#MedicalResearch

A global drop in heart attack deaths has become one of modern medicine’s notable triumphs. Over the past five decades, deaths from heart attacks fell by about 90% due to better emergency care, wider statin use, and aggressive public health campaigns against smoking and high cholesterol. Yet experts warn that other cardiovascular risks—such as heart failure, high blood pressure complications, and dementia linked to vascular health—are rising, posing fresh challenges for health systems, including Thailand.

A major international analysis finds that regular cannabis use may pose significant heart risks, at times rivaling or exceeding those associated with cocaine. The study, published in Heart, aggregates data from thousands of studies and millions of individuals to reassess cannabis’s cardiovascular safety. For Thailand, where cannabis policy is evolving rapidly, the findings carry urgent implications for users, health professionals, and policymakers.

Historically, cannabis has been portrayed as a natural remedy with relatively mild side effects. In Thailand, cannabis products are increasingly present in wellness venues and traditional medicine circuits. The new evidence suggests that regular cannabis use can increase the likelihood of heart attack, stroke, and fatal cardiovascular events. Scientists emphasize that these risks persist even after accounting for tobacco, alcohol, and other substances, underscoring the complexity of cannabis’s impact on the heart.

A groundbreaking new study has sent shockwaves through the medical and public health communities by revealing that cannabis use could be more dangerous for the heart than cocaine. The research, published recently in the esteemed journal Heart, synthesizes data from over 432 million individuals and challenges widespread perceptions about the safety of cannabis, especially as legalization expands globally. For Thailand, where decriminalization and policy debates about cannabis are accelerating, the study’s findings carry urgent implications for users and policymakers alike.

A groundbreaking small study reported this week suggests that a single dose of psilocybin—the active compound in so-called “magic mushrooms”—may provide significant antidepressant effects that last at least five years for most patients. This finding, detailed in Live Science, could herald a new era in mental health treatment strategies, especially for those battling persistent depression.

The importance of this research resonates across the globe and holds particular interest for Thailand, where mental health care has experienced increased public attention and evolving social attitudes in recent years. Historically, treatment protocols for depression in Thailand have primarily relied on psychotherapy and long-term pharmacological interventions, yet many patients continue to suffer relapse or side effects. Emerging research on psychedelic-assisted therapy, such as this recent study, offers hope for more durable solutions and challenges existing stigmas surrounding mental health and controlled substances.

A single guided dose of psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms, may provide long-lasting relief from depression lasting years for some patients. While the study is small, researchers report improvements in mood and depressive symptoms for up to five years after treatment under clinical supervision. The research adds to growing global interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy as a potential long-term option for major depressive disorder, a condition affecting millions worldwide, including many in Thailand.

A recent, small study indicates that a single dose of psilocybin—the active compound in magic mushrooms—could provide significant antidepressant effects for years. The findings, published and discussed in science coverage, point to potential breakthroughs in how depression is treated, particularly for patients who struggle with relapse.

The research resonates globally and holds particular relevance for Thailand, where mental health care has gained public attention in recent years. Traditional Thai treatment for depression has relied on psychotherapy and long-term medications, but many patients still experience relapse or adverse effects. Emerging evidence on psychedelic-assisted therapy offers hope for more durable solutions and invites thoughtful discussion about how society views controlled substances and mental health care.

A single dose of psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in so-called “magic mushrooms,” has been revealed in new research to offer substantial relief from depression that can last for at least five years in most patients, according to a small but significant study highlighted by LiveScience. The findings, while preliminary, add to a growing body of global evidence suggesting that psychedelic-assisted therapy might hold promise as a long-term treatment for major depressive disorder—an illness affecting millions worldwide, including many here in Thailand.

A groundbreaking international clinical trial has revealed that a structured exercise regimen after cancer treatment can significantly lower the risk of recurrence and overall mortality, equaling—and even surpassing—the impact of conventional pharmaceutical therapies. This new research, presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, has rapidly shifted medical opinion and could transform after-care protocols for cancer survivors around the world, including those in Thailand.

A major international trial shows that a structured, coach-led exercise program after colon cancer treatment can lower recurrence risk and reduce overall mortality. Presented at ASCO 2025 and published in The New England Journal of Medicine, the study suggests exercise can match—or even exceed—the benefits of certain cancer drugs, while offering the well-known perks of physical activity. The findings have immediate implications for cancer survivors in Thailand as well as globally.

Sperm power human reproduction, a fact scientists have explored for centuries. Yet despite advances, many aspects of this tiny cell remain mysterious. Recent studies remind us that sperm are far more complex than once thought, and the questions they raise continue to push research forward.

For Thai audiences, questions about fertility touch daily life, health, and national family planning goals. While fertility technologies such as IVF have progressed, global data show a worrying trend: sperm counts appear to be declining, and many cases of male infertility remain unexplained. Thailand mirrors this global situation, underscoring the importance of reproductive health in public policy and everyday decisions.

Sperm, the key driver of human reproduction, has fascinated scientists for almost 350 years—yet much about this microscopic “explorer” remains tantalisingly unclear and continues to confound researchers even today. Despite their crucial role in the survival of humanity, recent research reveals that sperm is far more mysterious and complex than once believed, leaving many fundamental questions unanswered and opening new frontiers for scientific inquiry.

For Thai readers, whose concerns span from personal fertility to national demographic trends, the continuing enigma of sperm research is not just a matter for scientific curiosity—it touches on health, society, and the future wellbeing of families across the nation. The paradox is striking: even as advances have been made in reproductive technologies such as IVF and fertility treatments, global evidence indicates that sperm counts are on a worrying decline, and male infertility remains unexplained in the majority of cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023).

As Thai society rapidly ages, understanding menopause and its effects on women’s health and wellbeing is more critical than ever. Recent research from the Mayo Clinic, highlighted in its podcast “Aging Forward,” sheds new light on the complexities of perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopausal life—areas increasingly relevant to millions of Thai women aged 45 and above and their families. Experts stress that recognizing, discussing, and effectively treating physical, emotional, and sexual health changes can lead to a thriving, empowered midlife for women.

As Thailand’s population ages rapidly, understanding menopause and its impact on health and well-being is increasingly essential. New findings discussed in a Mayo Clinic podcast illuminate the nuances of perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopausal life. These insights resonate with millions of Thai women aged 45 and older and their families. Health experts emphasize recognizing, discussing, and treating physical, emotional, and sexual health changes to support an empowered midlife.

Menopause typically occurs between 45 and 55, signaling the end of a woman’s reproductive years. The body experiences a sharp drop in estrogen and progesterone, leading to a range of physical and mental effects. Research from Mayo Clinic expert Dr. Carol Kuhle notes that about eight in ten women experience vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, which can persist for months or years. These symptoms often begin in the perimenopausal period, sometimes in the late 30s or 40s, and can be mistaken for ordinary ailments, underscoring the need for attentive care.

Recent global headlines have sparked intense debate and curiosity as leading experts speculate whether the rise in average penis size observed in recent years might be connected to the explosion of weight-loss medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy. A convergence of anecdotal reports and emerging data has prompted scientific and medical communities—and the general public—to seek explanations for this unexpected trend, which could have far-reaching implications for men’s health and societal perceptions in Thailand and worldwide.

Recent global debates have sparked questions about whether weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy could influence visible changes in male sexual health. While social media chatter runs hot, medical experts urge caution and emphasize the difference between perception and proven science. For Thai readers, this topic intersects with growing use of obesity treatments and ongoing conversations about men’s health in everyday life.

A number of reports have highlighted a rise in average penile size in some populations over recent years. Media and anecdotal posts suggest noticeable changes, but experts warn that such shifts may be driven more by weight loss around the pubic area than by true anatomical enlargement. When men lose significant fat around the pelvis, the shaft may appear longer, even if tissue size remains unchanged. In short, the visible change could reflect fat loss rather than a genuine anatomical increase.

A cutting-edge scientific study has unveiled new insights into the neurological roots of lifelong premature ejaculation, suggesting the condition is linked to altered brain activity and imbalances in critical neurotransmitter systems. These findings not only enhance scientific understanding but also carry important implications for millions of men globally, including Thai men, who frequently suffer in silence due to cultural taboos around sexual health (PsyPost).

Premature ejaculation—a condition marked by consistently early climax, often within a minute of sexual activity—affects as many as 3% of men in China and up to 5% of men worldwide, according to the new report. For countless Thai men, the disorder is a source of considerable personal distress, undermining self-esteem and straining intimate relationships. Yet, despite its prevalence, the biological mechanisms underpinning premature ejaculation remain poorly understood, with diagnosis typically reliant upon self-reported symptoms rather than any concrete biological markers (Harvard Health).

A recent scientific investigation has shed light on the brain mechanisms behind lifelong premature ejaculation. The study suggests the condition ties to altered brain activity and imbalances in key neurotransmitter systems. For Thai men and many others facing stigma around sexual health, these insights offer a chance to view the condition as a medical issue with physiological roots rather than a personal failing.

Premature ejaculation is characterized by consistently early climax, often within a minute of sexual activity. Global estimates place its prevalence at a few percent of men, with regional variations. In Thailand, many men endure distress and strained relationships while cultural taboos impede open discussion and access to care. While diagnosis often relies on self-report, researchers hope objective biological markers could eventually support clinical assessment.

A new wave of research has sounded the alarm on a widespread but often overlooked health threat: metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a “silent disease” that afflicts about 16 million Americans—most of whom don’t know it. Recent studies published in major medical journals, including The Lancet and findings summarized by the Daily Mail, reveal that a staggering 80% of those living with this deadly form of fatty liver disease remain undiagnosed, raising urgent concerns for public health systems, including here in Thailand (source, Wikipedia, Asia-Pacific Trends PDF).

A surge of new research warns of a growing, largely hidden health crisis: metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Known as a silent liver disease, MASH affects millions but remains undiagnosed in many cases. Recent studies in major medical journals and consolidated summaries highlight that a large majority of people with this dangerous fatty liver condition do not know they have it. In Thailand, experts say trends mirror global patterns driven by urban lifestyles, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.

A ground-breaking international trial has revealed that regular exercise can dramatically increase survival rates among colon cancer patients, with those who participated in a structured program experiencing a 37% reduction in risk of death and significantly lower cancer recurrence rates. This latest research, published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, could fundamentally change global approaches to treating colon cancer—including new implications for clinical practice in Thailand.

In a comprehensive study involving 889 colon cancer patients, researchers assessed the impact of sustained physical activity after chemotherapy. Half of the participants were placed on a supervised exercise regimen, while the other half received standard health advice through informational leaflets. After a five-year follow-up, the results were dramatic: 80% of those in the exercise group remained cancer-free, compared with just 74% in the control group—indicating a 28% reduction in the chance of recurrence or a new cancer developing (BBC News).

A new scientific breakthrough could accelerate global efforts to treat cocaine use disorder. Researchers at a major university have created the world’s first fruit fly model of cocaine addiction. By disabling the flies’ bitter-sensing nerves, the team caused them to self-administer cocaine-laced sugar water, a behavior never before seen in fruit flies. The study, published in a leading neuroscience journal and summarized by science outlets, signals a fast, cost-effective path to uncover genetic factors behind addiction.

A groundbreaking 17-year international study has found that a structured exercise program, prescribed and monitored for people recovering from colorectal cancer, can reduce risk of death by 37% and lower recurrence rates by 28%. The findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, are being hailed as a major shift in the standard of care for one of the world’s most common and deadly cancers, with direct implications for Thai patients and healthcare providers grappling with rising colorectal cancer rates.

A major international trial shows that regular, supervised exercise after chemotherapy can significantly improve survival for colon cancer patients. The study found that participants in a structured program had a 37% lower risk of death and reduced cancer recurrence compared with those who received only standard health advice. Published in a leading medical journal, these findings have important implications for cancer care in Thailand.

Data from the study, which followed 889 patients over five years, indicate that after treatment, those who engaged in exercise maintained cancer-free status at higher rates. About 80% of the exercise group remained free of cancer compared with 74% in the control group, suggesting a meaningful reduction in recurrence risk. While the results are promising, researchers emphasise that even relatively modest activity can yield benefits when incorporated into care plans.

In a scientific advance with potential global impact, researchers have engineered the world’s first fruit fly model of cocaine addiction—an innovation that promises to accelerate our understanding of cocaine use disorder and speed the development of effective treatments. By genetically modifying fruit flies to disable their bitter-sensing receptors, a research team led by a psychiatry specialist at the University of Utah has successfully encouraged addictive, voluntary cocaine self-administration in the insects, an outcome described in their recent Journal of Neuroscience publication and highlighted by Neuroscience News.