#Healthnews

In a groundbreaking finding that could reshape the way autism is diagnosed in young children, an international research team has discovered that, in toddlerhood, autism presents nearly identically among girls and boys. This revelation, published recently in Nature Human Behaviour and reported by Science News, challenges longstanding beliefs and provides hope for more accurate and inclusive early interventions.

The significance of this discovery lies in its potential to reduce gender-based disparities in autism diagnosis and treatment. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has historically been seen as affecting boys far more frequently—roughly four times as often as girls, according to global statistics (Science News). However, previous studies left uncertainty about whether the symptoms truly differ according to sex, or whether diagnostic criteria—often based on observations in boys—have contributed to underdiagnosis among girls.

A recent scientific investigation has uncovered that while exercise is generally beneficial, engaging in vigorous physical activity may momentarily decrease the efficiency of the immune system—a finding with critical implications for those in high-intensity professions such as emergency responders, athletes, and even members of the military. Published in the journal Military Medical Research, the study sheds new light on the body’s complex response to extreme exertion and brings an element of caution to Thailand’s thriving culture of fitness enthusiasm and physically demanding occupations (ScienceAlert).

A groundbreaking new study has put olive oil—the so-called “liquid gold” prized in cuisines from Mediterranean to modern Thai kitchens—under the spotlight for its potential effects on body fat. The research, published in the prestigious journal Cell Reports and widely covered by the media (NY Post), suggests that high levels of oleic acid, the primary monounsaturated fat in olive oil, can trigger a rapid rise in the number of “fat cell soldiers” in the body. While olive oil has long been lauded for its heart-healthy and antioxidant-rich profile, this new evidence suggests its impact on obesity and metabolic health may be more complex than previously thought.

A pioneering study using eye-tracking technology has revealed that individuals with depression pay disproportionate attention to threatening and neutral images, potentially reinforcing the cycle of negative thinking characteristic of depressive disorders. The research, recently published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, sheds light on the subtle ways depression influences how people process the world around them—an insight with significant implications for clinical practice and daily life in Thailand and beyond (PsyPost).

A recent analysis shines new light on the longstanding question: Are boiled eggs good for your health? With their reputation as a convenient, nutrient-packed breakfast food, boiled eggs—a staple on Thai breakfast tables and street vendor carts—are being reconsidered in light of the latest scientific findings published by US health experts (Times-Gazette, 2025). This report evaluates the nutritional contents of boiled eggs, their potential risks for cholesterol-sensitive individuals, and how they fit into contemporary Thai dietary patterns.

As the cool chill of winter replaces the blazing heat of Thai summers, a growing body of research is shining a spotlight on why women are more likely than men to feel a drop in mood and energy during the darker months. Recent studies confirm that women are significantly more susceptible to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of recurrent depression that emerges as daylight hours shrink—a pattern particularly relevant for urban residents of Bangkok and Chiang Mai, where work culture and indoor lifestyles can limit exposure to natural sunlight during the year’s shortest days.

A new scientific study has challenged the widely held belief that taurine, an amino acid supplemented by many Thais hoping to slow aging, actually declines with age or serves as a reliable biomarker for aging in humans. The study, published on June 5 in the prestigious journal Science, analyzed taurine levels across a wide range of ages in humans, monkeys, and mice, finding not a universal decrease as previously theorized, but rather an increase or stability in taurine concentrations through adulthood. These surprising findings are raising significant questions about the actual role of taurine supplements in aging and health, especially given growing interest in anti-aging products and therapies in Thailand and around the world (livescience.com).

When disaster strikes—be it a house fire, a medical crisis, or even large-scale emergencies—panic often sets in as the mind races and adrenaline floods the body. Researchers and frontline experts warn that our response in these moments can be the difference between life and death. Recent insights from a variety of sources, including seasoned paramedics and emergency physicians, are illuminating simple, science-based strategies that anyone—including Thai readers—can use to stay calm and act effectively in high-stress situations (NPR).

Individuals recovering from long-term addiction to substances like cocaine or heroin are finding themselves moving to a different musical beat—quite literally. New research led by Aarhus University in Denmark reveals that the pleasure and urge to move to music, a phenomenon scientists call “groove,” undergoes a distinct shift among those with a history of substance use disorder, demanding more complex rhythms and harmonies to spur engagement. These findings offer significant insights not just for understanding addiction’s effect on the brain, but also for reshaping therapies and interventions, including in Thailand’s own music-based rehabilitation programmes.

As rates of childhood behavioral and emotional concerns rise globally, child psychologists are sounding the alarm for Thai parents and grandparents, urging vigilance about ten specific habits that may signal deeper issues in children and adolescents. New research and expert opinion published this week, including findings featured by Parade and AOL Lifestyle, emphasize that early identification and intervention are critical for a child’s development and long-term well-being.

For Thai readers, this warning comes as childhood mental health takes on new urgency in a rapidly digitizing society, where external pressures and changing family structures can mask or even exacerbate warning signs. In many Thai families, grandparents play a central caregiving role, so understanding these red flags is crucial for all generations sharing responsibility for young ones.

Cold plunges—also known as ice baths—have swept wellness trends across the globe, from Instagram feeds of urban fitness influencers to the recovery routines of elite athletes. But fresh evidence suggests plunging into icy water may not be the ultimate recovery hack many believe, especially when it comes to building muscle after strength training. A new wave of research, reported by sources such as The Washington Post, is prompting both enthusiasts and health professionals to reevaluate the chilly ritual’s true value (Washington Post).

A growing body of research is shattering myths about cult recruitment, exposing the dark psychological playbook behind how ordinary people are lured and ultimately ensnared by manipulative groups. Grounded in analysis inspired by the new TV series “Sirens,” which satirically depicts a lavish cult community, recent findings underscore that the path into cults is less about gullibility and more about sophisticated psychological manipulation, an insight with urgent relevance in Thailand and around the world (The Conversation).

In a landmark scientific breakthrough, researchers have engineered fruit flies to voluntarily consume cocaine, establishing the world’s first insect model for studying the genetic and neurological roots of cocaine addiction. This innovative approach, announced in the Journal of Neuroscience and led by experts at the University of Utah, promises to accelerate the discovery of effective treatments for one of the most challenging substance use disorders worldwide, opening new horizons for both basic research and therapeutic development (NeuroscienceNews.com).

Can you exercise right after eating? This question is a daily dilemma for many Thai fitness enthusiasts and those keen to maintain good health. A recent article by Real Simple suggests that with the right approach, moderate activity post-meal is not only safe but may actually boost some aspects of metabolic health—challenging traditional advice to rest after eating. This development is especially significant in Thailand, where communal meals and rich, flavorful foods are woven into social life, and balancing these traditions with healthy habits is a common challenge.

Learning to treat ourselves with the same kindness we offer friends is emerging as a powerful tool for mental resilience, according to new research and expert opinion outlined in a recent New York Times article, “How to Stop Being So Hard on Yourself” (nytimes.com). As studies build on the psychological benefits of self-compassion, mental health professionals worldwide—and increasingly in Thailand—are beginning to view this practice as fundamentally important to personal well-being.

A groundbreaking new study from the University of Montreal has revealed that caffeine, the world’s most widely consumed stimulant, tangibly disrupts the brain’s recovery during sleep—especially in younger adults. The researchers found that consuming caffeine in the hours before bedtime leads to more complex, “wake-like” brain activity at night and could hamper both mental and physical restoration, raising crucial questions for Thailand’s coffee- and tea-loving society regarding nighttime caffeine consumption and its impact on well-being (Neuroscience News).

A new perspective from a British clinical psychologist is turning conventional wisdom on its head—what sounds like praise from a friend might actually be a subtle flag of a toxic relationship. This unexpected finding has triggered wide debate internationally and holds crucial lessons for Thai readers who are navigating the intricate boundaries of friendship, particularly in today’s social media-driven culture.

For many Thais, friendships are central to emotional wellbeing and are often regarded as lifelong bonds strengthened through shared experiences, respect, and support. Given the importance of “face” (renown and social reputation) in Thai society, understanding the lines between genuine encouragement and covert hostility is critical—especially when social interactions are increasingly migrating to online spaces, where sarcasm and subtle digs can fly under the radar.

A recent headline in international media warns that a common over-the-counter (OTC) medication, widely used for allergies, may increase the risk of dementia, prompting concern among health professionals and the public in Thailand and globally. Leading doctors cited in a recent report from Women’s Health Magazine are drawing attention to mounting research that connects the use of certain antihistamines—medicines typically purchased without a prescription—to a greater likelihood of future cognitive decline.

A newly published study by University College London (UCL) researchers reveals that individuals who have taken antidepressants for more than two years are vastly more likely to suffer severe and long-lasting withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing the medication, compared to those prescribed antidepressants for less than six months. The findings, which come at a critical time as antidepressant prescriptions have soared worldwide, suggest that the duration of use is a key driver for withdrawal difficulty, potentially prompting a significant shift in how these medications are prescribed and managed both globally and in Thailand.

Prostate cancer has once again captured global attention following the recent diagnosis of former US President Joe Biden, shining a spotlight on a disease that is the most common cancer among men worldwide. While headlines often tout new prevention measures or promising lifestyle tweaks, leading experts have clarified that the factors most responsible for a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer lie largely beyond individual control: age, ethnicity, and family history. This evidence-based perspective, backed by the latest research, has vital implications for men in Thailand, where rising cancer rates are signaling the need for smarter screening and public health strategies.

Recent renewed attention to prostate cancer and the PSA screening test, spurred by the diagnosis of former US President Joseph Biden, is once again igniting debate among health experts and patients worldwide — including in Thailand. Prostate cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in the United States and is a significant health concern for aging populations globally. The latest research and guidance show that the path forward for PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing is both complicated and deeply personal, underscoring an urgent need for Thai men and their healthcare practitioners to weigh the pros and cons of screening within the context of current science and local realities.

A recent study suggests that adding mindfulness to group fitness routines can significantly enhance self-compassion and promote a more positive sense of self, expanding the well-known mental and physical benefits of exercise. This growing body of research is particularly relevant for Thai readers who increasingly turn to fitness not just for improved health, but also for personal development and psychological well-being.

In a world where many people head to the gym to briefly escape their worries or lose themselves in the monotony of burning calories, mindfulness is emerging as a key ingredient for transforming how we experience exercise. Rather than “tuning out” with music or Netflix during a treadmill session, the latest research highlights that staying present—paying attention to bodily sensations and showing kindness to oneself—fosters deeper self-acceptance and mental health benefits. This mindful approach to movement offers a new paradigm for wellness, resonating with Thai cultural values that emphasize harmony, community, and holistic health.

A new nutrition trend known as “fibermaxxing” has quickly gained popularity online, particularly among younger audiences on TikTok and other platforms, prompting health experts to weigh in on its benefits and risks. Fibermaxxing involves the intentional, sometimes dramatic, increase of fiber-rich foods in one’s daily meals in pursuit of health improvements—from better digestion to weight management and disease prevention. As the movement gathers attention worldwide, Thai health authorities and nutritionists are urging the public to consider science-based facts before adopting excessive dietary changes.

The question of whether people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also called myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), should engage in physical exercise remains a subject of intense discussion in the medical community. Recent studies confirm that while carefully managed exercise can benefit some individuals living with CFS, an overly aggressive or poorly supervised approach risks worsening symptoms—a dilemma with high relevance for patients and clinicians in Thailand and worldwide.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a debilitating condition characterised by overwhelming fatigue that does not improve with rest and is often accompanied by cognitive issues, sleep disturbances, pain, and the hallmark symptom known as post-exertional malaise (PEM), where physical or mental activity provokes a sharp worsening in symptoms, sometimes days after the exertion. According to recent overviews, including the extensive summary on Wikipedia, CFS affects millions globally and is increasingly recognised as a sequela of post-viral illnesses, including long COVID, making up-to-date recommendations especially timely.