#Science

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) has traveled from ancient healing routines to today’s wellness conversations. Used for centuries to calm the mind, ease digestion, and soothe skin, the daisy-like flower is now being studied more closely by scientists. For health-minded Thais and travelers alike, chamomile remains a familiar favorite in teas, baths, and topical products.

Chamomile’s legacy spans continents and eras. In ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian traditions, healers turned to chamomile for fevers, digestive upset, wounds, and skin irritations. In Europe, the flowers were linked to the sun’s healing power, often sprinkled on floors to scent rooms and ward off illness. In Thai traditional practice, chamomile is viewed as a cooling herb that can ease tension, support sleep, and gently reduce inflammation. Its soothing reputation has endured in households across Asia and beyond.

Garlic, or Allium sativum, has traveled across time and culture as both a kitchen staple and a powerful healer. For Thai readers focused on health, tradition, and daily wellbeing, garlic’s story is more than flavor—it embodies the enduring link between ancient wisdom and contemporary science.

Tracing back more than 5,000 years to Central Asia, garlic’s influence spread from Egypt to India and beyond. In Thailand, garlic is woven into food, medicine, and folklore. Across ancient civilizations, it was revered as a symbol of vitality, often hung in temples or tucked into belongings for protection. Thai traditional medicine describes garlic as a carminative and a remedy for digestive discomfort, a view shared by neighboring traditions and reinforced in Thai medical texts.

Garlic, or Allium sativum, has stood the test of time, crossing borders, cultures, and generations as both a potent healing agent and a staple ingredient in kitchens around the world. For Thai readers tuned into health, wellness, and tradition, garlic’s story is more than the backdrop to a favorite dish. It is a symbol of the enduring interplay between ancient healing wisdom and rigorous scientific inquiry—a bridge that only seems to grow stronger with the march of time.

Few kitchen spices hold the power and reverence of turmeric. Known in Thai as “khamin chan” (ขมิ้นชัน), this vibrant golden rhizome is symbolic in Buddhist rituals, indispensable in Thai kitchens, and deeply woven into the traditional healing practices of Southeast Asia. Today, as modern science unearths the profound health-promoting properties of Curcuma longa, turmeric is enjoying a renaissance in global wellness circles, bridging old-world wisdom with contemporary evidence-based healthcare.

Turmeric’s legacy in traditional medicine spans millennia. For thousands of years, Thai and Southeast Asian healers have regarded turmeric as a panacea for ailments ranging from digestive upsets and skin infections to joint pains and wounds. In Thailand, powdered turmeric has been used in traditional recipes for longevity and beauty, incorporated in skin-whitening masks, digestive tonics, and even in postpartum care. Turmeric is also featured in Thai massage balms and herbal compresses, reflecting the belief in its ability to reduce inflammation and restore balance (“samun phrai”) in the body. Its status extends beyond healing; the root is seen as a symbol of purity and auspicious beginnings, its bright color associated with blessings and protection (NCBI Bookshelf: Turmeric, the Golden Spice).

Sperm power human reproduction, a fact scientists have explored for centuries. Yet despite advances, many aspects of this tiny cell remain mysterious. Recent studies remind us that sperm are far more complex than once thought, and the questions they raise continue to push research forward.

For Thai audiences, questions about fertility touch daily life, health, and national family planning goals. While fertility technologies such as IVF have progressed, global data show a worrying trend: sperm counts appear to be declining, and many cases of male infertility remain unexplained. Thailand mirrors this global situation, underscoring the importance of reproductive health in public policy and everyday decisions.

Sperm, the key driver of human reproduction, has fascinated scientists for almost 350 years—yet much about this microscopic “explorer” remains tantalisingly unclear and continues to confound researchers even today. Despite their crucial role in the survival of humanity, recent research reveals that sperm is far more mysterious and complex than once believed, leaving many fundamental questions unanswered and opening new frontiers for scientific inquiry.

For Thai readers, whose concerns span from personal fertility to national demographic trends, the continuing enigma of sperm research is not just a matter for scientific curiosity—it touches on health, society, and the future wellbeing of families across the nation. The paradox is striking: even as advances have been made in reproductive technologies such as IVF and fertility treatments, global evidence indicates that sperm counts are on a worrying decline, and male infertility remains unexplained in the majority of cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023).

A recent scientific investigation has uncovered that while exercise is generally beneficial, engaging in vigorous physical activity may momentarily decrease the efficiency of the immune system—a finding with critical implications for those in high-intensity professions such as emergency responders, athletes, and even members of the military. Published in the journal Military Medical Research, the study sheds new light on the body’s complex response to extreme exertion and brings an element of caution to Thailand’s thriving culture of fitness enthusiasm and physically demanding occupations (ScienceAlert).

A new study suggests that while exercise generally boosts health, very intense activity can momentarily reduce immune efficiency. This finding matters for emergency responders, athletes, and military personnel who routinely push their bodies to the limit. The research, published in Military Medical Research, reveals how the body’s response to extreme exertion can carry a short-term health cost. These insights are particularly relevant in Thailand’s active fitness culture and demanding professions.

A groundbreaking new study published in the American Journal of Cardiology reveals that only vigorous, not moderate, physical activity effectively reduces cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in young adults—a discovery that could shape public health priorities in Thailand, where heart disease remains the country’s top killer. The findings underscore the need for Thais to do more than simply “move more” and highlight the unique health benefits of higher-intensity exercise for preventing serious heart problems.

The opening moments of any workout can feel daunting, but cutting-edge scientific research now reveals just how profoundly your body and brain begin to transform in the first ten minutes of physical activity. From surging heartbeats to neurochemical shifts that sharpen your mind, these early minutes lay the groundwork for long-term health, sharper thinking, and even a brighter mood—a finding that has significant resonance for Thai readers striving for balanced wellness in daily life.

New research shows that the body and brain begin a rapid transformation within the first ten minutes of physical activity. In those early moments, heart rate rises, circulation shifts, and brain chemistry changes set the stage for long-term health, sharper thinking, and a brighter mood. This is especially relevant for Thai readers balancing忙 schedules and urban stress.

In Thailand’s fast-paced environment, the evidence matters. Many people know exercise is beneficial, yet busy lives can make regular workouts feel out of reach. The takeaway is simple: you don’t need a perfect routine. Just ten minutes of movement—brisk walking, stair climbing, or light jogs—can trigger a cascade of positive responses in the body and mind. Research summarized by National Geographic highlights this quick-start effect.

A new study in the American Journal of Cardiology shows that only vigorous physical activity, not moderate exercise, meaningfully reduces cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in young adults. The finding has clear implications for Thailand, where heart disease remains the leading cause of death. The research suggests that Thais should aim for higher-intensity activity to better protect heart health, beyond simply “moving more.”

Across the world and in Thailand, cardiovascular disease remains a major public health challenge. Data from the World Health Organization indicate CVD causes more deaths than any other illness. Thailand has actively promoted physical activity in recent years through government campaigns encouraging walking, cycling to work, and community fitness events. Earlier national plans focused on raising overall activity levels, but did not consistently distinguish between moderate and vigorous intensity.

A widely held belief suggests that eating fish can lead to faster, thicker hair growth—but what does science really say about this claim? Recent discussion, as highlighted in an article by The Times of India, puts this myth under the microscope and examines whether including fish in the Thai diet directly results in healthier hair.

For generations, the idea that fish promotes hair growth has held strong cultural appeal in Thailand and across Asia, where diets often feature seafood and fresh-water fish. The basis for this belief stems from the nutrient profile of fish, which are rich sources of high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA. These nutrients have recognized benefits for overall health, and hair—a protein-based structure—certainly depends on diet for its strength and vitality. According to Harvard Health, deficiencies in key nutrients such as iron, vitamin D, and omega-3s have been linked with hair thinning and loss.

A popular belief holds that eating fish can speed up hair growth and make hair thicker. But what does science actually say? This debate has resurfaced as media outlets question whether fish in a Thai diet directly improves hair health.

In Thailand and much of Asia, seafood is a dietary staple. The nutrition behind this belief lies in fish’s high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA. Hair growth relies on protein and overall health, so it makes sense to consider diet. Data from respected health resources show that deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, and omega-3s can contribute to thinning hair.

A growing body of evidence shows a powerful two-way link between exercise and sleep. In Thailand, where inadequate activity and sleep deprivation are rising, experts say understanding this relationship could help people break unhealthy cycles, improve mood, and boost long-term health.

Recent international research summarized by major outlets indicates that regular exercise helps people fall asleep faster, sleep more deeply, and support the body’s nightly repair work. At the same time, solid sleep is essential for consistent, effective workouts, creating a positive feedback loop for overall health. Data from Thai health surveys echo this, with many adults not meeting seven hours of sleep per night and sedentary behavior remaining a public health concern. Public health specialists emphasize the need to address both exercise and sleep together to maximize benefits for Thai communities.

A growing body of research is illuminating the profound synergy between exercise and sleep, revealing that moving your body doesn’t just tone your muscles—it could also be the missing ingredient for your deepest, healthiest rest. Thai health professionals are now paying close attention to this dynamic, given rising rates of both inadequate physical activity and chronic sleep deprivation across the country. Understanding this critical relationship could help the Thai public break unhealthy cycles, improve mental well-being, and foster long-term health.

A groundbreaking real-world investigation has discovered that survivors of an extreme traumatic event reported significantly milder symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety if they had been under the influence of classic psychedelics during the incident. The findings, recently published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, present new directions for mental health research—though experts stress that unsupervised use of such substances is not recommended and requires further study within controlled settings (Neuroscience News).

A real-world study suggests that survivors of a major trauma reported milder PTSD and anxiety symptoms if they had used classic psychedelics during the incident. The findings, published in a peer-reviewed journal of psychopharmacology, point to future directions for mental health research while underscoring that unsupervised use is not advised and must be studied in controlled settings.

The study followed 343 survivors of the October 7, 2023 Nova Festival attack in Israel, one of the deadliest modern festival tragedies. In the weeks after, researchers from Reichman University and partner institutions conducted in-person interviews with adults aged 18 to 64. The conversations assessed psychological well-being and prior or during-event use of psychoactive substances.

Cold plunges, or ice baths, have saturated wellness scenes worldwide, from gym mirrors to elite athlete recovery routines. Now new research prompts a careful rethink of their value, particularly for muscle growth after strength training. Reports from major outlets highlight growing scientific skepticism about whether cold water immersion truly delivers the promised benefits.

In Thailand, cold plunges have become a familiar feature in upscale gyms, luxury spas, and boutique hotels across Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Beyond recovery, claims include mood improvement, reduced inflammation, and sharper mental focus. Yet recent studies summarized in 2025 point to questions about whether the practice lives up to expectations or may even hinder training adaptations.

Cold plunges—also known as ice baths—have swept wellness trends across the globe, from Instagram feeds of urban fitness influencers to the recovery routines of elite athletes. But fresh evidence suggests plunging into icy water may not be the ultimate recovery hack many believe, especially when it comes to building muscle after strength training. A new wave of research, reported by sources such as The Washington Post, is prompting both enthusiasts and health professionals to reevaluate the chilly ritual’s true value (Washington Post).

The puzzle of consciousness—the sensation of being aware—remains unsolved after a high-profile test of leading theories published in Nature. International teams under the Cogitate Consortium conducted rigorous experiments, but neither GNWT nor IIT claimed victory. The study reinforces how challenging it is to connect brain activity with subjective experience.

Thai readers may recall Buddhist concepts of mind (จิตใจ) and awareness (สติ), which echo science’s long quest to bridge biology and personal experience. The recent results underscore a global truth: even with advanced brain science, the origins of conscious perception stay elusive.

The scientific quest to unravel consciousness—the fundamental mystery of how our brains generate the feeling of subjective experience—remains as enigmatic as ever, following a much-anticipated head-to-head study of leading theories recently published in the journal Nature. Despite marshalling the efforts of global neuroscientists under the Cogitate Consortium and conducting rigorous experiments, neither of the two dominant theories of consciousness could claim victory, leaving the origins of conscious perception as one of science’s most perplexing puzzles (PsyPost).

Researchers at MIT have revealed a surprising role for astrocytes, star-shaped support cells in the brain, in storing memories. This challenges the neuron-centric view of memory and could influence both neuroscience and the future of artificial intelligence. The study, highlighted by multiple outlets, points to a collaborative network at synapses where astrocytes actively participate in memory processes.

For Thai audiences, the findings have broad relevance. Thailand faces aging demographics, rising dementia rates, and a growing interest in AI. A deeper grasp of how memory works could inform education, elder care, and technology development that benefits local communities and healthcare systems.

In a groundbreaking shift in neuroscience, researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have identified a new way the human brain may store its vast portfolio of memories—thanks to star-shaped support cells called astrocytes. Traditionally overshadowed by their electrically active counterparts, the neurons, these abundant but understated cells could reframe how we understand brain power and inspire new advances in artificial intelligence, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (Earth.com).