News

A new international study identifies a brain region that helps decide how generous we are toward friends versus strangers. Researchers from Germany and South Africa found that damage to the basolateral amygdala (BLA) reduces sharing with anyone outside one’s closest circle, while generosity toward close friends remains relatively intact. The study, recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, sheds light on the biological roots of kindness and self-interest and could inform understanding of social disorders.

A wave of new science is reshaping how we understand touch—the earliest and among the most complex senses we rely on daily. Led by researchers at Harvard Medical School, recent work highlights how a diverse network of skin and organ sensors creates our perception of everything from a gentle kiss to a thorn’s prick. The findings also point to how disruptions in touch processing can influence chronic pain and autism, according to a feature by Quanta Magazine.

A sweeping new review of scientific studies suggests a strong connection between vitamin D and reduced risk of colorectal cancer, with some findings indicating up to a 58% lower risk among those with the highest vitamin D intake. This revelation, published in April 2025 in the journal Nutrients, could have far-reaching implications for cancer prevention strategies in Thailand and across the globe, offering a natural, affordable, and accessible way to combat one of the world’s most common and deadly cancers (EatingWell).

A team of scientists in London has made a significant leap in understanding how the human brain solves unfamiliar problems—a discovery that could transform approaches to brain injury diagnosis and rehabilitation worldwide, including in Thailand. The findings, published on April 16, 2025, in the prestigious journal Brain, spotlight the right frontal lobe as a critical hub for logical thinking and problem solving, advancing decades of brain research Source: The Independent.

This development is particularly relevant for Thai readers, given the high incidence of stroke and brain injury in the country and the challenges faced by patients and their families during recovery. With the increased aging population and prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Thailand, understanding how cognitive functions can be impaired—or rehabilitated—after brain injury is essential for both health professionals and the general public.

A recently spotlighted dietary supplement is drawing attention in health circles, with US media touting its potential to prevent cancer, support heart health, and slow skin aging. While headlines label it a “wonder supplement,” Thai readers deserve a careful, evidence-based look at what science actually supports and what remains uncertain. As more Thais seek natural ways to protect long-term health, understanding the real science behind such claims is essential.

The discussion around this supplement mirrors a global fascination with nutraceuticals that promise wide-ranging benefits. In Thailand, rising life expectancy and increasing chronic disease rates have boosted supplement use. The country now hosts a multibillion-baht wellness market, reflecting a strong desire to prevent non-communicable diseases and maintain vitality through natural products.

A major international study warns that rising temperatures and higher atmospheric carbon dioxide are increasing arsenic concentrations in rice, Thailand’s everyday staple. The findings, published in The Lancet Planetary Health, suggest that climate change could turn rice into a greater health risk for populations that rely on it for most of their daily calories. This issue resonates across rice-dependent societies, including Thailand, where consumption is deeply tied to culture and livelihood.

Thai consumers have been swept up in the growing craze for collagen supplements, drawn by alluring promises of firmer skin, thicker hair, and pain-free joints. But with social media influencers, celebrities, and supplement brands all fueling the trend, how much of the hype is actually backed by solid scientific evidence? Recent international research and expert commentary provide a clearer picture of what collagen supplements can—and can’t—do for your health, with important implications for Thai readers considering adding collagen to their daily routines.

Thai consumers are embracing collagen supplements with promises of firmer skin, thicker hair, and relief from joint pain. With influencers, celebrities, and brands fueling the trend, what does the science actually say? Experts and recent research offer a clearer view for Thai readers considering collagen as part of daily wellness.

Collagen is the body’s most abundant protein, forming the scaffolding that keeps skin elastic and joints strong. As we age, natural collagen production declines, contributing to wrinkles and stiffness. This has driven a booming market for collagen powders, capsules, and drinks—now widely available in Bangkok’s pharmacies and online marketplaces. Yet the abundance of options makes it essential to distinguish marketing from evidence-based science.

Colombia has declared a nationwide health emergency after a sudden yellow fever outbreak. Officials report at least 34 deaths and 74 confirmed cases in 2025, signaling a sharp resurgence of a mosquito-borne illness in a region that had seen few cases in recent years. The response from the Colombian government underscores growing alarm and offers a cautionary lesson for Thailand, where Aedes-borne diseases are a constant concern.

Yellow fever is caused by a virus transmitted mainly by Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes. Early symptoms often resemble those of dengue or Zika, including fever, muscle pain, and headaches. In severe cases, the disease can cause jaundice, bleeding, and organ failure. Mortality can be high in the most serious phase, a reminder of why vaccination and vector control are critical. Health authorities have noted that vaccination is required for travelers to high-risk areas during Easter, as uptake becomes a focal point of the national campaign.

Colombia has declared a nationwide health emergency following a sudden and deadly outbreak of yellow fever, with at least 34 deaths and 74 confirmed cases reported so far in 2025, according to official Colombian health authorities (BBC; Reuters). The government’s urgent response underscores growing alarm about the re-emergence of this mosquito-borne virus in a region that had seen virtually no cases in recent years—a trend that should serve as a wake-up call for countries like Thailand, also home to mosquito-borne diseases.

Stress is not just an individual burden—it can spread through groups like a social pathogen. New research highlighted by national outlets shows that exposure to others’ anxiety and pressure can trigger your own stress response. For Thai readers facing work, school, and the constant scroll of social media, understanding stress contagion and practical ways to shield yourself is timely and essential.

Why this matters in Thailand Thai culture centers on social bonds and community—sharing meals, helping families, and gathering at temples. In such a setting, emotional exchanges shape everyday life. When stress runs high at work or in family networks, the mood can ripple through households and workplaces, often without conscious awareness. Even tense messages on popular messaging apps and social feeds can amplify anxiety across groups.

Many Thais recognize that ใยอาหาร (yai a-han) is key for digestion and heart health. Yet new findings suggest some foods we assume are fiber powerhouses may deliver far less than expected. This matters for millions of Thai households that plan meals around whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, sometimes overestimating how much fiber they actually consume.

Fiber does more than keep digestion regular. Nutrition experts explain that high-fiber foods promote fullness, support gut health, lower bad cholesterol, and protect the heart. The U.S. daily recommendations are 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men, and many adults in Thailand and beyond fall short. That shortfall is linked to higher risks of cardiovascular disease, constipation, obesity, and diabetes. The Thai diet—rich in rice and vegetables—often gives the impression of ample fiber, but recent insights show that not all wholesome-looking foods contribute equally.

A new CDC briefing shows depression is more common now than at any time in recent history, yet treatment remains insufficient. The findings, drawn from 2021–2023 data, indicate that more than one in eight Americans aged 12 and older experienced depression, nearly double the rate from a decade earlier. Only about 40% of those affected sought counseling or therapy, underscoring a persistent gap between need and access to care.

The implications extend to Thailand, where mental health challenges surged after the Covid-19 era. While the United States reports rising prevalence, Thai policymakers and families can learn how social trends, public health strategies, and individual experiences shape outcomes. Data from the CDC show depression among Americans climbed from 7.3% in 2015–2016 to over 13% in 2021–2023. Researchers note that this increase reflects both real growth in cases and greater willingness to report symptoms as stigma declines.

Fresh research brings an age-old saying back into the spotlight—eating two apples a day may not only keep the doctor at bay, but can also “significantly” lower your cholesterol, according to a study highlighted in recent UK news coverage. For Thai readers increasingly mindful of cardiovascular health, this breakthrough aligns with global shifts towards embracing dietary solutions to chronic diseases. With heart disease and stroke rankings remaining high among causes of death in Thailand, this simple dietary tweak could offer a practical, affordable shield for millions.

A newly highlighted dietary supplement is making waves in the health community after US media reports touted its potential to prevent cancer, improve heart health, and slow skin aging. Reported by the New York Post as the “wonder supplement you’ve never heard of,” this compound is rapidly gaining traction, raising questions around its scientific basis, practical benefits, and implications for a health-conscious Thai public. As more consumers seek accessible, natural ways to bolster long-term health, understanding the actual science behind such claims is essential.

France’s top food safety agency, ANSES (Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l’alimentation, de l’environnement et du travail), has sent shockwaves through the international nutrition community with its latest recommendation: soy-based foods should be banned from all public mass catering, including schools, hospitals, and care homes. This call, issued in March 2025, has ignited global debate over the safety of soy products—a topic relevant to Thailand as plant-based menus become increasingly popular in schools and health-conscious households.

An international team has produced the first detailed three-dimensional map of a mammal’s brain, revealing unprecedented insight into brain structure and function. Focusing on a tiny fragment of a mouse’s visual cortex, the achievement marks a milestone for neuroscience with potential to improve diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and autism. For Thai readers, the findings underscore how advances in brain science can influence medicine, education, and future AI applications amid Thailand’s aging society.

In a world where the search for effective, accessible healing methods never wanes, recent research shines a spotlight on an ancient yet modern remedy: music. A groundbreaking study published in The Journal for Nurse Practitioners demonstrates how music therapy—both active and passive—can significantly improve the lives of people facing Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, chronic pain, Parkinson’s, and even seizure disorders. As reported by Neuroscience News, the findings point to music’s profound neurological impact, offering an inexpensive, non-pharmaceutical avenue for support that resonates across cultures and generations (Neuroscience News).

A French health agency has sparked a global conversation about soy in public catering, including schools, hospitals, and care homes. In March 2025, ANSES emphasized caution around high-intensity soy consumption, focusing on isoflavones, the plant compounds that can act like estrogen in the body. The agency warned that excessive intake could influence hormone balance and potentially affect children’s development if exposure is prolonged. Thai readers should note the emphasis on balanced nutrition and moderation as schools increasingly explore plant-based proteins.

A fresh wave of scientific findings highlights music therapy as a versatile, low-cost approach to support people with Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, chronic pain, Parkinson’s, and seizure disorders. A study featured in the Journal for Nurse Practitioners shows that both active music making and passive listening can improve quality of life and daily functioning. Neuroscience News summarizes the evidence, emphasizing music’s profound impact on the brain and its potential as an accessible adjunct to conventional treatments.

A new study suggests that extreme brain synchrony—either too high or too low—may define distinct autism subtypes. The finding offers fresh hope for Thai families, educators, and clinicians seeking more personalized approaches to diagnosis and intervention. The research, published on 17 April 2025 in The Transmitter, used advanced brain imaging across twenty mouse models designed to mimic autism and explored how brain regions coordinate activity. The study’s implications extend to understanding the heterogeneity of autism in humans.

A growing body of research links heavy social media use with amplified delusional thinking, raising new questions about how online platforms affect mental well-being in Thailand. Researchers describe a pattern called Delusion Amplification by Social Media, where digital environments can intensify certain mental health symptoms rather than alleviate them.

Social media is now a staple in Thai life, from Bangkok schools to provincial cafes. People use these platforms to connect, promote ideas, and run businesses. Yet concerns about their darker effects grow as online engagement rises. A comprehensive study published in 2025 analyzed hundreds of articles and found that high social media use is associated with stronger tendencies toward narcissism, paranoia, and body image concerns. These insights are relevant for Thai educators, clinicians, and policymakers seeking to protect vulnerable users.

A breakthrough study from London researchers reveals how the brain handles unfamiliar challenges, offering new avenues for diagnosis and rehabilitation in Thailand and beyond. Published in Brain, the study highlights the right frontal lobe as a crucial hub for logical thinking and problem solving, building on decades of brain research. According to experts, this insight could improve how clinicians assess and treat cognitive deficits after brain injury.

Thailand faces a high burden from stroke and brain injuries, with an aging population and rising non-communicable diseases adding pressure to healthcare. Understanding cognitive functions after injury helps healthcare professionals guide patients and families through recovery. Data from Thailand’s public health system shows stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability, underscoring the need for comprehensive rehabilitation that includes cognitive assessment.

A new report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that depression is now more common among Americans than ever before, with treatment rates falling short despite growing awareness—a development that brings important lessons for health policymakers and families across Thailand. The report, based on data from 2021 to 2023, found that over one in eight Americans aged 12 and older have experienced depression recently, almost double the rate reported just a decade ago. Yet, only about 40% of those affected pursued counseling or therapy for their symptoms, highlighting a persistent gap between need and access to care (CNN).