#MedicalResearch

In ground-breaking research published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings, a new standard of treatment for “bad” cholesterol, or LDL-C, promises significant reductions in cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, potentially preventing over 330,000 deaths annually worldwide. The study, led by experts from the Polish Lipid Association, represents the most extensive meta-analysis on cholesterol management to date and highlights the substantial benefits of combining statin therapy with the drug ezetimibe for high-risk patients.

In a groundbreaking new study published in the journal Aging, researchers have discovered that senolytics—compounds traditionally known for their anti-aging properties—might be able to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. This finding offers a glimmer of hope to the millions impacted by Alzheimer’s, particularly as Thailand sees a growth in its aging population. The study’s promising results have sparked a renewed interest in senolytics, albeit with caution from the medical community about their application.

In a groundbreaking study that could revolutionize treatments for neurological disorders, researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a novel mechanism of brain cell communication through advanced cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), revealing how the neurotransmitter glutamate activates brain receptors. This could pave the way for new therapeutic options to address conditions like epilepsy and certain intellectual disabilities.

The research sheds light on the intricate dance of ion channels and neurotransmitters that enable our brains to function. Glutamate, a critical signaling molecule, influences AMPA receptors—channels that control the flow of ions into neurons, thereby facilitating electrical communication within the brain. The team’s innovation lies in capturing freeze-frame images of these channels in action, providing unprecedented clarity on their operation and potential drug interaction points.

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has raised alarms over the increasing prevalence of invasive Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections, more infamously known as the flesh-eating disease, across ten states in the United States. This extensive research, covering around 35 million people over a decade, reports a worrying trend with cases doubling since 2022. For Thai readers, understanding the nature of this disease and its potential implications is crucial in a globally connected world where diseases can swiftly cross borders.

A recent study from The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, along with various research collaborators, challenges the long-held belief linking high cholesterol from low-carb ketogenic diets to increased heart disease risk. This study, which will likely spark significant discussions among health professionals and the general public alike, could reshape dietary recommendations for millions of individuals globally, including Thailand, where ketogenic diets have gained popularity among people seeking weight loss and improved health outcomes.

For millennia, the humble seeds of Pimpinella anisum—known in Thailand as “เทียนสัตตบุษย์” (Thian Sattabut), sometimes called anise or aniseed in English—have flavored foods, soothed countless ailments, and occupied a special niche in cultures from the Mediterranean to Southeast Asia. Today, as the world rediscovers the potential of traditional herbal remedies, modern science is shining new light on this ancient remedy, confirming some traditional claims and revealing promising new benefits. This article journeys into the fascinating world of เทียนสัตตบุษย์, exploring its rich history, traditional uses in Thai and global medicine, the chemistry that gives it power, and what current research says about its practical and safe use.

In a groundbreaking revelation, recent research published in the Journal of The Royal Society Interface has redefined our understanding of the aorta’s function within the human body. Known primarily as the primary conduit for oxygenated blood flowing from the heart to the rest of the body, the aorta has now emerged as a critical player that actively supports cardiovascular health. This discovery holds significant implications for individuals suffering from heart failure, a condition of growing concern in Thailand as well as globally.

Along the banks of lush Thai rivers and deep within the traditions of herbal wisdom, the tree known as Artocarpus lakoocha—or in local parlance, มะหาด (“mahat”)—stands tall as a symbol of healing heritage. Its storied extract, called Puag Haad (ปวกหาด), is a time-honored remedy in Thai medicine, celebrated for purifying the system and fighting parasites. Today, as a bridge between tradition and science takes shape, researchers are unraveling its secrets and exploring how the revered heartwood of this tropical tree may offer real benefits for modern ailments, from intestinal infections to diabetes and skin concerns.

For generations, lemongrass—locally known as ตะไคร้แกง or ตะไคร้บ้าน—has enjoyed a treasured status in kitchens and clinics across Thailand. Its unmistakable citrus fragrance infuses classic Thai curries, soups, and teas, while ancient healers and modern folk alike have praised its medicinal powers. Today, scientific studies are beginning to unlock the reasons behind the enduring reverence for this remarkable plant, illuminating the complex chemistry underpinning its traditional uses and raising fresh questions about its future role in natural health.