are often lacking—not only in Thai society but worldwide—and that specialized counseling can significantly improve individuals’ well-being and relationships. According to the American Sexual Health Association, fewer than one in four couples feel able to talk openly about their sexual lives, leaving many people unprepared to recognize or address sexual health concerns. In an era when sexual health is increasingly seen as central to overall quality of life, the latest research and clinical practice updates offer new hope for those struggling with intimate issues.

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have found that artificial intelligence (AI) systems can spontaneously develop human-like ways of communicating, forming social conventions and group norms without human direction. Published in Science Advances, the peer-reviewed study demonstrates that groups of large language model (LLM) AI agents like ChatGPT, when communicating together, are capable of building their own shared language and collective behaviors—a finding that could reshape how we think about both AI development and its integration into society (The Guardian).

A recently published article in The Atlantic has put a spotlight on what social scientists, educators, and families around the world are increasingly calling the “default parent” problem—a persistent societal bias where mothers are treated as the primary caregiver by default, regardless of the actual family arrangement or parental wishes. Grounded in new research and illustrated by repeated real-life stories, this phenomenon persists in households, schools, clinics, and even airline cabins, with broad implications for work-life balance, gender equality, and family well-being.