News

Nutrition experts are sounding the alarm about a potentially overlooked dietary issue: not getting enough protein, a problem that can have far-reaching effects on health and wellbeing. According to the latest research and insights from leading registered dietitians, a persistent feeling of hunger and lingering fatigue between meals may be the number one warning sign that you’re falling short on this vital nutrient. In Thailand—where carbohydrate-rich diets, especially those based on rice, are the norm—this finding holds special relevance for anyone keen to maintain optimal health.

A major international study challenges the idea of a universal formula for happiness. Published in Nature Human Behaviour, the research finds that well-being arises from a mix of external circumstances and internal attitudes, with each person following a distinct path to life satisfaction. In Thailand, where happiness is both a personal and public concern, the findings invite policymakers, educators, and health professionals to rethink how well-being is cultivated.

Data from more than 40,000 participants across Germany, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Australia tracked individuals for up to 30 years. The analysis examined overall life satisfaction as well as satisfaction in health, income, housing, work, and relationships. Results reveal a striking variety: roughly equal shares of participants derived happiness from external conditions (bottom-up), internal qualities like resilience and mindset (top-down), a combination of both (bidirectional), or other factors not fully identified by researchers.

A beloved Star Wars moment is about more than a quirky rhyme. George Lucas has revealed that Yoda’s unusual speech was a deliberate technique to make viewers listen—and the idea offers fresh lessons for parents, teachers, and learners in Thailand today.

Lucas explained at a 45th anniversary screening of The Empire Strikes Back that Yoda’s syntax is a tool to sharpen focus. By presenting ideas in a way that’s hard to predict, the audience, especially younger viewers, must pay closer attention. This turns Yoda from a mere character into a purposeful mentor who invites careful listening. Educational observers note that this aligns with broader findings on how surprise and novelty can boost engagement and memory.

A growing body of research highlights how growing up with persistently negative parents can have significant and lasting effects on children, even shaping behaviors and well-being well into adulthood. According to insights from psychologists featured in Parade’s recent article, individuals raised in such environments often manifest distinct emotional and behavioral patterns, prompting renewed calls in Thailand and globally to address the intergenerational impacts of parental negativity on mental health Parade.

The relevance of this issue resonates strongly in Thai society, where family ties and respect for elders are central cultural values. However, new research demonstrates that a family environment dominated by criticism, pessimism, or negativity can inadvertently sow long-term challenges for children. These challenges can manifest as self-doubt, chronic anxiety, difficulties in forming relationships, or a tendency to expect the worst, potentially hindering personal growth and success.

Growing evidence shows that children raised in consistently negative environments may carry emotional and behavioral patterns into adulthood. Psychologists cited in recent analyses note that persistent parental negativity can influence self-esteem, trust, and resilience, prompting renewed discussion worldwide and in Thailand about the intergenerational effects on mental health.

In Thai society, where family bonds and respect for elders run deep, these findings resonate with everyday life. A consistently critical or pessimistic home atmosphere can seed lasting challenges. Adults may experience self-doubt, anxiety, relationship difficulties, or a tendency to expect the worst, potentially hindering personal growth and success.

A new study shows that pairing short mindfulness practice with step tracking can significantly increase the desire to exercise, offering fresh hope for millions seeking to stay active. Conducted by the Centre for Motivation and Behaviour Change at the University of Bath, the research found that even brief daily mindfulness delivered through a free mobile app helped participants not only move more but also sustain motivation for long-term health gains. The findings appeared in Mental Health and Physical Activity on April 8, 2025, prompting experts to rethink how technology and psychology can work together to address global inactivity.

A new study reveals that pairing mindfulness practice with step tracking can significantly increase the desire to exercise—potentially offering a breakthrough for millions struggling to stay active. This research, conducted by the Centre for Motivation and Behaviour Change at the University of Bath, found that even short bursts of daily mindfulness delivered through a free mobile app helped participants build not only physical activity, but also lasting motivation, which is considered critical for long-term health transformation. The findings were published in the journal Mental Health and Physical Activity on April 8, 2025, and are prompting experts to reimagine how technology and psychology can work together to tackle global inactivity.

New international research suggests creatine supplementation may offer a small boost to muscle mass and strength in older adults who also perform resistance training. The findings are timely for aging societies like Thailand, where preserving independence in later life is a growing concern.

As Thailand’s population ages, families seek safe, effective ways to maintain muscle and mobility. Sarcopenia—the gradual loss of muscle with age—raises the risks of frailty and falls. A practical, evidence-based approach combining exercise with affordable supplements is increasingly prioritized.

Across the globe and increasingly in Thailand, a rising number of individuals—especially women—are choosing to become single parents by choice, signaling a paradigm shift in both family structures and societal attitudes. While single parenthood once commonly stemmed from unplanned circumstances, new research shows that a growing share of single parents are consciously opting for this path, empowered by advancing reproductive technologies and changing social norms. As Thai society experiences its own demographic and cultural transitions, understanding this phenomenon is crucial for policymakers, educators, and families.

In an era where maintaining physical activity is widely recognized as a cornerstone of healthy aging, a new research initiative has found an unexpected ally in the quest to help older adults achieve greater fitness: music. Groundbreaking studies from the Physical Activity and Cognition (PAC) Research Lab at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNC Greensboro) are unlocking the power of rhythm and movement to bolster the health, strength, and cognitive function of seniors—findings with growing relevance as Thailand faces rapid population aging and related health challenges [UNC Greensboro News].

The latest results from the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 have confirmed that the National University of Singapore (NUS) holds the highest position among Asian universities for computer science, coming in at 8th globally. This reaffirms Singapore’s commitment to world-class technological education and highlights the continued ascent of Asia’s leading institutions in the fiercely competitive field of computer science and information systems (Tempo.co).

For Thai readers, this news points not only to the international success of universities in the region but also offers insights into the shifting competitive landscape for STEM education that matters both locally and globally. Computer science is among the most sought-after academic programs worldwide due to its direct link to economic growth, digital transformation, and advanced job prospects—a reality that Thailand’s education policymakers and students should closely watch.

Pushing through sweat and exhaustion has long been celebrated as the hallmark of an effective strength training routine, but new research highlighted by The New York Times suggests that lifting weights until complete muscle failure may not be the only—or even the best—path to building strength and muscle. For Thai readers, where gym culture and fitness trends are becoming more popular, these findings could transform how both fitness enthusiasts and beginners approach their workout routines.

A surge of new research is shedding light on whether creatine supplementation can benefit older adults looking to maintain muscle strength and physical function—a subject of growing interest in aging societies like Thailand. While creatine is best known as a staple among young athletes, recent studies suggest its effects extend modestly into older age, provided it’s combined with resistance training.

As Thai society faces the realities of an aging population, many individuals and families are searching for effective, safe interventions to help preserve muscle mass and independence into later life. Age-related muscle loss, or sarcopenia, underpins higher risks of frailty, falls, and reduced quality of life among seniors. Strategies to slow or reverse this decline are urgently needed, making the question of accessible supplements like creatine highly relevant. But what does the latest science say?

A new meta-analysis by the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences offers the most detailed understanding to date of how our brains process written language—a development with profound implications for education, mental health, and addressing literacy challenges in Thailand and worldwide. Published in the journal Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, the study summarizes decades of neuroscience research, analyzing data from 163 brain imaging studies to construct a highly detailed map of the brain regions activated during different types of reading tasks, from letters and words to sentences and passages.

A groundbreaking new study has found that adults who report avoidant attachment to their parents are significantly more likely to choose a childfree lifestyle, a trend that is increasingly visible in both Western societies and emerging in Thai urban areas. The research, which analyzes psychological factors influencing reproductive decisions, adds valuable context to ongoing discussions about declining birth rates and shifting family expectations worldwide.

As Thailand faces an alarming drop in national birth rates — the lowest in decades according to the National Economic and Social Development Council (Bangkok Post) — the findings are particularly relevant. While economic uncertainties and shifting societal roles have been widely acknowledged as drivers, the new study highlights the impact of family attachments and early-life emotional bonds on adult choices to remain childfree.

A recent study has uncovered that older adults tend to engage in less self-reflection about their personality traits than their younger counterparts—a finding that could have important implications for personal development, mental health, and aging in Thailand and beyond. The research, published in the journal Motivation and Emotion, explored age differences in how individuals think about and evaluate their own personalities, concluding that as people age, they become less likely to question or analyze aspects of who they are.

A sweeping international study has shattered the myth of a universal formula for happiness, revealing that the sources of well-being are as diverse as humanity itself. Published in the prestigious journal Nature Human Behaviour, this latest research demonstrates that people’s happiness can come from external circumstances, internal attitudes, or a complex interplay of both—with each person following a unique path to life satisfaction (Neuroscience News).

The significance of these findings reverberates far beyond the academic world. In Thailand, where happiness is often seen as both a public good and a personal achievement, the study challenges policymakers, educators, and mental health professionals to rethink how happiness and well-being are cultivated in society. The research calls into question one-size-fits-all approaches and highlights the need for more individualized strategies that respect the differences in what drives happiness for each person.

A new study finds that as people grow older, they engage in less self-reflection about their personality traits than younger individuals. The finding, published in Motivation and Emotion, suggests aging may bring a more stable sense of self, with less ongoing internal questioning. The research analyzed how adults across age groups think about their own traits and the extent to which they consider changes to who they are.

This insight resonates in Thai society, where elders are respected and lifelong learning is valued. Understanding how self-reflection evolves across the lifespan can inform education, workplace development, and mental-health support tailored for older adults. The key takeaway is that older adults may feel content with their identities and see less need for ongoing introspection, while still benefiting from opportunities for meaningful growth.

Recent research from a computer science expert at Arizona State University highlights a surprising fact: polite interactions with AI chatbots consume real resources. This insight matters beyond the United States as Thailand expands AI in education, customer service, and public administration. The researcher explains that even simple prompts—such as “please” or “thank you”—trigger complex computations in large neural networks, driving energy use and environmental impact. The finding comes as global tech leaders stress the need for sustainable AI practices.

A growing body of research is reshaping what it means to lift effectively. While pushing through sweat has long signified success in strength training, new insights highlighted by major outlets suggest that training to complete muscular failure is not the sole—or even the best—path to building strength. For Thai readers, where gym culture and fitness trends are expanding rapidly, this shift could transform how beginners and enthusiasts approach workouts.

In Thailand, the belief that maximum effort is essential in every session persists—from park-side bootcamps to boutique gyms. Yet recent studies suggest that reaching muscular failure, the point at which you cannot complete another repetition, may carry more risk than reward, especially for newcomers. Researchers distinguish between technical failure (loss of proper form) and muscular failure (muscles cannot move the weight). The consensus among experts is to balance effort with safety, as training to failure can elevate injury risk and prolong recovery. Data from reputable research sources shows that sustainable progress is achieved through consistent effort and good technique, rather than an all-out push every session.

A renewed focus on baby food pouches highlights how nutrition, parenting demands, and social expectations intersect in modern life. Recent research from the University of Leeds found that 41% of main meals marketed for children contain high sugar, while 21% of ready-to-eat products may be too watery to provide adequate nutrition. Public health voices warn about links to childhood obesity and dental issues, but critics argue the discussion often targets mothers rather than addressing broader systemic challenges.

A growing health alert highlights a common Thai practice that may quietly raise cholesterol: reusing cooking oil for frying. While saving money and reducing waste, this habit can lead to chemical changes in oil that increase heart disease risk over time.

In Thai households, street food stalls, and community kitchens, families often reuse the same oil for deep-frying popular dishes such as fried chicken, spring rolls, and doughnuts. New research and health reporting point to oil reheating as a trigger for chemical transformations that produce harmful trans fats and oxidized compounds. Data from reputable sources shows these substances can raise LDL “bad” cholesterol and lower HDL “good” cholesterol, heightening cardiovascular risk.

New research from the Physical Activity and Cognition (PAC) Research Lab at UNC Greensboro suggests music can help older adults stay active. The findings highlight how rhythm and movement may improve health, strength, and cognitive function. The work is particularly relevant as Thailand faces rapid population aging and related health challenges, with local officials seeking scalable ways to keep seniors independent and engaged.

Many older adults struggle to build exercise habits, risking declined balance, weaker grip strength, and cognitive changes. In response, PAC Lab researchers developed customized music playlists designed to boost motivation and movement during workouts. The approach aims to make exercise more engaging while guiding progress through tempo adjustments that match participants’ improving fitness.

Running before breakfast—once whispered about only in elite sporting circles—has stepped into the spotlight as growing numbers of athletes embrace “fasted cardio” for improved fat burning and performance. This trend, recently highlighted in a widely circulated Men’s Journal report, is now backed by a mounting body of scientific research, offering both promise and caution for Thai runners seeking to supercharge their fitness routines.

For years, the conventional advice handed down to Thai runners and fitness enthusiasts was to fuel up before workouts. However, scientific studies are revealing that skipping that pre-run meal may offer distinct metabolic advantages, especially for activities like morning jogging or moderate endurance training. The heart of the matter: When you exercise on an empty stomach, your body faces depleted glycogen reserves and must turn rapidly to stored body fat for energy. A 2015 study frequently cited in fitness media found that individuals who exercised in a fasted state increased fat oxidation rates over 24 hours, compared to those who worked out after eating (Yahoo Lifestyle). Similar findings were presented in a review published in the British Journal of Nutrition, noting the metabolic shift and greater reliance on fat as fuel during fasted exercise (PubMed).