News

If you often feel like your intense workouts at the gym seem to last forever, you are not alone—and science may finally have an explanation. According to a new study published in the journal Brain and Behaviour and reported by The Guardian, pushing yourself hard during exercise can cause a “time warp” effect that makes your workout feel subjectively longer than it actually is. This finding could have important implications for anyone hoping to improve their fitness—or simply survive a particularly sweaty spin class—with researchers suggesting that our perception of time may be heavily influenced by the discomfort and effort of the activity itself (The Guardian).

A wave of new research warns that exercising too late in the day—especially if it’s high-intensity—could be robbing you of restorative sleep. As more Thais embrace fitness culture and nighttime gyms gain popularity in Bangkok and beyond, a landmark study of nearly 15,000 people has highlighted how the timing and intensity of your evening workout could be the culprit behind tossing, turning, and groggy mornings (Fortune, Nature Communications). For many, it’s a challenge to find gym time amid work, family, and Bangkok’s notorious traffic jams, pushing workouts close to bedtime. But these new findings have direct and important implications for health-conscious Thais.

New findings from UK researchers show that marathon training does more than boost fitness. Novice runners who commit to six months of preparation can lower systolic blood pressure and improve arterial health, making arteries function like those of someone younger. The study, led by researchers at Barts Health NHS Trust and University College London and funded by the British Heart Foundation, tracked central blood pressure and arterial stiffness before and after a six-month training plan.

As the excitement builds for the 2025 London Marathon, emerging research is offering even more reasons to lace up those running shoes. Scientists have discovered that not only does marathon training boost fitness, but it can also lower blood pressure and make your arteries function as though they are years younger—a finding with significant implications for heart health in Thailand and beyond (Get Surrey).

This ground-breaking revelation comes from a study conducted by Barts Health NHS Trust and University College London, funded by the British Heart Foundation. Their research focused specifically on novice marathon runners, measuring both their central blood pressure and the stiffness of their main artery—called arterial stiffness—before and after six months of marathon preparation. The results were compelling: participants recorded a reduction of 4mmHg in their systolic blood pressure (the higher number in a blood pressure reading) and a 3mmHg reduction in diastolic blood pressure (the lower number). Even more notably, they experienced an improvement in arterial elasticity equivalent to turning the clock back on their arteries by four years.

A growing body of research is upending longstanding beliefs about what we should eat for a longer, healthier life. Recent findings summarized by Earth.com suggest that while eating meat can boost short-term survival—such as helping the body recover from illness or injury—plant-based diets are associated with greater longevity, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and adding years to life expectancy. This evolving understanding is fueling an important debate for Thai families, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, as diet-linked diseases like heart disease and diabetes continue to rise in Thailand.

A landmark international study suggests medical cannabis may support cancer treatment, potentially slowing disease progression and improving quality of life for patients. Described as the largest investigation to date, the research tracked thousands of cancer patients prescribed cannabis-based medicines as part of their care. While results are encouraging, experts caution that longer, controlled studies are needed to confirm cause and effect and determine optimal dosing. Data from leading medical centers and public health researchers indicates significant relief from pain, nausea, and anxiety, alongside improvements in quality of life for some participants.

A groundbreaking new study has added weight to the growing evidence that medical cannabis could play an important role in the fight against cancer, capturing international attention this week. The research, described as the largest-ever investigation into medical cannabis and cancer outcomes, found that certain cannabis-based medicines may help slow disease progression and improve quality of life for people diagnosed with cancer. Published results have sparked hope among patients, clinicians, and medical researchers globally—including in Thailand, where conversations around both cannabis regulation and cancer care remain highly relevant. [Source: The Guardian]

Thai readers searching for new hope in the battle against recurrent low back pain may be encouraged by a recent international study validating the Canali Postural Method (CPM), a personalized exercise technique backed by solid science. A collaborative team from Italy’s National Research Council and Temple University in the US published their findings in the respected journal Healthcare, demonstrating that CPM offers significantly greater pain relief and functional recovery than conventional exercise programs for people with non-specific low back pain—a condition that remains a leading cause of disability both globally and in Thailand.

A new international study validates the Canali Postural Method (CPM), a personalized exercise approach that could change how Thai readers manage recurrent low back pain. Researchers from Italy’s National Research Council and Temple University in the United States published their findings in Healthcare, showing CPM provides greater pain relief and functional recovery than conventional exercise for non-specific low back pain.

Global data show nearly 700 million people suffer from low back pain at any moment, imposing costs on productivity and health systems. In Thailand, back pain is common among office workers, motorbike drivers, farmers, and the elderly—reflecting the country’s evolving, physically demanding lifestyle. Most cases are non-specific, meaning there is no identifiable structural cause. This makes sustained improvement a persistent challenge, a reality readers in Thai clinics know well.

A new wave of research challenges long-held beliefs about stress, revealing that not all stress is harmful and that the impact of stress—and how we should respond—depends on far more than we once imagined. As Thais increasingly grapple with work, family, and digital pressures, the latest scientific insights offer fresh hope—and practical strategies—for managing daily life (The Guardian).

Stress has long been cast as the villain in our health narratives, blamed for physical ills, emotional burnout, and even social collapse. Yet emerging evidence shows the story is far more nuanced, with researchers revealing that not only is some stress “good”—it’s necessary for human growth and resilience. For Thai readers bombarded by news of a ‘stress epidemic’, this signals a needed shift in public understanding and policy.

A recent breakthrough study suggests that low- to moderate-intensity aquatic exercise can significantly improve both physical and psychosocial well-being in people living with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), bringing new hope for a condition often marked by persistent fatigue and limited treatment options. Published on April 17, 2025, and led by Dr. Suzanne Broadbent, Associate Professor of Clinical Exercise Physiology at the University of the Sunshine Coast, this randomized controlled trial (RCT) challenges the longstanding caution against physical activity for ME/CFS patients—a group that also includes a high proportion of those battling fibromyalgia symptoms.

A recent international study reveals that women experiencing moment-to-moment anxiety may have notably less insight into their internal bodily signals, such as breathing, compared with men. Published in the European Journal of Neuroscience and summarized by PsyPost, the findings offer fresh clues about why anxiety manifests differently across genders and could influence mental health approaches in Thailand and beyond.

In Thailand, anxiety rates are rising amid economic pressures, intense academic competition, and rapid social change. The World Health Organization notes that women are nearly twice as likely as men to develop anxiety disorders. Data from Thai health research mirrors this pattern among young people and working adults. The new study adds depth by showing that, beyond prevalence, women may struggle more with interoceptive insight—the ability to link internal sensations with emotions or mental states.

A recent study has sparked widespread attention after finding a potential link between a common ingredient in cooking oils and an aggressive form of cancer, fueling public concern and debate over everyday dietary habits. The research, first reported by Syracuse.com, suggests that a widely used compound in oils such as soybean, canola, and sunflower oil may play a role in promoting the onset or progression of certain aggressive cancers—a finding that could have major implications for Thai families, given the central role of these oils in local cuisine.

A groundbreaking international study has found women experiencing moment-to-moment anxiety may have significantly less insight into their own bodily sensations—specifically those related to breathing—than men do. The research, recently published in the European Journal of Neuroscience and highlighted by PsyPost, offers new clues into why anxiety feels and functions differently in men and women, raising important questions for mental health treatment in Thailand and beyond (PsyPost, 2025).

The significance of this finding comes as anxiety rates continue to soar in Thai society, amplified by the ongoing pressures of economic uncertainty, academic competition, and the social changes that come with a rapidly modernizing culture. According to the World Health Organization, women are already nearly twice as likely as men to develop anxiety disorders—an observation mirrored among Thai adolescents and working-age adults (WHO). Yet, this new research reveals that not only does anxiety’s prevalence differ by gender, but women may also uniquely struggle with “interoceptive insight”—the ability to connect their internal sensations, like breathing difficulty or chest tightness, with emotional or mental states.

A recent study has sparked dialogue about a common cooking oil ingredient and its potential link to an aggressive cancer form. While the researchers have not called for an immediate ban, the findings highlight the ongoing connection between daily diet and long-term health. For Thai families, where vegetable oils are central to home cooking and street foods, these discussions are highly relevant.

Thailand relies heavily on stir-frying and deep-frying in both home kitchens and bustling markets. As Thai eating patterns shift toward more processed foods and snacks, questions about food safety and health consequences become increasingly important. Cancer remains a leading health concern in Thailand, according to research from the National Cancer Institute of Thailand, underscoring the need to consider dietary factors carefully.

In a world obsessed with instant results, the allure of rapid weight loss remains as strong as ever—but experts warn that chasing quick fixes can have grave consequences for health. A recent article featuring fitness coach insights, published by the Hindustan Times, has reignited the public conversation on the perilous nature of some so-called “miracle” diets, with the clear message: “There are no magic pills or shortcuts.” As Thais increasingly seek weight solutions amid growing concerns about obesity and non-communicable diseases, understanding the real risks behind fad diets is more urgent than ever.

In a world chasing quick results, the lure of rapid weight loss remains strong. Yet health professionals warn that shortcuts can carry serious risks. A recent piece featuring fitness coach insights, originally published by a major Indian news outlet, has renewed the conversation about the danger of so-called “miracle” diets. The core message is clear: there are no magic pills or easy shortcuts for lasting health. As Thai readers increasingly seek weight solutions amid rising obesity and non-communicable diseases, understanding the real dangers behind fad diets is urgent.

A recent scientific study suggests that taking just a single dose of ashwagandha, a traditional herbal remedy used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine, could offer a noticeable enhancement to cognitive performance and mood—effects visible as quickly as one hour after ingestion and consistent over a month of supplementation. These promising findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrients, have stirred significant interest among health-conscious Thais and supplement enthusiasts worldwide (PsyPost).

Ashwagandha, or Withania somnifera, has long been revered as a tonic in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of health and wellness. Known in Thai as สมุนไพรอาชวกันดา and sometimes called “Indian ginseng,” ashwagandha is botanically unrelated to ginseng but is valued for its ability to bolster resilience and manage stress, or adaptogenic properties. Its root and, less commonly, the leaves, are the primary sources of medicinal extract, used both in traditional herbal preparations and in modern dietary supplements, readily available in Thailand’s health stores and pharmacies.

A simple test—how long you can stand on one leg—may be one of the clearest indicators of your physical age and even your long-term health outlook, according to growing research in the field of geriatric medicine. New studies, including recent findings from the Mayo Clinic and data published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, suggest that the ability to balance on one leg for at least 10 seconds is strongly linked to overall health and longevity, especially in people over 50. For Thais concerned about healthy ageing, this insight offers a powerful, easy-to-use predictor that could shape personal and public health strategies for years to come.

A growing body of research is reshaping our understanding of the foods that promote a longer, healthier life. Recent findings summarized for a general audience show that meat can support short-term recovery after illness or injury, while plant-based diets are consistently linked with greater longevity and lower risk of chronic diseases. For Thai families, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, these insights come at a crucial time as diet-related illnesses rise in Thailand.

America’s growing obsession with protein has reached fever pitch in 2025, with supermarkets, convenience stores, and even dessert shops across the nation boasting an ever-expanding array of high-protein products. From protein-fortified candy and ice cream to sodas with muscle-boosting claims, the protein trend—supercharged by social media fitness influencers and weight-loss drugs like Ozempic—has left nutrition experts increasingly frustrated, as reported in The Wall Street Journal and reflected in recent news coverage and scientific commentary (MSN, NPR). As consumer interest in protein soars, the controversy highlights important questions about healthy diets—not only for the US, but also for countries like Thailand facing their own nutritional crossroads.

A new study suggests that a single dose of ashwagandha, a traditional herb widely used in Ayurvedic medicine, could enhance cognitive performance and mood within an hour, with effects lasting after a month of use. The findings, published in Nutrients, have sparked interest among health-conscious Thai readers and supplement enthusiasts. Research by a team led by Megan Leonard tested a liposomal form designed to maximize absorption, reflecting a growing Thai market for scientifically backed herbal products.

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) has returned to the spotlight, with researchers and advocates describing how even minor criticism can trigger sudden, overwhelming distress. The New York Times highlighted RSD as a condition where perceived rejection can plunge individuals into deep sadness, rage, or worthlessness, making the world feel unstable.

For Thai readers, this renewed attention matters as mental health awareness grows amid lingering stigma. RSD is closely linked with ADHD and other neurodivergent experiences, but recent studies show its impact reaches beyond diagnosed groups, affecting daily life and self-esteem in many people. Data from leading health researchers indicate higher rejection sensitivity among those with mood disorders and anxiety, underscoring the need for broader recognition and support.

In recent months, the term “Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria” (RSD) has gained renewed attention in both scientific literature and popular media, as mental health experts and affected individuals speak out about this intense emotional condition that can turn minor criticisms into catastrophic emotional reactions. The New York Times recently profiled RSD, describing the condition as a state where even slight rejection, teasing, or criticism triggers a rapid plunge into feelings of profound sadness, rage, or worthlessness, making sufferers feel as if “the world is collapsing” around them source.