#Science

A groundbreaking study has found that just 30 days of daily mindfulness meditation can significantly boost attentional control in people of all ages, making it a promising tool for maintaining brain health as we grow older. Published by researchers at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, this research stands out as it uses precise eye-tracking technology to objectively demonstrate these cognitive benefits—offering insight beyond what self-report questionnaires reveal.

Interest in the cognitive benefits of mindfulness has been rising globally, including among Thai educators, healthcare professionals, and the general public. This study carries particular resonance in Thailand, where meditation traditions rooted in Buddhism intersect with growing concerns about cognitive health in an aging population. As Thais increasingly look to both traditional and contemporary wellness strategies, this scientific validation of mindfulness as a tool for attentional fitness may encourage broader adoption in schools, offices, and even elderly care settings.

Recent research has highlighted some of the most perplexing mysteries of human anatomy that evolutionary science still grapples to explain, sparking animated discussions among biologists worldwide. While Darwin’s theory eloquently describes the gradual adaptation of organisms, certain quirky features of the human body—such as our unique chin or the puzzlingly intermediate size of male reproductive organs—still defy straightforward evolutionary rationales. A new article by a University College London professor, published by the BBC, summarizes current thinking and lingering questions, offering Thai readers a fascinating window into the ongoing detective work of evolutionary biology (BBC Future).

A fresh evolutionary science perspective sheds light on some of the body’s most puzzling features and the questions researchers are still pursuing. While Darwinian theory explains broad adaptation patterns, quirks such as the human chin and the nuanced size of male testicles invite ongoing study. A recent analysis summarized from a University College London piece and BBC Future offers current thinking and remaining gaps, providing Thai readers with insight into how scientists investigate our shared human past.

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.

Scientists have uncovered a powerful illusion in how we remember the timing of repeated events, showing that the more often something is repeated, the further in the past its first occurrence feels—even when that’s not actually the case. This phenomenon, documented in a recent study published in Psychological Science, may have far-reaching repercussions for how we piece together our personal memories, judge news events, and even recall everyday experiences—significant insights for a society like Thailand’s, where repetition in news, advertising, and education is common.

A compelling new study shows that repetition can make the first appearance of an event feel older in our memory. Published in Psychological Science, the research finds that repeated exposure shifts our sense of when something first occurred, even if the event is recent. For Thai readers, the finding sheds light on how we interpret news, education, and daily life.

Researchers led by a senior assistant professor conducted six controlled experiments with hundreds of adults. Participants viewed repeated and non-repeated images and then estimated when the first appearance occurred. Across all designs, people remembered the first appearance of a repeated image as farther in the past than an equally old non-repeated image. The more times an image appeared, the stronger the impression of an earlier origin. The bias remained even when participants were warned, indicating a robust effect. Data suggest repetition can shift timing judgments by up to a quarter of the elapsed time.

A groundbreaking study by Chinese researchers has finally shed light on the deeper mechanisms behind how long-term exercise slows ageing, pinpointing a naturally occurring compound called betaine as a critical player in the process. This research, published in the journal Cell in late June 2025, offers not just a better scientific understanding but also raises exciting possibilities for new anti-ageing interventions—even for those who have difficulty exercising due to age or health challenges (SCMP; PubMed; Nature).

A recent study from the Chinese Academy of Sciences highlights how regular physical activity can slow ageing, with betaine playing a central role. Betaine, a naturally occurring compound boosted by sustained exercise, appears to reduce inflammation and protect organ health by inhibiting TBK1, a protein linked to ageing processes.

Researchers used a staged approach. Healthy young men paused intense activity for 45 days, then resumed a jogging routine of five kilometers every other day for 25 days. After the intervention, scientists observed notable changes in immune cells and metabolism. Parallel experiments in aged mice showed that betaine supplementation improved muscle strength, skin health, and several physiological markers. Lab work confirmed that betaine directly targets and inhibits TBK1.

A new wave of scientific research has identified seven humble rituals that genuinely happy people practice daily, offering a blueprint for sustained joy that doesn’t require dramatic life overhauls or expensive gadgets. The findings, published by science and lifestyle outlets, underscore how small, consistent actions—rather than grand resolutions—can shine as powerful mood stabilizers, and are already sparking interest among Thai readers seeking practical ways to enhance well-being in their everyday lives (vegoutmag.com) .

A wave of international research suggests that seven small daily habits can meaningfully boost happiness. For Thai readers, these practical steps offer a realistic path to well-being without radical life changes. The goal is to build steady routines that improve mood and life satisfaction, a welcome option for busy city dwellers and people in rural Thailand alike.

Recent findings show that people who rate their life satisfaction as high—9 or 10 out of 10—tosteriously integrate tiny, often unnoticed habits into daily life. These evidence-based micro-rituals provide an accessible alternative to heavy self-help programs in Thailand’s fast-paced environment.

Fresh research has stirred excitement among health enthusiasts and scientists alike, suggesting that your morning coffee may do more than just wake you up — it could also be turning on a biological switch associated with longevity. According to a groundbreaking study published this week, caffeine, the main active ingredient in coffee, has been shown to activate a deeply conserved energy system in human cells that is closely connected to the body’s mechanisms for aging and disease resistance. This finding radically expands our understanding of how a simple daily habit might contribute to better health and longer lifespans (ScienceDaily).

A new study suggests your morning coffee could do more than wake you up. Researchers found that caffeine may turn on a conserved cellular energy switch linked to aging and disease resistance. The work, conducted by an international team and reported recently, indicates caffeine activates AMPK, a cellular “fuel gauge” that helps cells manage low-energy states. This discovery adds a new dimension to how a daily habit might influence health and longevity.

“High-protein” labels are everywhere these days, from milkshakes to pancakes to even popcorn, tempting Thai consumers to believe they need more protein in their diets to be healthy, fit, and strong. But new research and leading nutritionists are urging caution: For the vast majority, especially in countries like Thailand, these boosted-protein products may simply be unnecessary—and little more than a marketing ploy.

Increasingly, food companies are leveraging consumer concerns about muscle loss, fitness, and general wellbeing to sell protein-fortified snacks, drinks, and even breakfast cereals. “Adding protein to foods is very beneficial—for the profits of that food. It is not based on health, it is not backed by science,” said the nutrition lead at Imperial College London and a prominent nutritionist at the health science company ZOE, in an interview with The Boston Globe’s recent report.

As Thailand faces another relentless hot season, one question sits on nearly every tongue: should you reach for ice-cold water or stick to something closer to room temperature? New research and expert guidance highlighted in a recent Washington Post article reveal that for most people, hydration comes down more to personal comfort than scientific necessity—but there are notable exceptions worth considering (Washington Post).

Staying hydrated is crucial for all, especially in Thailand’s tropical climate, where soaring temperatures and high humidity can trigger rapid fluid loss, raising the risk of heat-related illnesses. Water regulates body temperature, lubricates joints, and helps eliminate waste. Thai health authorities align with global recommendations, suggesting that men aim for about 13 cups and women about 9 cups of water and other beverages daily, with increased needs during outdoor activities or periods of intense heat. But what about the temperature of that life-saving glass?

As Thailand endures another scorching season, a common question arises: should we drink ice-cold water or stick to room temperature? New research summarized by health experts suggests that hydration largely depends on personal comfort, with a few exceptions worth noting.

Hydration is essential in Thailand’s tropical climate, where high temperatures and humidity accelerate fluid loss and raise the risk of heat-related illnesses. Water supports body temperature regulation, joint lubrication, and waste elimination. Thai health authorities align with global guidelines, indicating that men should target about 13 cups of fluids daily and women about 9 cups, with higher needs during outdoor work or extreme heat. The big question remains: does water temperature matter?

A growing array of foods now carries “high-protein” labels—milkshakes, pancakes, even popcorn—sparking fear that Thais must seek extra protein to stay healthy. But leading nutritionists warn that for most people in Thailand, these fortified products are unnecessary and often a marketing tactic.

Food producers increasingly use concerns about muscle loss, fitness, and wellbeing to push protein-enriched snacks and drinks. A prominent nutritionist from a major health science group notes that adding protein to foods often benefits the product’s profits more than consumer health. This perspective aligns with cautious reporting on the matter by global outlets.

A new 12-week study suggests a simple switch in workout order can dramatically boost fat loss. Researchers found that starting with strength training before cardio led to greater overall fat reduction and the biggest drop in visceral fat—the harmful fat around internal organs. This matters for Thai health as metabolic risks rise with urban lifestyles and changing diets.

In the study, 45 overweight men aged 18-30 were divided into three groups. One group did 30 minutes of strength work followed by 30 minutes of indoor cycling. A second group did the sessions in the opposite order. The third group kept their usual routines. All participants improved their fitness and gained muscle, with the weight-loss impact varying. Those who trained with weights first showed the most pronounced decrease in visceral fat, highlighting the importance of exercise sequencing for fat loss. The lead researcher emphasized that exercise order is a key driver of fat loss.

A groundbreaking new study published in the Journal of Exercise Science and Fitness points to an unexpectedly simple but highly effective tweak for gym-goers: perform strength training before aerobic exercise to significantly boost body fat reduction. The finding, led by a Beijing-based team, challenges common routines and could reshape fitness strategies for millions striving to shed unhealthy fat – including Thais seeking both physical well-being and long-term health protection.

The order in which we exercise has long been a subject of debate and personal preference. Many in Thailand, from casual gym users in Bangkok’s mega-malls to members of small fitness clubs upcountry, alternate between treadmill sessions and equipment-based resistance training, often picking the sequence that feels best or fits their mood. However, research led by a Capital University of Physical Education and Sports team in China – now making international headlines – has provided compelling scientific support for putting resistance moves before cardio to maximize fat loss, especially targeting the harmful visceral type that collects around internal organs (Daily Mail, Economic Times, The Times).

A recent study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology suggests that meaning in life grows when couples share a deep, aligned view of the world and how they feel about it. Researchers found that this “shared reality” reduces uncertainty and strengthens purpose, particularly in the face of life’s challenges.

For Thai readers navigating fast-changing social pressures, the finding underscores something many already sense: emotional alignment with a partner can be a powerful anchor. When partners validate each other’s reactions and feelings, uncertainty about the outside world diminishes and a stronger sense of meaning emerges.

A groundbreaking new study is shining light on a question that strikes at the heart of human existence: How do people find true meaning in their lives? Turns out, the answer may lie closer to home than many realize. Recent research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology finds that sharing a “shared reality” with one’s romantic partner—meaning a deep alignment in how both partners view and emotionally respond to the world—significantly increases the sense of meaning in life by reducing uncertainty about life’s challenges and upheavals (studyfinds.org).

A large study suggests that daily black coffee could contribute to a longer, healthier life. Researchers found that drinking one to two cups of caffeinated coffee each day is linked to a lower risk of death from all causes, especially heart disease, when the coffee is consumed without heavy added sugar or saturated fats. The message is clear: how you take your coffee matters as much as how much you drink.

A major new study has revealed that your daily cup of black coffee could be doing more than providing a morning energy boost — it might even help you live longer. The research, published in The Journal of Nutrition and widely reported this week, found that consuming one to two cups of caffeinated coffee each day is associated with a significantly lower risk of death from all causes, particularly cardiovascular disease (ScienceDaily). Crucially, however, the health benefits appear to depend on how you take your coffee: black, or with minimal added sugar and saturated fat.

From ancient Egyptian pharaohs who revered its delicate blossoms as a sacred gift of the sun, to contemporary Thais sipping a calming tea after a bustling day, chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) has secured its place among the world’s most beloved traditional remedies. Long valued for its gentle power to soothe minds and bodies, chamomile weaves together folklore, historic healing practices, and now a growing record of scientific research. Today, as more people seek natural wellness solutions, this daisy-like flower is enjoying renewed interest for both its cultural significance and its clinical potential. But does modern science validate the healing wisdom passed down through generations?