#Harvard

Groundbreaking psychological research by organizational expert Adam Grant challenges the fundamental misconception that emotional intelligence equals perpetual niceness, revealing how this widespread belief actually diminishes genuine emotional competence while undermining both personal and professional relationships throughout Thai society. Harvard University studies demonstrate that equating emotional intelligence with constant pleasantness creates psychological barriers that prevent authentic communication, healthy conflict resolution, and effective leadership development—particularly problematic within Thai cultural contexts where social harmony often masks deeper relationship issues.

A recent discussion reignited by organizational psychologist and bestselling author Adam Grant has called into question a widely held belief about emotional intelligence: that being emotionally intelligent is synonymous with being nice. According to Grant—and backed by new research from Harvard—the myth that equates emotional intelligence with niceness is not only unfounded but may actually diminish individuals’ true emotional intelligence and, by extension, their effectiveness in both personal and professional relationships (Inc.com).

In recent years, the hormone oxytocin has attracted widespread scientific attention for its profound influence on human health and happiness. Emerging research highlights practical, research-backed methods for naturally increasing oxytocin — offering Thais new insights into stress reduction, social connection, and overall well-being.

Often referred to as the “love hormone” or “cuddle chemical,” oxytocin plays a fundamental role not just in childbirth and maternal bonding but in everyday experiences of trust, empathy, and even physical healing. For Thai readers navigating urban stress, close family ties, and a society in transition, understanding how to unlock the benefits of oxytocin has never been more relevant. The latest research, as summarized in a comprehensive Boston Globe feature, explores both the science and practical daily actions anyone can take.

Meditation, long celebrated as a path to tranquility, stress relief, and self-understanding, is now central to millions of lives globally and increasingly recommended by clinicians for anxiety and depression. Yet, recent research from Harvard Medical School’s Meditation Research Program uncovers a more complicated reality: for a significant number of practitioners, meditation can generate unsettling or even distressing experiences, sparking crucial new conversations in the mental health and wellness fields (Harvard Gazette).

In a compelling narrative that is resonating with educators and families worldwide, a recent story from the Cap Times profiles a young student who overcame early struggles with English as a second language to earn admission to Harvard University—a feat achieved through perseverance, strategic educational support, and the transformative power of writing. Her journey, while individual in scope, shines a spotlight on the broader challenges and victories experienced by English language learners (ELLs) in education systems around the world, including in Thailand.

A widely discussed New York Times opinion piece by a Harvard computer science professor has reignited debate about the role of personal ideology in university education, arguing that increased polarization on campus is eroding public trust in academia and undermining the primary mission of teaching and research (NYTimes).

The article, published on May 2, 2025, arrives at a moment when global conflicts and identity-based movements have sharpened divisions within higher education, including Thailand’s own top-tier universities. The professor, who describes involvement in Jewish and Israeli student support, anti-antisemitism initiatives, and other activism outside the classroom, explains a steadfast commitment to keeping his own teaching space focused solely on the subject of computer science—even amid requests from students engaged in campus protests for special academic consideration.

A fresh perspective on exercise is shaking up how we approach physical wellbeing, with new recommendations from Harvard Health Publishing advocating a “three-pronged” strategy for optimal fitness. This approach, derived from years of research and now the subject of renewed attention in 2025, consists of combining moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, vigorous-intensity aerobic bursts, and regular strength training—a formula that promises to boost cardiovascular health, maintain muscle strength, and promote longevity (Harvard Health).

It might be easy to take touch for granted—until something goes wrong. But in recent research led by Harvard neurobiologist David Ginty, and reported by Quanta Magazine on April 16, 2025, scientists are uncovering an astonishingly intricate “landscape” of cellular sensors that give rise to the rich, nuanced sense of touch. Far surpassing the simplicity of earlier textbook diagrams, these findings paint touch as the most complex human sense, rooted in a vast, diverse family of sensory neurons scattered across skin and internal organs (Quanta Magazine).