News

A new analysis highlights concerns about the wellness industry’s rapid growth and its potential to influence public health. With estimated global spending in the trillions, the trend toward natural and alternative remedies raises questions about scientific rigor and safety, including potential risks to animals and people. The conversation is particularly relevant as trends in veterinary wellness intersect with disease prevention.

The rise of raw pet diets and holistic pet health has grown in popularity, with some supporters claiming these diets are biologically appropriate. Yet health data suggest a more cautious view: raw diets may carry a higher risk of transmitting pathogens to pets and humans. There have been reported cases of illness in pets linked to contaminated raw foods, underscoring the need for careful handling and food safety practices.

Stress from jammed schedules is a mounting concern in today’s busy world. A New York Times piece by Jancee Dunn highlights practical ways to ease time anxiety, a struggle many feel. A Pew Research Center survey shows 60% of people sometimes feel overwhelmed by their schedules. The ideas, backed by experts, offer a path to reclaim control over time and lower stress.

New research points to time anxiety arising from self-imposed deadlines and urgency driven by others. The author notes strategies that can help, such as planning to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Though it sounds small, this habit can significantly reduce stress because it prevents last‑minute scrambles. Many hesitate, fearing extra free time, but studies show tasks often take longer than expected, making delays more likely when we rush.

A new form of narcissism challenges how we view charity and public service. Known as communal narcissism, this behavior features individuals who appear deeply involved in community life but are driven by a hunger for validation and admiration. They may lead food drives or manage neighborhood projects, yet their primary aim is to bolster their own standing rather than serve others. This nuanced guise makes them harder to spot, especially in leadership roles within charitable efforts.

In a digital landscape where screens feature prominently from classrooms to bedrooms, increased screen time among teen girls has ignited concerns over depressive symptoms. A recent study highlights the growing connection between prolonged screen exposure and emotional turmoil, creating an urgent need for interventions tailored to Thai adolescents.

As teens submerge themselves in social media, streaming platforms, and online classes, the potential for cyberbullying intensifies. Teen girls, in particular, report higher incidences of online harassment, delivering adverse emotional impacts. Furthermore, late-night scrolling disrupts sleep patterns crucial for mood regulation. The lure of screens often sidetracks physical activity, an essential factor for maintaining happiness and energy.

A thorough investigation by the Chicago Sun-Times highlights how gaps in mental health services can have tragic consequences. The report focuses on long-standing, untreated mental illness and its possible link to violent incidents in downtown Chicago, illustrating the pressures faced by crisis response systems. Led by seasoned journalists Stephanie Zimmermann and Frank Main, the piece questions how well support networks protect individuals in crisis and keep communities safe.

The findings resonate beyond one city. Urban centers worldwide face similar challenges, including Bangkok, as governments strive to balance public safety with accessible, timely mental health care. The investigation provides vivid case accounts that illuminate where the system fell short and why stronger, more proactive intervention is needed for those at greatest risk.

In the vibrant cacophony of modern life, stress has become a near-constant companion for many. Amidst global disruptions, economic shifts, and the relentless scroll of social media, a new report suggests that stress isn’t just an individual burden—it’s contagious. Recognizing and managing this “stress contagion” is increasingly vital for maintaining mental wellness.

Understanding the contagious nature of stress offers insight into how emotions and behaviors spread within communities and social groups, much like physical viruses. The report from the Washington Post explores how stress can be transmitted from one individual to another, exacerbated by the omnipresence of social media where stressors are magnified. Natalia Duque-Wilckens, an assistant professor at North Carolina State University, emphasizes how humans, being inherently social beings, often transmit stress through the sharing of negative news.

A new health-focused article shines a light on nine fruits that offer unexpected protein, challenging the notion that only meat, dairy, and legumes meet daily needs. While fruits are celebrated for vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this Spotlight demonstrates their subtle role in contributing to protein intake. Nutrition experts emphasize that fruits are not primary protein sources, but they can support overall protein targets as part of a balanced Thai diet.

In a world increasingly tethered to digital devices, a recent study by Talker Research highlights a newfound anxiety linked to our smartphones’ battery life. This survey of 2,000 Americans has pinpointed the “panic percentage,” with most people beginning to stress when their battery life hits a relatively high 38%. This point of concern arises long before the typical warning signs, such as the low-battery notification that iPhones present at 20%.

Recent days have shown how global markets swing under pressure, reminding investors that hidden vulnerabilities can emerge quickly. Stress tests remain a vital tool for assessing the resilience of banks and financial institutions by simulating extreme conditions. When real-world upheavals hit, these simulations reveal weaknesses that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The current moves in markets reflect this reality. After a pause on tariffs announced by a major global leader, initial relief gave way to sharper price fluctuations. History offers a spectrum of responses: localized hiccups like Britain’s gilt market turmoil in 2022 can cause brief instability, while global crises such as the 2008 banking crisis or the liquidity drain of 2020 underscore the range of possible disruptions.

Scientists at Stanford University have created a lab-grown model of a human pain pathway, a development that could accelerate the search for new pain-relief medicines. Reported in Nature, the work involves four clusters of human nerve cells, or brain organoids, designed to mimic how pain signals travel through the brain. This breakthrough lays the groundwork for more targeted and effective pain treatments for millions living with chronic pain.

Experts say the study offers a new way to test analgesic drugs. Traditional animal testing often fails to predict how humans respond due to biological differences. The organoid model provides a closer approximation of human pain pathways, making it a potentially valuable tool in drug development. Although not involved in the study, a senior researcher from another institution welcomed the potential of this “miniature nervous system” as a flexible testing platform.

Recent research conducted by Katerina Johnson and Laura Steenbergen, published in the journal npj Mental Health Research, indicates that probiotics may reduce negative feelings, offering potential mental health benefits. This study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that the benefits of probiotics go beyond gut health and extend into mental well-being. Probiotics, commonly consumed through yogurts, fermented cheeses, and supplements, harbor beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which can influence not just physical health but how we feel, potentially impacting mood regulation.

A growing wave of nutrition research highlights protein as a key driver of muscle recovery, metabolism, and weight management. For Thai readers, aiming for around 100 grams of protein daily can offer noticeable benefits, especially for athletes and active individuals who train in Muay Thai, sepak takraw, or gym routines.

Protein fuels muscle protein synthesis, the process that repairs and builds muscle after exercise. Daily intake of 100 grams helps ensure essential amino acids are available for muscle growth and recovery. As a health expert notes, protein supports muscle growth, metabolism, and fat loss by supplying the amino acids necessary for tissue repair after activity. This approach can be particularly relevant for Thai athletes seeking optimal performance.

In an article by The Times of India, it has been highlighted that certain fruits pack a considerable punch in their skins, dense with fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients. Incorporating these edible peels into your diet could mean the difference between missing out on substantial health benefits and maximizing your nutritional intake. Here’s a look at six fruits that are best enjoyed whole, skin and all, for their potential health advantages.

In a groundbreaking study that could revolutionize treatments for neurological disorders, researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a novel mechanism of brain cell communication through advanced cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), revealing how the neurotransmitter glutamate activates brain receptors. This could pave the way for new therapeutic options to address conditions like epilepsy and certain intellectual disabilities.

The research sheds light on the intricate dance of ion channels and neurotransmitters that enable our brains to function. Glutamate, a critical signaling molecule, influences AMPA receptors—channels that control the flow of ions into neurons, thereby facilitating electrical communication within the brain. The team’s innovation lies in capturing freeze-frame images of these channels in action, providing unprecedented clarity on their operation and potential drug interaction points.

In the realm of psychological behaviors, a new archetype of narcissism challenges our perception of selflessness and charity. Known as “communal narcissism,” this variant diverts from the typical image of egocentric arrogance, revealing instead individuals deeply involved in community affairs, albeit with self-serving motivations. Defined by experts as those appearing altruistic and dedicated to humanitarian efforts, communal narcissists are eventually revealed to operate under the guise of goodwill to garner validation and admiration from their surroundings, making them harder to detect HuffPost.

A recently published report in Stat News raises alarms on the burgeoning wellness industry, highlighting its unintentional role in the potential spread of diseases like the H5N1 bird flu. At a staggering $6.3 trillion, this industry’s inclination towards natural alternatives and distrust in scientific rigor has far-reaching consequences, not just affecting human populations but also posing a grave threat to animals and public health. The spread of this disease raises significant concerns, particularly as it intersects with popular trends in veterinary wellness.

A growing global conversation on the Planetary Health Diet (PHD) could reshape what we eat for longer, healthier lives and a healthier planet. Developed by the EAT-Lancet Commission, the PHD emphasizes more vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and plant-based proteins while reducing meat and dairy. Originating from the 2019 report Food in the Anthropocene, the plan resonates with Thailand’s rising interest in sustainable, health-focused living.

Historically, the Mediterranean diet has stood as a benchmark for well-being. Now, the PHD is gaining momentum for its potential to cut dietary-related emissions and prevent millions of deaths. Research from Harvard Chan School indicates the diet is linked to about a 30% lower risk of premature death among those who follow it, based on a long-term study of more than 200,000 participants who began without chronic disease and were followed for 34 years. The findings show lower mortality from major illnesses such as cancer and heart disease, underscoring both health and environmental benefits.

In a world where longevity is often associated with costly and time-consuming practices, recent findings highlight that effective, life-extending habits need not break the bank. While some chase extended life through expensive procedures and supplements, experts emphasize that the simplest strategies, grounded in science and tradition, are not only accessible but remarkably effective.

For Thai readers intrigued by the idea of living a longer, healthier life, these insights offer a refreshing perspective. John Tower, a biology professor from USC, underlines the effectiveness of lifestyle choices like diet and exercise over costly, experimental treatments. Echoing this sentiment, MIT’s Joseph Coughlin emphasizes sticking to time-tested methods rather than those hyped up by influencers, which often lack scientific backing.

Longevity doesn’t have to be expensive. New findings show that simple, science-backed habits can add healthy years without breaking the bank. While some chase long life through costly procedures, experts say the most effective strategies are accessible and rooted in both science and tradition.

For Thai readers curious about a longer, healthier life, these insights offer a practical perspective. A biology professor from a prominent university stresses that daily choices—diet and exercise—outperform flashy, expensive treatments. Another scholar from a renowned institute echoes this, advising that time-tested habits beat influencer-driven trends lacking solid evidence.

University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) researchers have made significant strides in understanding how stress impacts driver behavior, suggesting that managing stress is just as crucial for safe driving as avoiding drowsy or intoxicated driving. Equipped with sensors that measure heart rate and changes in skin conductivity, UMD’s study presents compelling evidence that stress and emotional upheaval can severely compromise driver decision-making. This research is highly relevant not only to American commuters but also resonates with Thai drivers navigating Bangkok’s notoriously busy and sometimes chaotic traffic.

In recent years, creatine has surged as a prominent supplement in the wellness community, often praised for its benefits in muscle, brain, and bone health. However, misinformation around creatine persists, fueled by misconceptions and outdated studies. A recent article on mindbodygreen sought to debunk five pervasive myths about creatine, with insights from Darren Candow, Ph.D., a leading researcher in the field. Understanding these truths can guide Thai readers in making informed decisions regarding this popular supplement.

A new approach in cancer prevention shows promise against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a form known for its aggressiveness and limited treatment options. Researchers from a collaboration between Anixa Biosciences and the Cleveland Clinic are developing a vaccine intended to prevent TNBC from developing further. This marks a notable shift toward proactive immune defense against cancer.

Unlike vaccines for infectious diseases, this vaccine targets alpha-lactalbumin, a protein that can reappear in TNBC tumors after lactation ends. The aim is to train the immune system to recognize alpha-lactalbumin as a threat, potentially stopping tumor growth at its earliest stage. Early clinical results are encouraging: in a preliminary study, sixteen women completed a three-dose regimen over six weeks, with heightened T-cell activity observed by day 56. Importantly, participants reported no severe side effects, suggesting the vaccine is both promising and tolerable.

A new study from leading U.S. researchers reveals how psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, could treat depression without triggering psychedelic trips. Published in a prestigious journal, the work maps the brain circuits essential for psilocybin’s mood benefits, hinting at safer, more targeted therapies.

Researchers led by a senior biomedical engineer identified that psilocybin’s therapeutic effects rely on precise interactions in the brain’s circuitry. The study focuses on pyramidal tract neurons and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors located in the medial frontal cortex. These elements appear crucial for mood improvement while reducing the likelihood of hallucinogenic experiences, offering a possible path to treatments that use psilocybin’s benefits without psychedelic side effects.

A new NIH-backed study reveals a 27% rise in maternal mortality in the United States over the past five years, increasing from 25.3 to 32.6 deaths per 100,000 live births between 2018 and 2022. The finding highlights urgent priorities for public health, even as funding for maternal and child health research faces cuts. Thailand can translate these lessons into stronger safeguards for mothers at home.

Maternal mortality, defined as deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth, serves as a barometer for a health system’s access and quality. The U.S. trend—driven in part by cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mental health disorders—was detected through expanded postpartum monitoring that tracks outcomes up to a year after birth. The results prompt policymakers worldwide to reassess public health infrastructure and clinical care for mothers.