#Publichealth

Leading nutritional scientists have shattered long-standing dietary assumptions about potatoes and diabetes risk, revealing through comprehensive international research that preparation methods, rather than the vegetable itself, determine health outcomes for millions of Thai families who regularly consume potatoes as part of their daily meals. This groundbreaking study, published in a prestigious medical journal, demonstrates that boiled, baked, or steamed potatoes pose no significant diabetes risk compared to white rice, while fried preparations like French fries dramatically increase metabolic danger when consumed regularly. The findings prove particularly significant for Thailand’s evolving food culture, where Western-style fast food has gained popularity alongside traditional cooking methods, creating urgent need for evidence-based guidance that helps Thai families make informed dietary choices as diabetes rates continue climbing throughout the kingdom’s urban and rural populations.

A new international study challenges decades of dietary caution around potatoes, suggesting that when prepared using traditional Thai methods, potatoes do not raise diabetes risk and may offer metabolic benefits compared with Western fried preparations. Researchers emphasize that how we cook potatoes matters far more than the vegetable itself. For Thai families, boiling in curries, steaming with herbs, or adding potatoes to clear soups aligns with time-honored cooking practices that support health in a country facing rising diabetes rates.

New scientific findings have challenged the long-held notion that potatoes are an unhealthy food choice, as a major study reveals that the way potatoes are prepared has a far greater impact on diabetes risk than the vegetable itself. Released this week in a leading medical publication, the research brings new perspective to Thai families and health professionals who have looked to international guidelines for advice on everyday food choices.

For decades, nutritionists cautioned that potatoes—being high in rapidly absorbed carbohydrates—could increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and other chronic health problems. Potatoes were thought to cause sharp spikes in blood sugar, raising concerns especially within Asian societies where rice and other carbohydrates are dietary staples. However, the latest study, led by a Harvard University research team, finds that much of the previous worry stems from the way potatoes are often consumed in Western diets, rather than from potatoes per se.

A groundbreaking study from the University of California, Irvine suggests that aging brain cells can regain youthful energy within hours using compounds common in Thai homes. In lab tests on aging mouse neurons, a precise mix of nicotinamide (active vitamin B3) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) from green tea restored energy production to levels seen in healthy young neurons within 16 hours. The findings, published in GeroScience, offer hope for Thailand’s growing elderly population while reinforcing the value of traditional Thai foods and beverages in cognitive health.

A collaborative study by Thai researchers and international partners has unveiled a fundamental mechanism behind emotional regulation in the brain, paving the way for faster, more targeted psychiatric therapies. Published in Science Advances, the work identifies a phospholipid molecule hidden within brain cell membranes that partners with a key mood receptor, offering fresh avenues for treating depression, anxiety, and related conditions in Thailand and beyond.

This breakthrough could especially benefit patients who do not respond well to current treatments. The findings come at a time when Thailand faces a rising mental health challenge, underscoring the need for therapies that consider both biological and cultural factors in Thai society.

A vivid warning resonates abroad as the United States — the world’s wealthiest nation — struggles with worsening health despite high spending. For Thailand, where rapid modernization reshapes daily life, these findings offer crucial guidance on safeguarding public health amid rapid urban growth, rising obesity, and shifting lifestyles.

New analyses in prominent medical journals show that life expectancy in the United States trails many peers, and healthy life expectancy lags behind. Policymakers, clinicians, and citizens in Thailand can draw actionable lessons from these trends to shield communities during fast-paced transformation.

A pioneering study from the University of California, Irvine, has revealed that a combination of vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) and the key green tea antioxidant EGCG could quickly restore youthful function to aging brain cells — at least in a laboratory setting — sparking hope for future therapies addressing cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. The findings, published in the journal GeroScience, have captured international attention, including in Thailand, where dementia prevalence continues to rise and natural preventive approaches are increasingly sought after (studyfinds.org).

A new study is challenging how we think about procrastination, revealing that people often delay not just unpleasant tasks but experiences they actually enjoy—such as reconnecting with friends, visiting attractions, or savoring special treats. The research, published in the journal PNAS Nexus and reported by The Washington Post, uncovers a hidden pattern: the longer people put off pleasurable activities, the harder it becomes to finally enjoy them, investing joy with so much expectation that the “perfect moment” never seems to arrive ().

A landmark study from Harvard Medical School has uncovered a groundbreaking link between lithium deficiency and Alzheimer’s disease, offering renewed hope in the fight against one of the world’s most devastating neurodegenerative illnesses. Researchers have demonstrated that restoring lithium in the brains of mice afflicted with Alzheimer’s not only halts but actually reverses disease symptoms—potentially paving the way for earlier detection and more effective therapies for the millions affected globally, including those in Thailand.

Misunderstandings about metabolism abound, fueling frustration and confusion for those hoping to manage their weight or improve their health. A wave of recent research, led by a top U.S. nutrition scientist and summarized in a new report from CNN, reveals that three widely held beliefs about how our bodies use energy are simply not true—and these misconceptions could be unintentionally derailing the efforts of many Thai readers striving for a healthier lifestyle ().

England has taken a pioneering step in global public health by launching the world’s first vaccination program targeting gonorrhoea, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that has reached record highs and shows worrying resistance to antibiotics. Starting from August 2025, sexual health clinics across England are now offering the vaccine—adapted from the 4CMenB meningococcal B vaccine—to people at highest risk, marking a significant move in the fight against a disease that has challenged medical professionals for decades. Health officials, experts, and advocacy groups alike are hailing the effort as a critical intervention with relevance for countries confronting rising STI rates, including Thailand.

A new era in sexual health begins as England rolls out the world’s first gonorrhoea-targeted vaccination program, a development with clear implications for Thailand’s rising STI crisis. From this August, high-risk populations in English sexual health clinics will be offered the vaccine, marking a historic shift in how public health systems address one of the most challenging infections.

England faced a sharp rise in gonorrhoea cases, recording about 85,000 diagnoses in 2023—the highest since 1918 and three times higher than a decade ago. Health experts warn that Neisseria gonorrhoeae has grown increasingly resistant to available antibiotics, underscoring the urgency of prevention alongside treatment.

In a rapidly evolving fitness landscape, a new firsthand report has caught the attention of health experts and yoga enthusiasts alike: practicing a single yoga pose—the triangle or “Trikonasana”—once a day can noticeably improve balance within one week. The account, recently published by Fit&Well, provides an accessible case study into how traditional asanas can yield quick, practical health benefits—even for those with limited time, energy, or mobility challenges ().

This finding is particularly relevant in Thailand, a country experiencing both an aging population and a high rate of sedentary work habits among its urban population. As economic development continues, public health officials and wellness practitioners have increasingly promoted simple, accessible tools to maintain mobility, flexibility, and quality of life. With busy urbanites and rural elders alike in need of simple routines, evidence that a single daily stretch could make a difference is compelling.

A newly published study has raised alarms among parents, teachers, and health professionals by revealing a clear link between excessive screen time and increased heart health risks in children and adolescents. The research, released in early August 2025 in the Journal of the American Heart Association, adds crucial evidence to ongoing debates about digital device use among youth. As the ubiquity of smartphones, tablets, computers and game consoles continues to reshape how children and teens spend their days—including in urban and rural households across Thailand—doctors caution this is more than a question of eye strain or distraction: it’s about the lifelong health of a new generation.

In busy Bangkok neighborhoods and tranquil Thai villages, a subtle force influences family life: parental stress echoing through homes and shaping children’s sleep, health, and emotional well-being. A study from a U.S. university sheds light on how stress travels from parent to child, offering lessons for Thai families navigating work demands, school pressures, and financial concerns.

Researchers tracked 131 parent-child pairs for eight days, using daily diaries and saliva tests to measure cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. The findings reveal a clear link: high parental stress on a given day correlates with changes in children’s sleep quality and cortisol patterns, even when the child did not directly face stressful events.

A major new clinical trial has delivered compelling evidence that lifestyle changes—ranging from diet and regular exercise to social engagement—can effectively delay age-related cognitive decline in older adults. The findings, featured in both medical journals and leading media outlets including Smithsonian Magazine, come from the U.S. POINTER study, the largest randomized trial of its kind, and mark a turning point in our understanding of how the brain ages and what we can do to protect it (Smithsonian).

A major new study has shaken up our understanding of how physical activity protects our brains, revealing that “more isn’t always better” when it comes to exercise and healthy aging. Researchers now say that moderate—not excessive—levels of physical activity may be the secret to maintaining a youthful brain, challenging decades of advice that simply “more exercise” leads to stronger minds for life.

Published in the peer-reviewed journal Health Data Science and led by Associate Professor of Public Health at Hangzhou Normal University in partnership with Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Tianjin Medical University, this ground-breaking research involved a robust analysis of data from 16,972 participants in the UK Biobank. Using state-of-the-art machine learning and MRI scans, the scientists set out to answer a question that affects millions of Thais: could the right amount of daily movement slow down our brain’s aging—without going overboard? (scitechdaily.com, Health Data Science, DOI: 10.34133/hds.0257)

A fresh wave of research and nutrition guidance is transforming breakfast tables for individuals concerned about heart health—focusing on diverse, practical alternatives to traditional oat-based breakfasts. According to a recent feature by EatingWell, nutrition experts are recommending a varied menu of heart-healthy morning meals, showcasing dishes ranging from Mediterranean-inspired egg plates and smoothies rich in fiber and antioxidants to protein-powered bowls and plant-based classics. These new recommendations offer accessible options, some of which parallel foods already found in the Thai breakfast repertoire, while incorporating insights from cutting-edge nutritional science ().

A simple yoga pose practiced for just a few minutes each morning can noticeably boost balance, stability, and confidence within a week. A recent study highlights the triangle pose, or Trikonasana, as a practical, equipment-free movement that delivers real results in seven days.

A focused case study reported clear gains from performing one yoga pose daily. The triangle pose targets multiple muscle groups and, with under ten minutes of practice each morning, improved balance, core strength, hamstring flexibility, hip mobility, and spinal alignment.

A brisk walk could be the key to unlocking greater health benefits, even for older adults with frail health, according to new findings published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One. The latest research indicates that intentionally speeding up your walking pace, even by a modest amount, leads to significant improvements in physical function—an insight with far-reaching implications for Thailand’s rapidly aging society.

Walking is already widely promoted as an accessible and low-cost exercise for people of all ages. But the study, conducted among retirees in Chicago, has now illuminated a crucial detail: the speed at which an individual walks—scientifically measured as cadence—can dramatically enhance the benefits gained, especially for individuals showing signs of frailty. Frailty, a common syndrome in elderly populations, is marked by fatigue, diminished strength, and unexplained weight loss, and is believed to affect anywhere between 5% and 17% of older adults globally, including those in Thailand.

In Thai temples at dawn, older devotees move with intention around sacred precincts. Recent research shows that these deliberate steps may offer more health benefit than previously thought. A study with 102 seniors found that even modestly faster walking can significantly improve physical function in older adults, a finding that matters for Thai families supporting aging relatives.

The study, published in PLOS One, challenges the view that gentle activity is enough for seniors. It indicates that increasing walking pace can enhance mobility and endurance. This comes as Thailand progresses toward a super-aged society, making effective, practical exercise guidance crucial for aging populations.

A surge of behavioral research is reshaping how we think about procrastination. Scientists now show that people often delay not only dull tasks but also the very moments that bring joy. The phenomenon—joy procrastination—affects everyday acts like reconnecting with friends, visiting local attractions, or enjoying a treat. In a study published in a leading neuroscience and psychology journal, researchers reveal that postponing pleasant experiences can make them harder to enjoy later, as people chase an ever-elusive “perfect moment.”

A coordinated effort by Thai universities and government agencies is reshaping research integrity to safeguard Thailand’s academic future.

Academic integrity is under pressure as a sophisticated global fraud network produces fake papers for profit. What began as isolated cases has evolved into cross-border operations that threaten the credibility of scientific knowledge and the global research ecosystem.

The Anatomy of Deception in Research

Paper mills offer complete fraud packages for substantial fees. They provide fabricated data, counterfeit images, ghostwritten manuscripts, and guaranteed publication routes. Investigations by researchers at leading institutions reveal footprints spanning disciplines and borders, suggesting tightly connected operational networks.

A new study questions the idea that a glass of orange juice is a healthy morning staple. For Thai readers, the findings may influence breakfast habits and diabetes prevention strategies across the country.

The key point is striking: a 240-milliliter glass of orange juice commonly served in Thai buffets and hotels contains about 22-26 grams of sugar—roughly the same as a can of Coca‑Cola. With diabetes affecting millions and childhood obesity on the rise, this seemingly wholesome drink could play an unexpected role in Thailand’s metabolic health challenges.