#Brain

Recent research from multiple corners of the world is drawing a striking line between what we eat and how sharply our memories perform, sometimes within days. In fruit fly models, a high-fat diet disrupted memory within a week, not because the brain was shrinking but because its internal “cleanup crew” — the cellular recycling system — became jammed. Other studies in mammals and humans point to rapid changes in memory circuits and brain inflammation after just a few days on a fatty diet. In some cases, researchers found that boosting the brain’s recycling processes could reverse or lessen the damage, suggesting a window of opportunity for early intervention.

A new study suggests that aggression can be learned through what we observe, not just what we experience directly. In a controlled animal experiment, researchers found that when male mice watched familiar peers attack intruder mice, the observers were more likely to display aggressive behavior later. The effect was tied to specific neurons in the amygdala, a brain region long known to regulate emotions and social behavior. Importantly, scientists could modulate this by turning those neurons up or down, which either amplified or suppressed later aggression. While the findings are in mice, they illuminate a neural pathway by which social context and familiarity shape how violence is learned and spread within groups.

A major new study finds that the brain chemical dopamine helps the mind use two different learning systems at once: the fast, effortful working memory that solves new problems quickly, and the slow reinforcement-learning system that builds habits over time. The international team combined PET brain scans, a cognitive task designed to separate working memory from reinforcement learning, and drug challenges with methylphenidate and sulpiride in 100 healthy adults to show that natural dopamine production and drugs that change dopamine signaling differently shift how people learn and value effort (Nature Communications study). The findings help explain why some people prefer mentally demanding strategies and why stimulants can selectively speed habit-like trial-and-error learning (PsyPost coverage).

The opening moments of any workout can feel daunting, but cutting-edge scientific research now reveals just how profoundly your body and brain begin to transform in the first ten minutes of physical activity. From surging heartbeats to neurochemical shifts that sharpen your mind, these early minutes lay the groundwork for long-term health, sharper thinking, and even a brighter mood—a finding that has significant resonance for Thai readers striving for balanced wellness in daily life.

New research shows that the body and brain begin a rapid transformation within the first ten minutes of physical activity. In those early moments, heart rate rises, circulation shifts, and brain chemistry changes set the stage for long-term health, sharper thinking, and a brighter mood. This is especially relevant for Thai readers balancing忙 schedules and urban stress.

In Thailand’s fast-paced environment, the evidence matters. Many people know exercise is beneficial, yet busy lives can make regular workouts feel out of reach. The takeaway is simple: you don’t need a perfect routine. Just ten minutes of movement—brisk walking, stair climbing, or light jogs—can trigger a cascade of positive responses in the body and mind. Research summarized by National Geographic highlights this quick-start effect.

A fresh wave of neuroscience compares the brain to a murmuration of starlings—thousands moving as one, forming shifting, coordinated patterns. Rather than isolated regions, mental functions emerge from dynamic, interconnected networks. This entangled-brain view challenges old ideas of fixed brain modules and offers new angles on learning, creativity, and mental health. Research highlights that cognition arises from flexible collaborations across brain networks rather than from lone “hot spots.”

For Thai readers, this matters because decades of textbooks and teaching have presented the brain as a set of dedicated areas—vision in the back, movement at the front, emotion somewhere in between. This modular picture has guided medical assessments, psychology curricula, and even public perceptions of “left” vs. “right” brain tendencies. Current findings, including dynamical imaging and theoretical developments, point to a more interconnected and adaptable brain architecture with wide-ranging implications for education, health care, and culture in Thailand.

A new wave of neuroscience research likens the workings of the human brain to the mesmerizing murmurations of starlings—those vast flocks in which thousands of birds seem to move as one, creating shifting, coordinated patterns across the sky. In the same way, researchers are increasingly arguing that mental functions—such as emotions, thoughts, and actions—emerge not from isolated brain regions working alone, but from the ever-changing cooperation of vast interconnected neural networks. This “entangled brain” perspective challenges long-standing ideas about the modularity of the mind and suggests fresh approaches to understanding everything from learning and creativity to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression (aeon.co).

A new study on out-of-body experiences (OBEs) rekindles the debate over whether consciousness resides solely in the brain or could extend beyond the body. Published in Frontiers in Psychology in April 2025, the research draws from in-depth interviews with ten individuals who describe awareness drifting outside their bodies, challenging conventional brain-centered views. Descriptive references point to the study’s nuanced accounts and their implications for neuroscience and philosophy.

The findings matter beyond theory. For Thai readers, OBEs intersect with Buddhist and local spiritual traditions that speak of consciousness, spirit, or subtle states beyond ordinary perception. In Thailand, conversations about วิญญาณ (spirit or consciousness) often blend cultural beliefs with scientific inquiry, creating a unique arena for discussing how mind and body connect.

A new scientific study detailing the enigmatic phenomenon of out-of-body experiences (OBEs) is sparking fresh debate on a long-standing question: Does consciousness reside entirely inside the brain, or could it exist somewhere beyond our physical bodies? Published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology in April 2025, the research offers a rare look into the lived accounts of individuals who claim to have experienced their awareness drifting outside their bodies, challenging conventional, brain-centric views of human consciousness (yahoo.com).

A groundbreaking international study, recently published in Nature Reviews Neuroscience, reframes how we understand music’s effect on the human brain. Led by a research team at the University of Connecticut, the project introduces neural resonance theory (NRT). It describes how brain activity naturally syncs with musical rhythms and melodies, offering new insight into why music moves us emotionally and physically.

For Thai readers, this research matters beyond science. Music is woven into daily life in Thailand—from wai kru ceremonies and mor lam performances to karaoke nights with friends. Understanding its neurological basis could inform health strategies, cognitive education, and cultural programs that strengthen well-being and social cohesion.

A paradigm-shifting international study, just published in Nature Reviews Neuroscience, is transforming our scientific understanding of how the human brain engages with music. Led by a University of Connecticut research group, the project proposes a “neural resonance theory” (NRT) that describes how our brains physically sync with musical rhythms and melodies, providing groundbreaking insight into why music moves us—literally and emotionally.

This research is significant for the Thai public, as it not only broadens the global dialogue on music’s universal power but also points to direct health, cultural, and educational applications. From community wai kru ceremonies and mor lam performances to everyday karaoke, music permeates Thai social life. Understanding its deep neurological basis may help in designing interventions for well-being, cognitive enhancement, and even healthcare.

A comprehensive meta-analysis from the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences maps how the brain processes written language. By reviewing 163 brain-imaging studies, researchers identify distinct brain regions activated at different reading levels—from letters to full texts. The work, summarized in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, offers insights with implications for education, mental health, and literacy initiatives in Thailand and beyond.

For Thailand, literacy is a cornerstone of development. National policies emphasize reading proficiency as a driver of social mobility and economic opportunity. Yet functional literacy remains uneven, especially in rural areas and among learners with difficulties. Understanding how the brain decodes written language can guide new strategies to support diverse learners and close gaps in access and achievement.

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 recent breakthrough study has discovered that the eyes, far from being mere passive players during sleep, actively orchestrate how our brains consolidate memories—guarding old knowledge while seamlessly incorporating new information. These findings, published by a Cornell University research team and highlighted in The Brighter Side of News on April 21, 2025, suggest that subtle changes in the pupil during sleep play a pivotal role in preventing memory “mix-ups” and could one day revolutionize how we learn, remember, and perhaps even treat memory disorders (The Brighter Side of News).

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.

In a scientific renaissance reshaping our understanding of human sensation, new research led by David Ginty at Harvard Medical School is illuminating the breathtaking intricacies of touch—the first sense we develop and the most complex in both scope and impact on our lives. Recent findings, highlighted in a striking feature from Quanta Magazine, reveal how a rich tapestry of specialized cellular sensors underpins our ability to perceive everything from a lover’s gentle kiss to the prick of a thorn, and show that faulty touch processing may hold the key to conditions like chronic pain and autism (Quanta Magazine).

A puzzling health pattern has prompted an in-depth review at a Boston-area hospital where five nurses from the same maternity unit floor were diagnosed with benign brain tumors. The cluster emerged among 11 employees on the hospital’s fifth floor, triggering scrutiny by hospital officials in partnership with government health and safety agencies. Early findings show no clear environmental cause within the facility.

Hospital leaders, including the Associate Chief Medical Officer, say disposable masks, the water supply, and proximity to medical technologies such as X-ray equipment and chemotherapy facilities were thoroughly evaluated and found not to pose risks. Staff and patients were assured that no environmental hazard within the hospital has been identified at this stage.

A new study from the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) introduces a brain organoid model that includes microglia, the brain’s immune cells. This addition enhances the model’s ability to simulate inflammation and improves prospects for safer pharmaceutical testing during pregnancy. The development is timely for global health and aligns with Thai prenatal care policy ambitions to refine safe medication guidelines for expectant mothers.

Historically, brain organoid models lacked microglia, limiting their accuracy in mimicking how the human brain responds to infections. By incorporating microglia, researchers can better understand how the developing nervous system reacts to infections such as Rubella, a concern for pregnant women due to potential fetal complications. In Thailand, where maternal and neonatal health remains a policy priority, this research supports national efforts to reduce congenital risks and strengthen prenatal care.

A new study by MIT researchers, including Evelina Fedorenko, reveals that language processing relies on specialized brain regions. The findings offer practical lessons for education, health, and policy in Thailand.

Language matters beyond scholars. For Thai educators and policymakers, these insights can shape how language is taught and assessed. Using advanced imaging, researchers separated language-specific areas from other cognitive functions. They found that core language regions sit mainly in the left frontal and temporal lobes and are dedicated to language tasks rather than functions like coding or recognizing facial expressions. This supports the idea that language operates as a distinct system with limited overlap with other skills.

A new wave of guidance from neurologists emphasizes simple, practical steps to preserve cognitive function. With dementia on the rise among aging populations, early lifestyle changes can yield meaningful impact. Research suggests that as many as 45% of dementia cases could be delayed or prevented with timely interventions.

In Thailand, multi-generational households make dementia awareness a communal concern. Preventive measures support individuals and ease caregiver burdens. Start with safety: wearing helmets during sports or motorcycling reduces traumatic brain injuries that can have lasting cognitive effects.

A recent study by researchers at a leading U.S. university suggests that sucralose, a common artificial sweetener, may increase hunger by altering brain signals in the hypothalamus, the region that controls appetite. In a randomized crossover trial with 75 adults, participants who drank sucralose showed higher hypothalamic blood flow than those who consumed sugar, which tended to reduce hunger. The results point to a potential mismatch between sweetness and calories, influencing how the brain responds to sweet taste.

In a remarkable exploration of the brain’s intricate language-processing regions, Dr. Evelina Fedorenko of MIT’s McGovern Institute for Brain Research unveils groundbreaking discoveries that challenge and refine our understanding of how language is processed in the human brain. Her comprehensive research sheds light on both the uniqueness of these brain regions and their developmental trajectories, offering profound implications for cognitive science and language acquisition.

Growing up in the historically rich city of Volgograd, Russia, Fedorenko’s initial exposure to language as a tool for opportunity catalyzed her lifelong passion for linguistics. Her journey from a young polyglot in the Soviet era to a distinguished researcher in the United States captures a narrative of resilience and academic pursuit. At MIT, she leads innovative research to dissect how language networks in the brain operate and evolve, revealing insights that carry significant weight for educational and neurological applications.

A new study sheds light on how the brain processes and stores memories. Researchers from a leading university demonstrate that the brain not only consolidates memories during sleep but also naturally reactivates information during short breaks between learning tasks. This wakeful reactivation predicts how well people will remember details later, according to findings published in a top neuroscience journal.

The discovery broadens our understanding of memory beyond sleep-based consolidation. It has long been known that the brain strengthens new information during downtime, but the possibility that reactivation occurs almost instantaneously while awake could transform teaching and study methods. For Thai readers, the finding resonates with a society that highly values academic achievement and effective study practices.

A growing body of research highlights subtle yet meaningful differences in how male and female brains operate, shaping daily behavior, communication, and emotion. While overall brain structure is similar, functional variations offer insight into gender dynamics relevant to Thailand’s social and developmental goals.

Early work on brain lateralization laid the groundwork. Classic findings showed men often rely more on a dominant hemisphere for specific tasks, while women tended to integrate functions across both hemispheres. Modern analyses suggest this interhemispheric distribution helps women adapt when one area is compromised. In Thai contexts, this adaptability can influence family life, education, and collaborative work.