#Risk

A groundbreaking new study reveals that individuals with higher intelligence are not only better at academic tests but are also significantly more accurate at predicting their own futures, offering critical insights for personal and societal decision-making. This finding, based on nearly two decades of data from over 3,900 older adults in England, is stirring debate about how Thai people and policymakers might approach health, financial planning, and education in a world of increasing uncertainty ZME Science.

Higher intelligence may help people forecast their futures more accurately, not just perform well on tests. Using nearly two decades of data from more than 3,900 older adults in England, researchers linked cognitive ability to better judgments about life events. Analyses that included genetic data suggest a meaningful connection between intellect and improved forecasting, with potential implications for personal planning and public policy amid rising uncertainty.

The study asks a simple, crucial question: can people reliably estimate how long they will live? Participants in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing were asked to rate their chances of reaching milestones like age 75. These self-assessments were then compared with official statistics from the UK’s Office for National Statistics. Higher-IQ individuals tended to give estimates closer to reality, while lower-IQ respondents were more often off the mark, sometimes by a large margin.

Stress pushes people to choose riskier options, with noticeable differences between men and women. A University of Arkansas study, published in Psychoneuroendocrinology, explores how stress reshapes judgment and decision-making. The findings matter for daily life in Thailand, where economic uncertainty and personal finances are a constant concern for many households.

The study centers on loss aversion—the tendency to fear losses more than valuing gains of equal size. Under pressure, this protective instinct weakens, leading to bolder choices. The lead author, an assistant professor of psychological science, notes that stress makes him hesitant to decide when potential losses are at stake. This mirrors a common Thai experience during times of job insecurity or volatile markets, where residents weigh investment and financial decisions carefully.

A new study from the University of Arkansas reveals that stress significantly nudges people toward making riskier choices, with key differences in how men and women respond to decision-making under pressure. The findings, published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology, mark an important step in understanding how stress changes our judgment—a topic with direct relevance to the daily lives and financial wellbeing of Thais, especially in uncertain economic times.

At the heart of the research is a concept called “loss aversion,” referring to the well-established human tendency to fear losses more than we value equivalent gains—for example, losing 3,600 baht hurts more than the pleasure of gaining 3,600 baht. Under stress, however, this protective instinct weakens, resulting in bolder, riskier decisions. As the study’s lead author, an assistant professor of psychological science, explains, “In my own life, if I’m stressed, I’ll wait to make a decision that could have potential loss implications.” His reflection echoes a common experience for many Thai workers—such as hesitant investment decisions during periods of high job insecurity or fluctuating market conditions.

A new international study shows clear differences in heart disease risk between rural and urban populations, challenging the idea that rural life is automatically healthier because of lower pollution. For Thai readers, the findings highlight how rural socio-economic factors shape health outcomes in areas with similar dynamics.

Researchers supported by national health institutes evaluated risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cholesterol. The data indicate rural populations have a 19% higher risk of hypertension, a 27% higher risk of obesity, and a 36% higher overall risk of heart disease compared with urban residents. The study also notes greater vulnerability to diabetes and elevated lipid levels among rural communities.

A growing body of research shows that when people sleep can influence mood and mental health. A study from the University of Surrey suggests that night owls—those who prefer late bedtimes—may have a higher risk of depression compared with early risers. The findings point to sleep quality, mindfulness, and lifestyle choices as key mediators.

For Thai readers, this link is particularly relevant. Bangkok’s urban pace, long work hours, and constant device use can push many toward later bedtimes. Night-owl tendencies are common in fast-moving cities, but irregular sleep schedules may carry mental health costs if routines don’t support rest.