#EnvironmentalHealth

A groundbreaking international study has found that certain human gut bacteria are capable of soaking up and storing toxic “forever chemicals,” a class of persistent pollutants known formally as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Researchers believe this unexpected microbial ability could form the basis of innovative probiotic therapies to help the human body rid itself of these hazardous substances, which are already widespread in Thailand’s environment and food chain. The findings offer new hope in the urgent battle against PFAS, which have been linked to a wide range of health risks worldwide.

A ground-breaking study led by researchers at the University of Rochester has pinpointed a possible biological reason behind the well-documented trend: boys are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) three times more often than girls. The focus of the research is on the impact of a common contaminant known as PFHxA, a “forever chemical” used in products ranging from food packaging to stain-resistant fabrics, which has now been shown to cause anxiety and behavioral changes predominantly in male offspring—a finding with striking implications for families in Thailand and around the world (Daily Mail).

A recent study has detected microplastics in the reproductive fluids of both men and women, sparking global discussion about the potential consequences for fertility and reproductive health. Presented at the 41st Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), this research represents one of the first times microplastic contamination has been systematically documented in ovarian follicular fluid and semen, shifting the spotlight from environmental and dietary exposure toward intimate human biological systems. The findings urge both the scientific community and the public to reflect on the far-reaching impact of plastic pollution and what it could mean for future generations, including here in Thailand.

A groundbreaking study from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) has established a direct link between exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) and an increase in genetic mutations found in lung cancers among individuals who have never smoked—a development with profound implications for global health and for air quality management in Thailand. The newly released research, which represents a significant advance in our understanding of the environmental roots of lung cancer, raises fresh concerns about urban pollution and the invisible risks it poses, particularly for non-smoking populations.

A recent scientific breakthrough has found that a simple dietary supplement—soluble fibre from oats—may help the human body flush out toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. This offers a glimmer of hope to communities in Thailand and around the world concerned about the health hazards of persistent environmental pollutants. The peer-reviewed study, published in Environmental Health on 4 June 2025, marks a significant step forward in the battle against chemicals that have long defied removal from our bodies. Read more on The Independent.

A new breakthrough by researchers at Boston University is offering hope in the fight against dangerous “forever chemicals”—formally known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—that have been linked to cancer and other serious health issues. According to the latest studies, taking beta-glucan fiber supplements, specifically three times daily, can decrease the concentration of these harmful chemicals in the blood by up to eight percent over four weeks, marking a significant development for global and Thai public health alike (GB News, The Guardian).

Researchers are raising alarms after uncovering a disturbing trend: athletes may be at higher risk from microplastic exposure than previously thought, with early science suggesting profound implications for public health far beyond the sports world. As scientists only recently succeeded in detecting microplastics in human blood, the full scale of the threat is still unfolding—but early indications point to links between microplastic accumulation and a variety of chronic diseases, sparking urgent calls for action and further study.

For generations, water spinach—known locally as “pak boong”—has been a staple green vegetable in Thai cuisine, cropping up in everything from fiery stir-fries to refreshing soups. Across Southeast Asia, its common names include morning glory and Ipomoea aquatica. While praised for its affordability, taste, and nutritional value, recent scientific studies reveal both notable health benefits and underappreciated risks associated with this aquatic vegetable. Understanding these factors can help Thai consumers make informed decisions and enjoy water spinach as part of a healthy diet.

A recent spectacle in Los Angeles has thrust the topic of male reproductive health to center stage, as hundreds gathered—and thousands more watched online—for an unprecedented “sperm race” organized by a 17-year-old high school student. Using cutting-edge microscopy and a dose of viral showmanship, the event sought to raise awareness of male infertility, a topic receiving growing attention both in the United States and internationally.

The event, engineered by a high school entrepreneur, featured semen samples pipetted onto custom “race tracks” and projected live onto giant screens, transforming the invisible world of sperm motility into a competitive sport for a cheering audience. With 3D animation and even a mock-award ceremony, the “athletes” were not traditional students but rather the sperm cells themselves—drawing both laughter and a moment of pause regarding reproductive health.

Concerns about men’s reproductive health are spurring a wave of recent research, with studies confirming that male fertility has become a significant public health issue worldwide, including in Thailand. New findings reveal that sperm health is highly sensitive to lifestyle, metabolic health, and even infectious diseases like COVID-19, underscoring the urgent need for greater awareness and proactive measures among Thai men and their families.

For decades, discussion around infertility has focused disproportionately on women. Yet, male factors are implicated in nearly half of all infertility cases, according to global health experts and major clinics such as Banner Health in the United States. New research reviewed by leading Australian reproductive health experts has revealed that male sperm counts worldwide have halved since the 1980s—a phenomenon attributed to complex, multifactorial causes that are only now being unraveled (Banner Health).

A wave of new research is sending shockwaves through the pediatric and parenting communities worldwide, revealing that many babies and young children may be routinely exposed to harmful chemicals while they sleep—potentially threatening their brain development. Studies published by the University of Toronto, widely reported by leading outlets such as Medical Xpress, CNN, and NDTV, found that children’s mattresses often emit worrying quantities of phthalates, flame retardants, and other substances linked to a host of neurological and developmental disorders, triggering calls from scientists for urgent action by manufacturers and regulators (MedicalXpress, CNN, NDTV).

Recent scientific findings are raising fresh concerns about the health risks posed by microplastics, as new research suggests these tiny pollutants may accelerate aging at the cellular level. According to a report covered by Earth.com, exposure to microplastics might not only be an environmental hazard, but could also trigger premature cellular aging—potentially affecting long-term health outcomes for people around the globe, including here in Thailand (Earth.com).

The presence of microplastics—particles less than five millimeters in size—has been detected everywhere from our oceans to the air we breathe, and now even in human blood and organs. Thailand, with its rich coastline and vibrant seafood culture, is particularly vulnerable to microplastic pollution, given the prevalence of plastic waste in waterways and the Bangkok metropolitan area’s struggle with plastic management. Research consistently links the consumption of microplastics, common in drinking water and foods like shellfish and salt, to potential health risks, but only recently have scientists pinpointed the impact at a cellular level.

As plastic pollution continues to be a global environmental scourge, the effects of microplastics on human health remain a pressing question. Research in this area is accelerating, with a prominent study from the University of New Mexico revealing alarming insights. Led by toxicologist Matthew Campen, the team has identified a significant increase in microplastics present in human brain samples from 2024 compared to those from 2016. This research indicates microplastics are steadily accumulating in our bodies, casting uncertainty over potential health impacts.