#Publichealth

A recent study from the Journal of Exercise Science and Fitness offers clear guidance for Thais balancing weights and cardio in everyday workouts: begin with resistance training before cardio for better strength and fat loss. As fitness grows in popularity across Thailand, this finding provides practical guidance for both serious athletes and casual gym members. Data from researchers and echoed by international studies underline that workout order matters for outcomes, not just routine.

As Thai consumers increasingly reach for probiotic supplements in pursuit of gut health, fresh international research is raising questions about their value and possible risks. The global probiotic market reached an estimated $87.7 billion in 2023 and is growing fast in Asia, including Thailand, where shelf time at pharmacies, supermarkets, and online platforms is expanding. Yet a recent Fortune investigation suggests many probiotic products may offer limited benefits and could pose risks for some individuals.

A fresh wave of neuroscience compares the brain to a murmuration of starlings—thousands moving as one, forming shifting, coordinated patterns. Rather than isolated regions, mental functions emerge from dynamic, interconnected networks. This entangled-brain view challenges old ideas of fixed brain modules and offers new angles on learning, creativity, and mental health. Research highlights that cognition arises from flexible collaborations across brain networks rather than from lone “hot spots.”

For Thai readers, this matters because decades of textbooks and teaching have presented the brain as a set of dedicated areas—vision in the back, movement at the front, emotion somewhere in between. This modular picture has guided medical assessments, psychology curricula, and even public perceptions of “left” vs. “right” brain tendencies. Current findings, including dynamical imaging and theoretical developments, point to a more interconnected and adaptable brain architecture with wide-ranging implications for education, health care, and culture in Thailand.

A recent study has revealed a shocking reality in the United States: one in four children—over 18 million young people—live with at least one parent who struggles with addiction. This figure, reported by Newser and drawing from the work of US public health researchers, underscores an increasingly urgent social and health crisis not only in America but also prompts reflection on the potential implications for Thailand.

This news is highly significant for Thai readers because it demonstrates how substance abuse extends its impact far beyond the individual, affecting millions of innocent children and shaping the next generation’s opportunities, mental health, and educational success. While the study is from the United States, drug and alcohol misuse is a challenge that transcends borders, and the dynamics of family suffering due to addiction have marked resonance in Thailand, where family cohesion is highly valued in Thai Buddhist culture.

Recent research is challenging the long-held stereotypes of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), showing that the condition goes far beyond the familiar images of repetitive hand-washing or checking light switches. A recent feature in The New York Times presented the latest scientific understanding of the disorder, highlighting that many people with OCD actually experience a broad spectrum of symptoms—often unrecognized, even by those affected—ranging from persistent doubts about relationships to distressing intrusive thoughts and moral fixations (nytimes.com).

A wave of neuroscience now confirms what health practitioners and Thai traditional healers have long believed: slow, deep breaths can reshape mood and support mental well-being. New findings from UCLA, highlighted by current science coverage, show that deep breathing quickly reduces brain activity linked to anxiety and may ease depressive symptoms. Importantly, these effects appear in both humans and laboratory animals, underscoring a biological mechanism behind breathwork.

For readers across Bangkok’s bustling streets, the hills of Chiang Mai, and the beaches of Phuket, the implications are meaningful. Western wellness methods have often been dismissed as mere trends, but growing evidence connects breathing patterns with brain circuits that govern stress and emotion. In Thailand, where meditation (สมาธิ), yoga, and traditional Thai massage are widely practiced, science now provides a clearer map of how these practices influence the brain.

A new wave of neuroscience research firmly establishes what yoga teachers, therapists, and traditional Thai healers have long believed: deliberately slowing and deepening your breath can transform your emotional state and support mental well-being. The latest findings from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and highlighted by Neuroscience News demonstrate that the simple act of deep breathing quickly calms neural activity, reduces anxiety, and may ease symptoms of depression—not just in humans, but in laboratory animals as well.

A recent study indicates that regular physical activity can naturally raise vitamin D levels, offering a fresh angle in maintaining bone health and overall wellbeing. The findings could influence health guidance in Thailand, a country rich in sunlight yet still facing vitamin D deficiency among many workers.

Vitamin D supports bone strength, immune function, and general health. It is traditionally sourced from sun exposure and foods like fish, eggs, and fortified products. Yet a national health survey by Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health shows that up to 77% of office workers may be vitamin D deficient. Indoor lifestyles, sun avoidance, skin care practices, and a cultural preference for lighter skin contribute to the gap despite abundant sunshine.

A new study has found that regular exercise can naturally raise vitamin D levels, providing a fresh angle in the ongoing conversation about maintaining adequate nutrition and bone health. The results, which appear poised to shift health recommendations, could have a significant impact for Thai readers in a country where sunlight abounds yet vitamin D deficiency is still surprisingly common.

Vitamin D is crucial for bone strength, immune function, and overall wellbeing. Traditionally, the main sources have been exposure to sunlight and dietary intake from foods such as fish, eggs, and fortified products. However, despite Thailand’s abundant sunshine, a national health survey conducted by the Ministry of Public Health has indicated that as many as 77% of Thai office workers are still vitamin D deficient, likely due to indoor lifestyles and sun avoidance—a response to both skin cancer fears and cultural preferences for lighter skin.

Regular exercise can prevent a steep winter decline in vitamin D levels, offering an alternative to supplements, according to a new study led by researchers from the University of Bath, University of Cambridge, and University of Birmingham. The findings, relevant for both global audiences and Thailand, provide practical advice for maintaining musculoskeletal and immune health during months with limited sunlight, when the risk of vitamin D deficiency sharply increases (BBC).

A groundbreaking study reveals that just five minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise daily can significantly improve brain function for older adults, potentially transforming how Thais approach aging and mental wellness. This new insight, led by researchers from the University of South Australia and the U.S.-based AdventHealth Research Institute, suggests that quick, accessible movement routines — even a brisk walk or short cycling session — could help combat age-related cognitive decline.

For decades, scientific consensus has pointed to the benefits of regular exercise on overall health and the reduction of risks associated with dementia and cognitive diseases. However, many older adults remain uncertain about the amount and intensity of exercise required to translate into real brain benefits. The latest study, published in the reputable journal Age & Ageing in April 2025, provides a refreshing answer: as little as five minutes a day of “huff-and-puff” activity can deliver measurable improvements in key cognitive functions, including information processing, focus, multitasking, and short-term memory. In a society like Thailand’s, where an aging population increasingly faces concerns over dementia and independent living, these findings are particularly significant (LA Times).

A new study suggests that just five minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise each day can meaningfully improve brain function for older adults. For Thai readers, this points to a practical path to maintaining mental sharpness as the population ages. Led by researchers from the University of South Australia and AdventHealth Research Institute in the United States, the findings indicate quick, accessible movement routines—like a brisk walk or a short cycling session—could help slow age-related cognitive decline.

A short, daily brisk walk could sharpen mental faculties as people age. Recent international findings from researchers at the University of South Australia and AdventHealth Research Institute show that even five minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity can boost cognitive function in older adults. The study, published in Age and Ageing, analyzed how daily activity patterns relate to cognitive performance, including processing speed, working memory, and executive function.

Thailand is rapidly aging, and experts stress the urgency of practical ways to preserve cognition. The World Health Organization notes that by 2030, one in six people globally will be 60 or older. In Thailand, more than one in five residents are over 60, underscoring the need for accessible health strategies as families manage senior care and public budgets respond to rising demand. The new findings offer a simple path: small, purposeful bursts of activity can yield meaningful brain benefits.

A brisk five-minute walk may be all it takes to give your brain a cognitive boost as you age, according to a groundbreaking international study just released by researchers at the University of South Australia and AdventHealth Research Institute. The findings, published on April 4, 2025, in the journal Age and Ageing, shed light on how even modest bursts of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity—such as quick-paced walking or light jogging—can significantly improve mental agility in older adults (source).

A sweeping new analysis published in May 2025 challenges the long-standing belief that mental disorders are largely inherited. The research argues that heritability explains far less of mental illness than once thought, urging a broader view that includes environment, trauma, and social factors in mental health. This shift has important implications for Thai readers, where openness about mental health is increasing but stigma and misinformation still linger.

In Thailand, where public dialogue around mental health is expanding, it is vital to understand that conditions like depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia are not determined solely by family history. Recognizing the role of social determinants can inform better policy, more inclusive services, and clearer messaging that reduces stigma across communities.

A new study indicates that light physical activity can enhance memory by increasing key brain chemicals. Researchers from a Japanese university conducted a study published in May 2025 and summarized by a science news outlet, revealing that even mild movement raises dopamine and noradrenaline levels—neurotransmitters linked to memory formation and brain adaptability. This finding suggests simple, accessible activities could help improve cognitive health for people of all ages in Thailand as well.

Homesickness is a common human experience, but its impact on Thai students, workers, and travelers abroad is often overlooked. New research highlights how homesickness affects mood, sleep, appetite, and focus, and suggests practical steps for Thais navigating study, work, or relocation far from home.

Many psychologists describe homesickness as more than longing for family or familiar foods. It reflects a natural response to attachment loss and the instability of new surroundings. A senior clinical psychologist and public health expert notes that what we miss is not the exact details of home, but the sense of safety, predictability, and belonging. This resonates with Thais who leave tight-knit communities for opportunities elsewhere.

Homesickness is a nearly universal experience, yet its profound effects on the mind and body are often overlooked. As more Thais study, work, and travel abroad—or even just relocate within the country—the latest psychological research sheds new light on why homesickness matters, how it manifests physically and emotionally, and how Thai individuals can navigate this common struggle HuffPost.

Homesickness is not simply about a longing for family or food from home; psychologists explain it as a natural response to lost attachment and the instability of new surroundings. According to one clinical psychologist and public health professor at an American university, what we miss is less the specific details of home and more the comfort of the familiar, the predictable, and the safe. “We’re longing for something that in our minds is known, predictable, consistent and stable,” the professor explains. This sentiment echoes strongly with those who have moved from tight-knit Thai communities or family homes, even when seeking better opportunities elsewhere.

A new study led by researchers from the University of Bath, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Birmingham shows that regular indoor exercise can blunt the winter drop in vitamin D. The findings offer a practical alternative to supplements for maintaining bone, muscle, and immune health during months with limited sun exposure, with relevance for global readers and Thai audiences alike.

Vitamin D, often called the “sunshine vitamin,” is essential for bone and muscle strength and immune function. In the United Kingdom, more than 10% of adults are believed to have insufficient vitamin D. In Thailand, research indicates that between 34% and 77% of adults experience deficiency or insufficiency, despite the country’s tropical climate. Urban living, sun avoidance, and air pollution contribute to low levels, making these results particularly meaningful for Thailand.

A new study highlights a strong link between a mother’s early trauma and her child’s emotional and behavioral health, with important implications for families and health services in Thailand. Research summarized by PsyPost shows that mothers who experienced adversity in childhood are more likely to have children who face anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges. This adds to a growing body of evidence that mental health risks can pass across generations, affecting communities and long-term well-being.

The assumption that mental disorders are largely inherited from our parents—a bedrock belief of biological psychiatry for decades—is now under serious scrutiny. According to a detailed new analysis published in May 2025, current research demonstrates that heritability explains far less about mental illness than previously assumed, prompting renewed calls for a broader understanding of the interplay between genes, environment, and psychology in shaping mental health (Madin America).

Why does this matter for Thai readers? In a country where mental health awareness is only now gaining national attention, public discourse often echoes global trends in medicine and psychiatry, including an emphasis on genetic causation. Many Thais, especially in urban areas, may be told that conditions like depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia run in families and are predominantly genetic. Understanding that mental disorders stem from more than just DNA could help counter stigma, inform policy, and inspire more comprehensive mental health support across the country.

Even a gentle jog or a session of yoga could be just what your brain needs to remember more, according to the latest findings from a Japanese research team. In a breakthrough study published on May 18, 2025, and summarized by Neuroscience News, scientists have revealed that light exercise significantly increases levels of key brain chemicals—dopamine and noradrenaline—linked to memory formation and brain adaptability. The discovery uncovers new promise for using easy-to-perform movements to strengthen memory, potentially offering simple lifestyle solutions for Thais of all ages seeking better cognitive health (Neuroscience News).

A recent study in the Journal of Psychedelic Studies sheds light on the lingering psychological challenges some people experience after psychedelic experiences and what helps most. The research highlights that while anxiety and panic attacks can be disruptive, existential struggles and reduced self-esteem often persist for more than a year.

As global interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy grows, these findings are timely for health professionals and the public, including those in Thailand where discussions about alternative mental health treatments are expanding. Prior work has shown that a portion of users—estimates range from 5% to 25%—continue to deal with psychological effects long after their initial experience. Understanding these risks is essential for Thai healthcare providers and communities.

A new wave of neuroscience research likens the workings of the human brain to the mesmerizing murmurations of starlings—those vast flocks in which thousands of birds seem to move as one, creating shifting, coordinated patterns across the sky. In the same way, researchers are increasingly arguing that mental functions—such as emotions, thoughts, and actions—emerge not from isolated brain regions working alone, but from the ever-changing cooperation of vast interconnected neural networks. This “entangled brain” perspective challenges long-standing ideas about the modularity of the mind and suggests fresh approaches to understanding everything from learning and creativity to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression (aeon.co).