#Publichealth

A new study in the Journal of Physiology reveals a strong connection between the liver and the brain. Liver-produced ketones, especially during exercise, appear to support brain health and memory. In rats, hindering the liver’s ketone production led to memory deficits and reduced brain mitochondrial function, while sustained endurance training reversed these effects even when ketone production was impaired. These findings come from researchers at a major U.S. university and were summarized by PsyPost.

A new study reports that pairing step-tracking with mindfulness training through a mobile app not only increases physical activity but also strengthens motivation to maintain the habit. The findings offer a promising path for Thai readers seeking sustainable ways to stay active amid rising sedentary lifestyles.

Physical inactivity affects a significant share of adults worldwide, including many in Thailand, and is linked to depression and anxiety. Research indicates that increasing physical activity can improve mental health outcomes nearly as well as standard treatments. Yet maintaining momentum over the long term remains challenging due to waning motivation.

A recent study published in the journal Mental Health and Physical Activity has revealed that pairing step-tracking with mindfulness training through a mobile app not only encourages people to exercise more, but crucially increases their motivation to maintain this healthy habit. This innovative approach could offer much-needed support for Thai individuals seeking sustainable ways to be more physically active amid growing concerns about sedentary lifestyles and related health risks.

Physical inactivity affects a third of the global adult population, including many in Thailand, and is known to contribute to conditions such as depression and anxiety. Previous research shows that increasing physical activity improves mental health outcomes on par with standard psychotherapeutic and pharmaceutical treatments, yet long-term adherence remains a challenge due to flagging motivation World Health Organization.

A recent international study suggests that higher blood caffeine levels may help reduce body fat and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. The findings, published in BMJ Medicine, come from researchers at Karolinska Institute in Sweden, the University of Bristol, and Imperial College London. The study points to caffeine as a potential tool in managing obesity and diabetes, two major health challenges in Thailand, through everyday beverages like coffee.

A growing body of international research warns that high intake of ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon—especially in supplement form—can interfere with prescribed medicines. While these spices are staples in Thai cooking and traditional healing, experts say excessive consumption may affect how drugs are processed in the body, posing risks for people with chronic conditions.

In Thai homes from bustling markets to village kitchens, ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon are deeply woven into daily life. They are celebrated for potential immune support and anti-inflammatory benefits. But recent findings highlight safety concerns when these spices are consumed in high-dose supplements, particularly for vulnerable groups or those taking long-term medications.

A newly published research study has shed light on the challenges faced by high school students regarding reproductive health knowledge in Ethiopia’s Boke district, with the findings sparking discussion about what Thai educators and policymakers can learn from the global context of adolescent health education. The study, titled “Reproductive Health Literacy and Associated Factors Among High School Adolescents in Boke District, Eastern Ethiopia” and published in the Advances in Public Health journal, reveals that many teens still lack fundamental understanding of sexual health, where to access care, and how to protect themselves from preventable risks (source).

A new wave of scientific insight has highlighted a dilemma familiar to every runner: when exhaustion sets in, is it your legs giving out first or your lungs and heart? The answer, experts say, could fundamentally alter the way athletes and casual joggers alike structure their training programs, and the latest research underscores the importance of accurately identifying the source of fatigue to improve running performance and overall health (Runner’s World).

A recent international study has revealed that higher concentrations of caffeine in the blood may help reduce body fat and lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, sparking fresh debate about caffeine’s broader health effects for Thais and coffee lovers worldwide. The findings, published in BMJ Medicine and involving researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, University of Bristol, and Imperial College London, point to new possibilities for managing obesity and diabetes—two major public health challenges in Thailand—by leveraging something as simple as a cup of coffee.

A new wave of international research is spotlighting the risks of high consumption of popular spices—particularly ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon—when used alongside prescription medications. While these aromatic staples have long been celebrated for their health benefits in both traditional Thai cuisine and medicine, current scientific evidence suggests that excessive intake, especially through supplements, could interfere with drug metabolism and trigger dangerous interactions, especially among individuals with chronic health conditions.

From Bangkok’s bustling markets to rural households across Thailand, ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon are cornerstones of everyday cooking and wellness rituals. The use of these spices is deeply entrenched in Thai culture, often recommended in local remedies and embraced for their perceived ability to boost immunity, reduce inflammation, or manage metabolic conditions. However, recent findings originating from a University of Mississippi study—now widely cited by health platforms including The Conversation and major international news outlets—are raising red flags about their safety in concentrated or supplemental forms, particularly for vulnerable groups or those already prescribed medications for chronic diseases.

Intermittent fasting (IF) has surged in popularity as a simple approach to weight loss and health. New studies this year offer a more nuanced view, inviting Thai readers to weigh benefits against potential limits and risks.

For many Thais, IF has appeared everywhere—from fitness channels to community clinics. The basic idea is to eat within a designated window, such as an 8-hour period, followed by a 16-hour fast. Proponents argue that this pattern can aid fat loss, improve metabolic health, and even support longevity.

Thailand, like many countries worldwide, is witnessing increased public concern as reported cases of autism rise steeply each year. However, recent research and leading international experts contend that this apparent surge in autism diagnoses may not reflect a true rise in the prevalence of autism itself, but rather the product of social, medical, and diagnostic transformations over recent decades (BBC).

The significance of understanding these trends cannot be understated for Thai parents, educators, and healthcare professionals. Against a backdrop of growing public discussion and sometimes anxiety over neurodevelopmental disorders, clear and accurate information about autism spectrum disorder (ASD)—its causes, diagnosis, and support—remains critical for societal awareness, policy planning, and resource allocation.

Public concern about autism is rising in Thailand as diagnoses increase each year. Experts say the uptick is not necessarily a true increase in autism itself, but the result of social, medical, and diagnostic changes over the past decades. Research from international institutions suggests that greater awareness, improved screening, and evolving criteria are driving more children into diagnosis.

Understanding these trends is essential for Thai parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals. Clear, accurate information about autism spectrum disorder (ASD)—its causes, diagnosis, and support—helps with policy planning, resource allocation, and reducing anxiety around neurodevelopmental differences.

As the afternoon slump sets in and the aroma of bubble tea or a tempting chocolate snack wafts through the office, many find themselves reaching for a sugary or caffeinated pick-me-up—often with little resistance. Yet, according to recent research highlighted in a new report by Channel News Asia, these everyday cravings may reveal more than just a passing sweet tooth; they are deeply connected to how individuals cope with stress and regulate their emotional wellbeing (Channel News Asia).

In Bangkok’s crowded streets and bustling offices, an afternoon snack break is a familiar ritual. Long workdays and constant connectivity push many toward sweets or coffee. A Southeast Asia–focused review shows these cravings reflect more than taste: they reveal how people cope with stress and manage mood.

Experts describe a nuanced link between sugar, caffeine, and emotional wellbeing. A registered dietitian notes that sugary foods can briefly activate the brain’s reward system, lifting mood. Moderate caffeine can improve alertness and help counter short-night sleep, supporting focus during deadlines.

A new wave of science helps untangle a familiar runner dilemma: when exhaustion hits, is it leg fatigue or cardiorespiratory fatigue? Experts say identifying the source can change how both serious athletes and casual joggers train for better performance and safer workouts. In Thailand, where running events and park runs are increasingly popular, this distinction is especially relevant for health, safety, and effective coaching.

Cardiorespiratory fatigue signals—breathlessness, a racing heart, and mental fog—often point to the cardiovascular system struggling to meet the oxygen needs of working muscles, even if the heart and lungs are not “weak.” The issue, researchers note, is how efficiently oxygen is delivered to and used by muscles. A leading exercise physiologist explains that mitochondria and tiny capillaries determine how well oxygen is utilized, not just how much is inhaled.

A new international study shows that mammals with larger brains and stronger immune systems tend to live significantly longer. Researchers mapped the genomes of 46 species and found that brain size and expansive immune-related gene families are closely tied to maximum lifespans. While published in Scientific Reports, the work also offers timely insights for human health and aging, a topic of growing importance in Thailand as the country emphasizes preventive care and active aging.

Recent research and expert commentary have shed new light on early dementia symptoms, revealing that persistent low mood and anxiety are among the most common initial indicators—appearing well before notable memory loss in some individuals. As highlighted by a leading neurologist in a recent interview, these subtle psychological changes are often dismissed as typical signs of ageing or everyday stress, but they may in fact signal the onset of cognitive decline (GetSurrey; Nottinghamshire Live).

New research indicates athletes may face higher microplastic exposure than previously thought, with early findings suggesting broader public health implications. Scientists recently detected microplastics in human blood, and experts caution that the full scope of risk will take time to understand. Initial data point to possible links with chronic diseases, underscoring the need for more study and practical precautions.

For Thai audiences, this topic resonates amid Thailand’s warm climate, growing fitness culture, and widespread use of plastic-packaged beverages, supplements, and gear. Nutrition professionals warn that common habits—hydration with bottled drinks, training in synthetic fabrics, and outdoor workouts—could collectively raise microplastic intake. Sweating can widen skin pores, potentially increasing particle entry. As one sports dietitian noted, “we’re only just beginning to quantify exposure and health effects.”

Researchers are raising alarms after uncovering a disturbing trend: athletes may be at higher risk from microplastic exposure than previously thought, with early science suggesting profound implications for public health far beyond the sports world. As scientists only recently succeeded in detecting microplastics in human blood, the full scale of the threat is still unfolding—but early indications point to links between microplastic accumulation and a variety of chronic diseases, sparking urgent calls for action and further study.

New research and expert commentary highlight that lasting low mood and anxiety can be among the first signs of dementia, sometimes appearing before noticeable memory loss. A leading neurologist notes that these subtle emotional changes are often mistaken for normal aging or everyday stress, yet they may indicate developing cognitive decline. In Thailand, with an aging population and rising dementia expectations, recognizing mood-related symptoms is crucial for early intervention.

Data from international studies show mood disturbances in the early stages of dementia. A 2025 study found a strong link between anxiety and depression and early Alzheimer’s disease, even in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. Research into Lewy body dementia also indicates that neuropsychiatric symptoms like anxiety can precede classic memory problems, underscoring how mood and behavior changes reflect underlying brain changes. According to researchers, these findings encourage clinicians to consider dementia when mood shifts occur alongside subtle cognitive clues.

A groundbreaking study has revealed that mammals with larger brains and more robust immune systems tend to live significantly longer lives. The international research team, spearheaded by the University of Bath and published in Scientific Reports, mapped the genomes of 46 mammalian species and discovered that both brain size and an expanded set of immune-related genes are strongly linked to each species’ maximum recorded lifespan. This scientific breakthrough does not just add a new chapter to our understanding of animal longevity; it also prompts intriguing implications for human health and aging—topics that resonate deeply with Thai society where active aging and preventive healthcare are becoming pillars of national policy.

A new study has cast light on a critical gap in healthcare: the need for more open and effective communication about sexual health, especially during routine medical checkups. The research, highlighted by Medical Xpress, underscores how stigmas, discomfort, and brief consultation times are hindering important conversations between patients and healthcare providers worldwide.

Sexual health is often a neglected component in conventional check-ups, not just in Western countries but also throughout Asia. For Thai readers, where cultural sensitivities can make discussion of intimate issues particularly challenging, the implications are profound. While sexual health is essential for overall well-being, many Thai patients and even healthcare professionals may avoid the topic, inadvertently increasing risks of preventable conditions such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), cervical cancer, and mental health impacts stemming from unaddressed sexual concerns.

A new study highlights a global gap in healthcare: sexual health conversations are often missing or rushed during routine exams. The research shows stigmas, discomfort, and short appointment times hinder essential talks between patients and clinicians. This is particularly relevant for Thai readers, where cultural sensitivities can make discussing intimate issues challenging, yet the implications are significant for overall well-being.

In many health systems, sexual health is not routinely addressed, and Thailand is no exception. With cultural restraint and taboos surrounding intimate topics, patients and even some professionals may avoid discussing sexual health, increasing the risk of undiagnosed sexually transmitted infections, cervical cancer concerns, and mental health impacts linked to unspoken worries. Data from Thailand’s public health sector shows ongoing sexual health gaps outside major cities, despite progress in HIV prevention and teen-pregnancy reductions.

A recent study highlights a troubling link between everyday beauty products and exposure to cancer-causing substances. Researchers found that more than half of the personal-care items used by a group of women in Los Angeles contained formaldehyde or chemicals that release it. The findings, published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters on May 8, 2025, have intensified calls for tighter ingredient regulation and clearer labeling—issues that resonate with Thailand’s fast-growing beauty market.