#Publichealth

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 major new clinical trial has added to the mounting scientific evidence that eating more dietary fiber, a nutrient found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts, significantly lowers cancer risk—particularly for blood cancers like multiple myeloma. The study, presented by researchers at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center at the flagship meeting of the American Society for Nutrition this week, found that high-fiber, plant-based diets also improved important health factors including body mass index (BMI), inflammation, metabolic health, and the gut microbiome. These findings echo longstanding global dietary recommendations and are especially pertinent for Thailand, a country where fiber intake remains low for much of the population, and cancer rates are on the rise.

A major new study has revealed that replacing even a small amount of sitting each day with physical activity—or even sleep—can dramatically slash the risk of heart attack and death, offering an accessible solution for millions at risk in Thailand and across the globe. The research, conducted by a major US university and published in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, indicates substituting just 30 minutes of sedentary time daily with moderate physical activity cuts cardiac event risk by up to 61%, while even low-intensity movement or extra sleep provide significant benefits (EatingWell, Medical News Today).

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.

As healthy living becomes a priority in Thailand, protein shakes, grilled chicken, and high-protein snacks fill supermarket shelves. Yet new research urges caution about excess protein intake, especially from animal sources. Experts warn that more protein is not always better and emphasize nuanced guidance for different ages and lifestyles.

Protein remains essential for muscle maintenance and many body functions. However, consuming too much—particularly from red meat, eggs, and dairy—can raise insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a hormone linked to cell growth. Elevated IGF-1 has been associated with accelerated aging and heightened risk for several conditions, including certain cancers, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. For many adults, the potential downsides may outweigh short-term fitness gains.

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.

A recently published study has brought good news for coffee lovers: regularly drinking coffee is now associated with a longer and healthier life, according to research reported by The New York Times. The findings, released in early June 2025, offer compelling evidence that coffee may play a significant role in promoting both increased longevity and healthier aging—a development that could have important implications for millions of Thai consumers.

Coffee is an integral part of daily routines for people around the world, including in Thailand, where café culture continues to thrive in cities and towns alike. For years, scientists have debated the potential health effects of coffee, with some studies raising concerns about caffeine while others suggested possible benefits, such as protection against certain chronic diseases. The latest research, however, appears to tip the balance in favor of coffee drinkers, reporting a strong association between regular coffee intake and a decreased risk of early death, cardiovascular disease, and other age-related illnesses.

A groundbreaking study published in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging has revealed that testosterone significantly increases men’s sensitivity to social feedback, reshaping how they experience moment-to-moment self-esteem. The findings promise fresh insights for understanding self-worth, mental health, and social behavior, with potential implications for treatment approaches that resonate in Thai society and beyond (psypost.org).

A team of international scientists set out to unpack testosterone’s intricate role in influencing not just the overall sense of self-worth—what psychologists call “trait self-esteem”—but the more fleeting, variable feelings of self-value known as “state self-esteem.” The research matters deeply for Thai readers, as cultural norms around masculinity, social acceptance, and mental health coverage intersect with emerging scientific understanding, and because mental health struggles linked to low self-esteem, especially among young men, are increasingly noted across Thailand (WHO).

A new breakthrough by researchers at Boston University is offering hope in the fight against dangerous “forever chemicals”—formally known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—that have been linked to cancer and other serious health issues. According to the latest studies, taking beta-glucan fiber supplements, specifically three times daily, can decrease the concentration of these harmful chemicals in the blood by up to eight percent over four weeks, marking a significant development for global and Thai public health alike (GB News, The Guardian).

A growing wave of scientific research is sounding the alarm on the increasing health risks linked to cannabis use among older adults, as usage climbs to record levels amidst expanded legalization and shifting social attitudes. The latest analysis, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), reveals a sharp uptick in cannabis consumption by individuals aged 65 and older, igniting urgent debate among health experts about the safety, efficacy, and regulation of cannabis use in Thailand’s rapidly aging society.

A wave of recent research is calling into question the idea that meditation is universally beneficial. While mindfulness has deep roots in Buddhist traditions and is widely promoted in modern Thailand as a tool for stress relief and wellbeing, new findings show potential adverse effects for some practitioners. Reports point to anxiety, depression, dissociation, and even psychotic symptoms in rare cases. As mindfulness expands into Thai schools, workplaces, and healthcare, these findings carry important implications for teachers, administrators, and policymakers.

A large US study shows that swapping just 30 minutes of daily sitting with light activity, or even extra sleep, can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and death. Conducted at a major university and published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, the research also confirms meaningful benefits from low-intensity movement. For Thai readers, the findings translate into an achievable path to healthier hearts amid rising cardiovascular disease in the region.

A 17-year international study shows that a personalized, structured exercise program for people recovering from colorectal cancer can reduce the risk of death by 37% and lower cancer recurrence by 28%. Published in a leading medical journal, the findings signal a major shift in post-surgery care with direct relevance for Thai patients and clinicians facing rising colorectal cancer rates.

Researchers tracked 889 patients across six countries who had completed surgery and chemotherapy for colon or bowel cancer. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either standard post-cancer lifestyle advice or a tailored, exercise-focused plan. Over three years, the exercise group completed about 250 minutes of aerobic activity weekly, with sessions such as brisk walking guided like a medical prescription.

A new study in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging shows that testosterone makes young men more responsive to social feedback. Positive reactions boost self-esteem more, while negative feedback causes sharper declines. The research highlights how biology and social context interact to shape mood and behavior, with potential relevance for mental health strategies in Thailand.

Researchers recruited 120 healthy men aged 18–26 in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. After applying testosterone gel or a placebo, participants waited to reach peak hormone levels and then completed a realistic social-evaluation task. They crafted profiles that 184 supposed strangers would review, receiving a mix of approval, disapproval, and neutral feedback. In reality, feedback was pre-programmed to test responses to different social signals.

As Thais become increasingly health-conscious—and protein shakes, grilled chicken, and high-protein snacks dominate supermarket aisles—a new wave of research suggests that excess protein consumption may carry more dangers than benefits, contradicting popular trends and social media advice. Recent findings, highlighted by comments from longevity and nutrition experts, warn against overeating protein, especially from animal sources, and offer nuanced advice on the healthiest intake for different age groups (nypost.com).

The latest scientific insights indicate that while protein is crucial for muscle maintenance and basic biological functions, too much of it—particularly from red meat, eggs, and dairy—can significantly elevate levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a hormone involved in cell growth and metabolism regulation. According to the chief executive of an international nutrition company, chronically elevated IGF-1 has been linked to accelerated aging and increased risk of serious diseases, including various cancers, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. For adults, the risks outweigh the short-term muscle gains often encouraged by fitness culture.

A major study suggests that vitamin D supplementation may slow biological aging, a finding capturing global attention and offering practical implications for preventive health in Thailand. Published in late September 2024, the research explored whether vitamin D—well known for bone and immune support—can protect against a core mechanism of cellular aging. The results raise the possibility of preserving healthspan for millions seeking longer, healthier lives.

This development comes as Thailand faces an increasingly aged population. Many families are eagerly seeking evidence-based lifestyle choices that support long-term wellness. The study’s claim that daily vitamin D could “save” the biological equivalent of about three years of aging resonates with Thai seniors, their families, and health providers who aim to slow the onset of chronic disease.

A major new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine has revealed a sharp and troubling decline in mental health among mothers in the United States over the past decade, a trend that experts say has wide-ranging implications for families, communities, and even international health policy—including in Thailand. The percentage of US mothers self-reporting “excellent” mental health plummeted from 38.4% in 2016 to just 25.8% in 2023, while the proportion rating their mental health as “fair” or “poor” soared by more than 60% during the same period. These findings, based on a nationally representative survey of nearly 200,000 mothers, shine an urgent spotlight on the challenges facing parents and the cascading consequences for child and societal well-being.

A sweeping new analysis of decades of health research has found that the quality of our close relationships—more than our cholesterol levels, career achievements, or even genetic makeup—most powerfully determines whether we age well, maintain sharp minds, and live happy, resilient lives well into old age. These findings, drawing on landmark studies including the Harvard Study of Adult Development and recent international meta-analyses, suggest that nurturing emotionally supportive connections may be the single most effective “health habit” for thriving across the lifespan—outpacing even diet and physical activity (Psychology Today, published 1 June 2025).

A beloved physical activity endorsed by millions for its health benefits—long-distance running—may be unexpectedly associated with a higher risk of developing precancerous colon growths among young adults, according to a new study presented at the prestigious American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2025 conference in Chicago. The study, conducted by researchers based in Washington, DC, challenges the prevailing wisdom that vigorous aerobic exercise is universally protective against all forms of cancer, raising pressing questions for health-minded Thais—especially the country’s growing cohort of marathon and ultramarathon enthusiasts.

A new international review, released May 31, 2025, synthesizes cardiology perspectives to highlight eight clear signs that should prompt a visit to a heart specialist. The findings are particularly relevant for Thailand, where cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death and disability. Data from Thailand’s public health system show heart disease continues to impose a heavy burden, underscoring the need for earlier detection and prevention. Research from leading institutions and local guidelines emphasize that cardiovascular risk is not limited to older adults; awareness must span all ages in Thai communities.

A major international trial shows that a structured, supervised exercise program after cancer treatment can significantly lower the risk of cancer recurrence and death. Conducted across the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, France, Canada, and Israel, the study found that participants who followed an exercise plan with professional guidance had a 37% lower risk of death and a 28% lower risk of cancer returning or developing new cancers, compared with those receiving only general health advice. The results, presented at a leading oncology conference and published in a prestigious medical journal, are being hailed as a potential turning point for cancer care globally and for Thai patients and clinicians alike.

Chronic stress is being linked more firmly to an increased risk of dementia, new expert analyses show. With Thailand’s aging population, understanding how long-term stress affects brain health is increasingly important for families, caregivers, and public health leaders.

Recent research cited by healthy-aging specialists emphasizes that stress is not just a mental or emotional issue. According to senior scholars from a major U.S. university, chronic stress can raise the likelihood of developing dementia, even after accounting for age and genetics. These findings stem from decades-long studies and large national cohorts, underscoring the hidden toll of daily stress on cognitive health.

A new long-term study challenges the idea that romantic relationships are the primary buffer against depression. It finds that single individuals who enter romantic partnerships may experience higher depressive symptoms, while building close friendships offers a clearer protective effect, especially for Thai adults navigating modern life.

The research followed nearly 3,000 participants from adolescence into adulthood, surveying them at ages 15, 16, 28, and 38 about whether they had a romantic partner or at least one close friend, and their levels of depression. The study’s findings emphasize the value of friendships as a reliable source of emotional resilience, alongside stable family support.