News

New research shows that exercise can help some people with chronic fatigue syndrome, but it must be careful and personalized. In Thailand, where awareness of CFS is still growing, these findings emphasize the need for careful medical guidance to avoid worsening symptoms.

Chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, causes profound fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest. It often comes with cognitive difficulties, sleep problems, pain, and post-exertional malaise, where activity triggers a later worsening of symptoms. Global data indicate millions are affected, and CFS is increasingly linked to post-viral illnesses such as long COVID. This makes updated guidance especially timely for Thai patients and clinicians.

A sweeping body of recent research from the United States is sounding the alarm: boys and young men are increasingly struggling, not only in their education but also in their mental health and transitions into adulthood. While girls and young women surge ahead in academic achievement and social maturity, many young males are reporting feelings of being undervalued and adrift. These challenges, documented in a comprehensive analysis published in The New York Times, reflect a significant gender gap with implications that extend far beyond U.S. borders—including Thailand, where similar trends have emerged in recent years (nytimes.com).

A long-forgotten cellular clue may offer new hope for millions with diabetic nerve pain. Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have revived interest in the Nageotte nodule, a tiny structure first identified a century ago. Their work suggests these nodules are common in people with diabetes and may drive peripheral neuropathy, the chronic nerve pain that afflicts many and can lead to mobility loss or amputations.

Diabetic neuropathy is among the most feared diabetes complications, affecting roughly one in three Americans and, like Thailand, presenting a growing challenge for Thai families amid rising obesity and aging. While treatment often focuses on managing pain, current options do not directly halt nerve degeneration—creating a pathway for the new findings to influence future therapies.

A groundbreaking new study published in the Journal of Physiology has unveiled a striking connection between the liver’s metabolic function and brain health, highlighting the crucial role of liver-produced ketones during exercise—and raising intriguing possibilities for combating cognitive decline, even among those with liver impairments. Conducted by researchers at the University of Missouri, the research demonstrates that when liver cells lose the ability to make ketones, cognitive and mitochondrial function in the brain suffer. Remarkably, endurance exercise was found to reverse these negative effects, suggesting a possible “backup system” that could protect the aging brain and offer new hope to individuals with liver disease (psypost.org).

A major new study has found that spending prolonged hours seated each day may shrink the brain and raise the risk of cognitive decline, regardless of how much a person exercises. The findings, which have generated global attention, suggest that even regular physical activity may not be enough to counteract the potentially damaging effects of extended sedentary behavior on brain health, especially in older adults. For Thai readers, who increasingly balance desk-based work with daily commutes and digital leisure time, the message is clear: simply hitting the gym may not be enough—reducing sitting time itself is essential for healthy brain aging.

A wave of new research is challenging taboos by showing how vibrators—long viewed as private bedroom accessories—are now gaining medical recognition as tools for healing pelvic floor dysfunction, enhancing blood flow, and improving sexual health, especially for women. Pioneering clinicians at respected institutions such as Cedars-Sinai in the United States are at the forefront of this movement, urging doctors to consider prescribing vibrators for specific health conditions—a trend with significant implications for Thai healthcare, where issues of sexual wellness and pelvic health are often under-discussed.

A groundbreaking study shows that long hours of sitting may cause brain shrinkage and faster cognitive decline, even for those who exercise regularly. For Thai readers juggling desk jobs, commutes, and digital leisure, the message is clear: cutting sitting time is crucial for healthy brain aging, not just hitting the gym.

Researchers tracked thousands of older adults over seven years, using MRI scans and genetic data to assess brain changes. They found that more daily sitting correlated with greater loss of brain volume and faster cognitive decline, even among people who met physical activity guidelines. The effect was stronger among individuals carrying the APOE-e4 gene, a known risk marker for Alzheimer’s disease, underscoring the importance of early lifestyle interventions for at-risk groups. Data from studies conducted by leading health organizations informs this insight, while health reporters around the world have highlighted the finding’s implications for aging populations.

A fresh wave of scholarship challenges the idea that English relentlessly erodes linguistic diversity. While English remains dominant, researchers say its influence is more nuanced than a simple battle of loss and supremacy. For Thai readers, educators, and policymakers, this evolving understanding offers a more balanced view of how English fits into multilingual societies and what it means for Thailand’s education and culture.

English rose to its global prominence in the globalization era, becoming a common lingua franca. Critics once labeled it a “killer language” that would drive smaller tongues to extinction. But leading linguists argue the term misleads. English has expanded as a practical tool for international communication, while many indigenous languages continue to thrive in daily life outside Europe. In other words, bilingualism and multilingualism persist, and the “killer language” label reflects a Eurocentric perspective rather than global linguistic realities.

A growing body of research challenges the idea that fathers are merely “babysitting” when they care for their own children. Experts say the language we use signals deeper inequities in emotional and domestic responsibilities. For Thai families, evolving gender norms intersect with traditional expectations, making this an especially timely topic.

Across the globe, mothers have long been portrayed as the default caregivers, with fathers celebrated for occasional involvement. New insights, however, show that even in households where both parents work, women often shoulder more childcare and housework. A widely cited study by Bianchi and colleagues highlights how women spend more time on domestic duties than men, regardless of employment status. In Thailand, such patterns echo domestic realities and influence family health and harmony.

A striking new trend in China, known as “reverse parenting,” is capturing attention worldwide as children take the reins of household responsibilities, preparing meals, cleaning, and even shopping for groceries — all while their parents look on with approval. This shift challenges traditional family roles and is backed by educators and mental health experts who argue that giving children more responsibility can instill independence, self-sufficiency, empathy, and discipline (News18; South China Morning Post (SCMP); India Today).

A new wave of nutrition research is shining a spotlight on an unexpected “superfood” hidden in plain sight on dinner tables across Thailand and the world: white rice and pasta. Long dismissed by dietitians as “naughty” due to their high glycemic index and rapid impact on blood sugar levels, these staple foods are now getting a healthy makeover – not by changing the grain, but by changing the temperature. Studies and health experts are highlighting the benefits of a simple kitchen trick: refrigerating cooked rice and pasta dramatically increases their content of a beneficial carbohydrate called resistant starch, unlocking a host of advantages for digestive health, blood sugar control, and even cancer risk reduction (NPR, Healthline, NYT).

A new study reveals striking sex-based differences in the structure of a single neuron in the tiny worm C. elegans, providing fresh insight into how neural and behavioral patterns may diverge by sex. The research, conducted by a collaboration between Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and Albert Einstein College of Medicine and published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows that the PVD neuron, long studied in hermaphrodites, develops male-specific branches linked to mating behavior. This discovery highlights cellular-level sexual dimorphism and its potential relevance to human brain health.

A growing body of research shows social media is taking a toll on young people’s mental health worldwide, including in Thailand. Experts link rising depression, anxiety, and other distress signals to digital engagement. Regulators, parents, and schools are being urged to act now with stronger media literacy, healthier online habits, and safer platform design.

The surge in social media use among children and teens is reshaping childhood experiences and introducing new psychological risks. A recent briefing by the Kids Code Coalition highlighted in national media coverage, where advocates called for warning labels on social apps similar to tobacco or alcohol disclosures. The coalition points to an uptick in mental health crises that coincides with greater online activity, especially after the pandemic.

Concerns are mounting globally and in Thailand over the growing impact of social media on youth mental health, as the latest research warns of increasing rates of depression, anxiety, and other psychological issues strongly linked to digital engagement. Amid calls for regulatory interventions, parental vigilance, and enhanced media literacy, the rising tide of evidence signals the need for urgent action to protect the well-being of the next generation.

The rapid rise in social media usage among children and teenagers is reshaping traditional childhood experiences while spawning new psychological risks. A recent press call by the Kids Code Coalition – highlighted in a KRCR News Channel 7 report – drew attention to mounting concerns, featuring advocates pushing for warning labels on social media platforms similar to those required for tobacco or alcohol. The coalition cited a surge in mental health crises coinciding with expanded social media use, particularly following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A recent US report reveals that ultra-processed foods now account for 60% of American diets, raising urgent questions about the health costs of convenience and what this trend may signal for Thai consumers (WRAL). As Thailand’s urban lifestyles evolve and Western-style diets gain popularity, Thai health experts warn the nation may be following a similar—and troubling—trajectory.

Ultra-processed foods, often packaged for convenience, include items like sweetened breakfast cereals, instant noodles, reconstituted meat products, and sugary drinks. These foods are typically high in refined sugars, unhealthy fats, salt, and artificial additives, while being low in fiber, vitamins, and minerals (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health). The sheer scale observed in the US—where more than half of daily caloric intake comes from such products—has serious implications for public health: studies consistently link diets high in ultra-processed foods to increased rates of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even some cancers (BMJ).

Burnout is more than just a buzzword—it’s an escalating crisis impacting health, happiness, and productivity worldwide, including in Thailand. Recent research and expert testimony from a high-profile conference in Miami highlight the seriousness of burnout and provide actionable strategies for individuals, families, and communities to address chronic stress. As the phenomenon becomes more widely recognized, mental health professionals urge everyone—from senior caregivers to students and the general workforce—to take burnout prevention seriously and adopt routine habits that foster resilience and joy.

New research from the United States highlights a widening challenge: boys and young men are increasingly falling behind in education, mental health, and transitions into adulthood. While girls advance in academic achievement and social development, many boys feel undervalued and adrift. The findings, interpreted as part of a global trend, carry meaningful implications for Thailand’s classrooms, universities, and workplaces as the country pursues inclusive growth and a resilient economy.

Data from the United States show that the education gap often begins in kindergarten, where boys lag in readiness and behavior. The gap persists through schooling, with girls outperforming boys in reading and earning higher grades overall. By high school, fewer boys graduate on time compared with girls. Experts note that even when boys do well in math, the overall classroom environment has become more conducive to female success. A leading voice in this field says the system could be more boy-friendly to support positive learning outcomes.

A recent US study shows ultra-processed foods now comprise about 60% of daily calories, fueling concerns about the health costs of convenience. Thai health experts caution that a similar pattern could take root here as urban lifestyles and Western-style snacks spread across the country.

Ultra-processed foods are typically packaged for speed and ease. They include sweetened cereals, instant noodles, reconstituted meats, and sugary beverages. These items tend to be high in refined sugars, unhealthy fats, salt, and artificial additives, while offering little fiber, vitamins, or minerals. In the United States, the scale of consumption has sparked discussions about rising obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even certain cancers, prompting policymakers to reexamine food environments.

A major policy shift in the United States could reshape how Thailand approaches child dental health. The FDA announced plans to remove prescription fluoride tablets and drops for children in non-fluoridated areas, citing new questions about systemic fluoride’s effects on gut health and development. The move has sparked debate among dental professionals, policymakers, and parents worldwide. In Thailand, where childhood tooth decay remains a pressing issue, the development carries important public health implications.

A rising trend in China, dubbed reverse parenting, shows children taking charge of household chores—from cooking and cleaning to shopping for groceries—while parents observe with approval. Educators and mental health experts say giving kids real responsibilities builds independence, self-sufficiency, empathy, and discipline. Data and discussions across Chinese platforms highlight how daily routines shift when children step into adult-like roles, offering a new lens on family life in the modern era.

A 58-year-old U.S. teacher has publicly joined the ranks of people forming partnerships with AI, sparking debate about the boundaries between humans and machines. The story, amplified by a major tabloid interview and later covered by mainstream outlets, points to growing openness toward virtual companionship and a broader redefinition of relationships in an era of rapid technology advancement.

This development prompts important questions for Thai readers: How far will digital companionship be accepted in daily life? What does it mean for traditional ideas about love, marriage, and intimacy?

Yale University has announced a major curriculum reform in computer science. Starting fall 2025, students aiming to enroll in the pivotal Data Systems and Programming Techniques (CPSC 2230) must first complete either Introduction to Computer Science (CPSC 2010) or Introduction to Information Systems (CPSC 2000). The waiver option, previously used by many advanced students, will no longer be available.

A lecturer for Data Systems and Programming Techniques explained that the withdrawal of the waiver exam reflects concerns about its effectiveness. “Previously, we administered a waiver exam, but we found this approach not as effective as we anticipated,” the lecturer told the Yale Daily News. While performance metrics were not disclosed, the policy shift signals that hands-on programming experience alone does not guarantee readiness for the theoretical and historical aspects embedded in computer science education.

Yale University has announced a major change to its computer science curriculum, ending the long-standing practice of allowing students to bypass the “Introduction to Computer Science” course by passing a waiver exam. From the fall of 2025, all students aspiring to enroll in the pivotal “Data Systems and Programming Techniques” (CPSC 2230) course must first complete either “Introduction to Computer Science” (CPSC 2010) or “Introduction to Information Systems” (CPSC 2000), closing a pathway that many advanced students have used for years.

A revolutionary scientific advance is offering new hope for millions worldwide suffering from autoimmune diseases: so-called “inverse vaccines” that promise to re-educate the immune system, potentially transforming how conditions such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, and lupus are managed. This innovative approach—heralded as a potential “holy grail” in immunology—could have particular significance for Thailand, where autoimmune disorders are rising as the country’s population ages, lifestyle changes accelerate, and environmental triggers become more common.