#Education

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 growing body of research highlights reading fiction as an affordable, accessible remedy for loneliness. Summaries compiled in a recent Conversation report and coverage by Neuroscience News suggest that immersing in stories boosts empathy, reduces social isolation, and may support long-term brain health. As digital options like AI companions proliferate, experts caution that these tools cannot replace the deep social and cognitive nourishment offered by reading.

Loneliness has become a prominent public health concern, with the World Health Organization recognizing it as a crisis of social isolation. The impact is real: about a quarter of older adults live in social isolation, and a notable share of adolescents report chronic loneliness. While technology firms promote AI-driven companions, researchers warn that digital programs, regardless of sophistication, miss the human nuance essential for well-being. In Thailand, where urbanization and shifting family structures are altering traditional support networks, exploring enduring pathways to connection is especially important.

A growing body of research is spotlighting a powerful and affordable remedy for loneliness—reading fiction. Recent studies summarized in a report from The Conversation and featured by Neuroscience News suggest that immersing oneself in stories not only fuels empathy but meaningfully combats social isolation and even holds protective benefits for the brain. This news arrives as digital solutions like AI companions and chatbots are being marketed as fixes for the world’s growing loneliness epidemic, but experts caution that these technological remedies cannot replace the deep social and cognitive nourishment provided by reading.

A recent article in Psychology Today challenges widespread assumptions about what it means to be “neurotypical,” sparking renewed conversation about diversity, inclusion, and the way Thai society identifies and supports individuals with different neurological profiles. The piece, written by a clinical psychology expert, questions the utility of binary labels like “neurotypical” and “neurodivergent,” and urges for a broader understanding of human experience centered on individual control, preferences, and agency (Psychology Today).

A new study reveals a sobering reality in the United States: more than 18 million children live with at least one parent who struggles with addiction. The finding, drawn from US public health research and reported by outlets such as Newser, highlights a pressing social and health crisis with potential lessons for Thailand.

For Thai readers, the message is clear: substance misuse harms far beyond the individual, affecting millions of children and shaping their mental health, education, and life opportunities. Although the study is US-centric, the dynamics of family trauma from addiction resonate in Thailand, where family cohesion—an important value in Thai culture—shapes daily life.

A large, long-term study indicates that regular aerobic activity during adolescence can significantly reduce depressive symptoms. The findings, published in a leading child and adolescent psychiatry journal, suggest that increasing physical activity during the tween-to-teen years may protect 14–18-year-olds from depression. For Thai families and educators facing rising youth mental health concerns, the research offers a hopeful pathway rooted in affordable, accessible health habits.

The Trondheim Early Secure Study tracked 873 children from ages 6 to 18, with follow-ups every two years. Researchers found that high levels of physical activity begin to show protective effects mainly during adolescence, particularly after age 14. Earlier adolescence (ages 10–14) did not display the same mental health benefits, according to the research. The study emphasizes that both total daily activity and the share of intense exercise contribute to reducing depressive symptoms.

A new 2024 survey is sparking debate in hiring practices worldwide, with findings suggesting that nearly half of Gen Z job seekers admit to lying or strongly considering lying on applications. The conversation signals a shift in how young candidates present themselves, and it raises questions about trust, verification, and workplace culture in Thailand as Gen Z enters the workforce.

Data from the survey shows a substantial generational gap. Roughly 44% to 56% of Gen Z respondents reported lying or contemplating lying during the hiring process, while Baby Boomers reported lower rates around 37%. Millennials and Gen X fell in between, indicating a broad discrepancy in attitudes toward honesty in applications. In Thailand, where Gen Z is increasingly filling professional roles, these patterns invite careful examination of recruitment practices and student preparation.

A new survey has caused ripples in the world of human resources, revealing that nearly half of Generation Z job seekers admit to lying on their job applications—a trend that marks a significant shift from previous generations and raises pressing questions for educators, employers, and policymakers both in Thailand and worldwide (Fox News; AOL).

The findings, derived from a fresh survey conducted in 2024, indicate that as much as 44% to 56% of Gen Z respondents confessed to either having lied or strongly considered lying during the hiring process (Resume Genius). Comparatively, only 37% of Baby Boomers admitted similar behavior, highlighting a widening generational gap in attitudes towards job application honesty. Millennials and Gen X also registered lower, at 50% and 40% respectively (Benefit News). This generational divergence has implications for trust, vetting procedures, and workplace culture that are now being debated across societies—including in Thailand, where Gen Z is rapidly ascending into the professional landscape.

A major new study has revealed that regular aerobic exercise significantly reduces symptoms of depression in adolescents aged 14 to 18, offering fresh hope for Thai families and educators grappling with the rising tide of youth mental health challenges. Reporting in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Norwegian researchers found that ramping up physical activity during these formative years may protect teens from developing depressive symptoms—a finding with powerful implications for Thailand’s youth and broader society (Psychology Today).

Misdiagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) as general anxiety is more common than many expect, and it carries heavy consequences for treatment and quality of life. Recent international findings and lived experiences point to a global pattern that also affects Thailand’s mental health landscape.

A recent public account from the UK illustrates how a patient’s intrusive thoughts were mistaken for everyday anxiety for years. After seeking specialised help and receiving an OCD-focused evaluation, she described the diagnosis as life-changing. This case underscores a pattern seen worldwide: many OCD sufferers are left without accurate treatment for far too long.

A large Swedish-initiated study finds that regular physical activity in childhood, especially participation in organized sports, may reduce the risk of psychiatric conditions by late adolescence. The findings arrive at a time when youth mental health is a rising concern in Thailand and around the world, underscoring practical, evidence-based paths for prevention. The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in May 2025, followed thousands of children from birth and tracked their activity patterns to later diagnoses of anxiety, depression, and related conditions.

A landmark longitudinal study from Sweden has found that regular physical activity (PA), especially participation in organised sports, may significantly reduce the risk of children developing psychiatric conditions by late adolescence. The findings come at a critical time for both Thailand and the global community, as mental health challenges among youth continue to rise and policymakers seek practical, evidence-based solutions. The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in May 2025, tracked a large birth cohort of children over more than a decade, linking their physical activity patterns to later-incidence of disorders including anxiety, depression, and addiction (bjsm.bmj.com).

A new international study sheds light on why some Thai teens respond with heightened fear in everyday, safe situations. Researchers show that early-life adversity—such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction—can impair fear learning. This makes it harder for adolescents to distinguish safety from threat, triggering stronger emotional and physical reactions in daily life. The findings offer important context for Thailand’s ongoing focus on youth mental health and stress the need for culturally sensitive interventions in schools and communities.

A new research study from Uppsala University sheds fresh light on the long-held belief that higher physical fitness dramatically reduces the risk of premature death, suggesting these benefits might not be as substantial as previously thought. The findings challenge established wisdom in the fields of health and public policy, carrying important implications for how Thai society and policymakers approach physical activity initiatives (Uppsala University).

The prevailing narrative—supported by countless observational studies—has been that individuals with higher fitness are far less likely to die prematurely from causes such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, or all causes combined. The new investigation, however, warns that these links may be significantly overstated due to hidden factors in earlier research designs, and highlights the need for a more nuanced conversation as Thailand continues its campaigns promoting widespread exercise and healthy living.

A recent psychological study has found that adolescents who experienced adversity in childhood are more likely to respond with unwarranted fear to safe situations, revealing key insights into the long-term mental health risks faced by vulnerable Thai youths. Researchers discovered that teens exposed to early stressors such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction show greater difficulty distinguishing between safe and threatening cues, leading to heightened physiological and emotional reactions in everyday life. These findings, published in the prestigious Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, may help to explain the rising rates of anxiety and depression among Thai adolescents and underscore the urgent need for culturally sensitive mental health interventions (PsyPost.org, Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry).

A new theory is reshaping how we understand psychedelics and the brain. It proposes that substances like psilocybin and LSD may temporarily empower the right hemisphere. The model, called HEALS (Hemispheric Annealing and Lateralization Under Psychedelics), suggests this shift could heighten empathy, creativity, and emotional intelligence. This could advance therapeutic use of psychedelics, according to researchers and clinical observers.

For Thailand and much of Asia, where mental health stigma and treatment gaps persist, these findings carry meaningful implications. Thai authorities are already exploring innovative approaches to mental wellness, including careful consideration of traditional therapies. Global advances on neuroplasticity and mindful healing are increasingly relevant to Thai care providers and patients.

A groundbreaking new theory is reshaping scientific understanding of how psychedelics affect the human brain, proposing that substances like psilocybin, LSD, and others may temporarily grant dominance to the right hemisphere. According to a recently published model—known as HEALS (Hemispheric Annealing and Lateralization Under Psychedelics)—this shift could fuel increases in empathy, creativity, and emotional intelligence, marking a significant step forward in the quest to harness psychedelics for therapeutic purposes (Neuroscience News).

A large new study from Uppsala University questions the extent to which higher physical fitness lowers the risk of early death. While fitness remains important for health, the researchers caution that the life-extending effects shown in earlier studies may be overstated due to hidden factors in observational designs. This has clear implications for Thailand’s public health messaging and activity programs.

Traditional studies have linked higher fitness with markedly lower risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and death from all causes. In this study, researchers initially replicated those associations, noting substantial reductions in mortality among the fittest individuals. But they then applied a “negative control” approach—asking whether high fitness in adolescence also reduces deaths from random, unrelated accidents like car crashes or drownings. Surprisingly, the link persisted for accidental deaths as well, suggesting the observed associations could reflect other, unseen factors rather than fitness alone. As one senior researcher explained, observational studies can produce strong but misleading estimates if groups are not truly comparable.

A major health policy shift in the United States is raising concern among Thai families and educators. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is pursuing a ban on a widely used children’s supplement amid growing evidence that its active ingredient may be linked to brain damage in some cases. The news has sparked conversations about safety, regulation, and children’s nutrition in Thailand, where many families already turn to American-style supplements in hopes of supporting learning and health.

A new study finds that completing just one computer science course in high school can boost Gen Z graduates’ future earnings by up to 8%. This uplift applies regardless of the career path chosen, highlighting the broad value of digital literacy in today’s economy. The findings come as Thailand seeks reforms to better prepare youth for a fast-changing job market and digital-era opportunities.

Data from international researchers shows the potential for a “digital dividend” in Thailand, where policymakers and educators are pursuing curriculum reforms. As the country advances toward a digital economy under strategies like Thailand 4.0, these insights underscore the importance of integrating computer science into core schooling. The study notes that the wage advantage persists even when graduates do not work directly in IT, suggesting that digital fluency and problem-solving skills become foundational transferables across industries.

A groundbreaking brain-imaging study reveals that sudden moments of insight—often called “aha!” moments—not only feel exhilarating but also reshape the brain to strengthen memory. Led by researchers from Duke University in the United States and Humboldt and Hamburg universities in Germany, the work shows that these flashes of creativity can improve learning and have practical implications for education, including in Thailand.

The findings are timely in a world where learners must adapt quickly and think creatively. For Thai students and lifelong learners, understanding how insight accelerates and anchors knowledge offers actionable ideas to improve study habits and foster innovative thinking.

A new international brain imaging study has shed light on how sudden moments of insight—often called “aha! moments”—not only feel exhilarating, but also play a profound role in reshaping the brain and boosting memory. This research, led by neuroscientists from Duke University in the US and Humboldt and Hamburg Universities in Germany, provides compelling evidence that these flashes of creative discovery strengthen learning and may have important implications for educational practices, including those in Thailand (medicalxpress.com).

A growing body of research and lived experience shows that uninformed or dismissive responses when someone discloses they are autistic can harm relationships and well-being. Sensitivity and proactive understanding are increasingly important as autism diagnoses rise worldwide, including in Thailand. A recent piece in Psychology Today highlights practical steps that neurotypical people can take to support autistic individuals, emphasizing that everyday interactions matter more than generic reassurance.

In Thailand, as in many places, autism remains surrounded by misconceptions shaped by outdated stereotypes and media depictions. When someone shares their autism, a common reaction such as “We’re all on the spectrum somewhere” can inadvertently invalidate their lived experience. Experts warn that such comments often close the conversation and leave autistic individuals feeling unseen at a moment when connection and support are most needed.

A groundbreaking neuroscience study has revealed that the human brain uses two distinct dopamine-based learning systems to form and automate habits—a discovery that could transform approaches to addiction and neurological disorders both globally and here in Thailand. The research, published in Nature and led by neuroscientists at the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre at University College London, identified a “second learning system” in the brain, which helps explain why habits become deeply ingrained, and sheds new light on possible therapeutic strategies for conditions such as addiction and Parkinson’s disease (Neuroscience News).