#Science

A NASA-backed study is renewing interest in rebounding—the simple act of jumping on a mini-trampoline. In recent Thai and international coverage, researchers report that 10 minutes of rebounding may be up to 68–70% more effective than 30 minutes of jogging for cardiovascular health, endurance, and overall fitness, with less joint strain. This finding could reshape how time-constrained people in Thailand—and around the world—structure their workouts.

Rebounding involves rhythmic bouncing on a compact trampoline. Compared with jogging, it distributes impact more evenly across the body, making it a gentler option for joints. Originally, NASA’s work aimed at helping astronauts restore bone density and muscle mass after long space missions. Now, fitness professionals and everyday exercisers are embracing rebound workouts as an efficient way to stay healthy at home.

A groundbreaking NASA-backed study is putting the humble mini-trampoline, or “rebounder,” back in the fitness limelight. According to recent international and Thai news coverage, NASA’s research demonstrates that a 10-minute rebounding exercise can be as much as 68–70% more effective than 30 minutes of jogging for improving cardiovascular health, stamina, and overall fitness, while putting far less stress on joints (MSN, Times of India). This revelation could reshape how time-pressed Thais—and people worldwide—approach their daily exercise routines.

New scientific findings are challenging the popular belief that waking up at dawn and taking cold showers automatically boosts success. A recent analysis argues that these morning rituals work for some, but are not universal superpowers. For millions who have followed them, the question now is whether the benefits are real or overstated.

In Thailand, the trend of “morning mastery” has grown online and in seminars over the past decade. Executives, students, and wellness enthusiasts alike have embraced early rising and cold showers hoping to sharpen focus and productivity. Yet the latest studies suggest the outcomes are more nuanced than advertised.

A flurry of new scientific research is challenging the long-held beliefs popularized by self-help and productivity gurus: that waking up at dawn and taking cold showers are surefire ways to supercharge your success. According to a recent article, “Science has debunked the morning mantra of productivity gurus: cold showers are just as useless as waking up early,” leading experts now say the effectiveness of these morning rituals is more myth than magic, raising questions for millions who have faithfully followed these regimens for years (thinkstewartville.com).

Acts of kindness are not only good for those on the receiving end—they may be a life-changing secret to well-being for the giver, according to new research from the 2025 World Happiness Report and a surge of scientific studies over the past decade (CNBC). The findings, relevant for every society—especially in times of lingering post-pandemic uncertainty—show that benevolent acts such as volunteering, donating, and helping strangers are consistently linked to higher life satisfaction, improved mental and physical health, and even longer lives.

A new archaeological investigation has shattered long-held beliefs regarding one of Britain’s most notorious ancient massacres, suggesting a tale of clashing noble dynasties—more reminiscent of the brutal family feuds in “Game of Thrones” than the sweeping conquests of the Roman Empire. The research, centred on Maiden Castle in Dorset, rewrites decades of historical interpretation, revealing that the site’s mass grave likely records an Iron Age power struggle between rival aristocratic factions rather than Roman invaders wiping out indigenous Britons (The Independent).

A growing body of research supports a long-observed habit among artists and thinkers: a brief nap can boost creativity. Recent studies and expert commentary indicate that even short daytime sleep can enhance creative thinking and problem-solving for people of all ages.

This insight resonates with Thai audiences who value midday rest in traditional culture while navigating modern demands for innovation in education and the economy. As Thailand expands its focus on digital skills and inventive thinking, understanding the cognitive benefits of napping could influence classroom practices, workplace policies, and family routines.

A growing body of research is lending scientific weight to a tradition long observed by artists, inventors, and thinkers worldwide: the creative spark ignited by a nap. Recent studies and expert commentary, as highlighted in reputable outlets such as Psychology Today and ScienceAlert, suggest that even short episodes of daytime sleep can enhance creative thinking and problem-solving abilities in ways both measurable and meaningful for people of all ages.

The significance of this news resonates strongly for Thai readers, reflecting longstanding local practices of midday rest and challenging contemporary perceptions that equate constant alertness with productivity. As Thailand’s economy and education system increasingly prioritise innovation and digital skills, understanding the cognitive benefits of napping could shift attitudes among educators, employers, and families alike.

In a striking new development, recent Iranian research has suggested that depression and anxiety may be “contagious” between romantic partners—not simply due to shared circumstances, but through the exchange of mouth bacteria during intimate interactions such as kissing. The study, published in the journal Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine and widely reported by StudyFinds, offers a fresh biological perspective on why couples often mirror each other’s moods and mental health (studyfinds.org).

A provocative study from Iran suggests that depression and anxiety may spread between romantic partners beyond shared circumstances. The research points to the exchange of mouth bacteria during intimate moments like kissing as a potential pathway. The findings, published in Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine, have sparking discussions about how mood can be influenced within intimate relationships.

Why this matters for Thai readers: Mental health is a growing priority in Thailand, with rising rates of depression across age groups. Understanding how relationships and daily habits impact well-being could inform more holistic approaches to care. Thai families often share close daily routines and meals, making the concept of mutual influence particularly relevant.

A groundbreaking 12-year study has revealed that building and maintaining muscle strength, rather than focusing solely on cardio exercises, could be the best strategy for living a longer and healthier life. Published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, the large-scale research tracked over 14,000 adults aged 50 and older and found a surprisingly strong link between grip strength—a simple measure of overall muscle health—and mortality risk, challenging prevailing beliefs about the sole significance of cardiovascular workouts for longevity.

A large 12-year study suggests that building and maintaining muscle strength may be more important for a longer, healthier life than cardio alone. The research followed more than 14,000 adults aged 50 and older and found a strong link between grip strength and death risk. Grip strength, a quick measure of overall muscle health, emerged as a practical predictor of longevity.

For Thai audiences navigating endless longevity tips online, this study offers clear, actionable insight. While common advice focuses on steps, protein, or sleep, grip strength provides a simple, modifiable target. The study found that participants with weaker grip strength faced about a 45% higher risk of death during the study period. Data from Thailand’s aging population makes this especially relevant: the World Health Organization projects that those aged 65 and older will constitute around 20% of Thailand’s population by 2040, signaling rapid demographic change and a need for practical health strategies.

A surprising scientific breakthrough shows plants may actively respond to pollinators by producing sweeter, more abundant nectar when they “hear” the buzz of their preferred bees. Presented at an international acoustics conference, the study shifts the view of plant-pollinator relationships and holds potential for agriculture in Thailand and beyond. The findings come from research on snapdragon flowers and a bee species known as Rhodanthidium sticticum, the snail-shell bee, noted for its efficient pollination.

In a surprising breakthrough, scientists have discovered that plants aren’t just passive bystanders in the pollination process—they actively “listen” for the sounds of their pollinators and respond by producing sweeter, more abundant nectar. The findings, presented at an international acoustics conference this week, mark a dramatic shift in our understanding of plant-animal interactions and could have game-changing applications for agriculture in Thailand and beyond (The Guardian, Phys.org).

The discovery centers on snapdragon flowers and their relationship with a bee species known as Rhodanthidium sticticum, sometimes called the snail-shell bee, a particularly efficient pollinator. Researchers led by a zoologist from the University of Turin found that when these plants “hear” the distinct buzzing frequencies of their favored bee, they ramp up nectar production and boost its sugar content. This response does not occur for all insect or ambient sounds—only the characteristic buzz of the right pollinator triggers the shift. The process seems finely tuned: snapdragons can even alter the expression of genes involved in sugar transport and nectar production, responding within minutes of exposure to the right acoustic cues (EurekAlert).

A new wellness approach called cozymaxxing is gaining traction in 2025, proposing that deliberate home comfort can help reduce stress, burnout, and the pressures of modern life. For Thai readers, this trend offers practical ways to restore balance within familiar living spaces, backed by emerging research and expert insights.

The movement arises amid ongoing social and economic pressures. The COVID-19 era reshaped daily life and heightened attention to safety, rest, and personal well-being. In Thailand, economic uncertainty and the lingering effects of hustle culture amplify the appeal of simple, restorative routines that can be practiced at home.

A new wellness trend known as “cozymaxxing” has taken the internet by storm in 2025, promising to help people combat stress, burnout, and the constant pressures of modern life by optimizing their environments for maximum comfort and relaxation. Far from being an indulgent fad, emerging research and expert insights suggest that this approach to intentional coziness could hold important benefits for mental and emotional well-being—an idea that’s resonating strongly with Thai readers seeking practical ways to restore balance in turbulent times.

A simple everyday emotion may hold surprising power over mental well-being: new research suggests that experiencing “awe”—that profound sense of wonder sparked by things like nature, art, or meaningful moments—could help fend off depression and stress. According to the latest findings, regular encounters with awe can buffer the emotional toll of daily life, a discovery with practical implications for many, including people across Thailand facing rising challenges to mental health.

A new research study from Uppsala University sheds fresh light on the long-held belief that higher physical fitness dramatically reduces the risk of premature death, suggesting these benefits might not be as substantial as previously thought. The findings challenge established wisdom in the fields of health and public policy, carrying important implications for how Thai society and policymakers approach physical activity initiatives (Uppsala University).

The prevailing narrative—supported by countless observational studies—has been that individuals with higher fitness are far less likely to die prematurely from causes such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, or all causes combined. The new investigation, however, warns that these links may be significantly overstated due to hidden factors in earlier research designs, and highlights the need for a more nuanced conversation as Thailand continues its campaigns promoting widespread exercise and healthy living.

A large new study from Uppsala University questions the extent to which higher physical fitness lowers the risk of early death. While fitness remains important for health, the researchers caution that the life-extending effects shown in earlier studies may be overstated due to hidden factors in observational designs. This has clear implications for Thailand’s public health messaging and activity programs.

Traditional studies have linked higher fitness with markedly lower risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and death from all causes. In this study, researchers initially replicated those associations, noting substantial reductions in mortality among the fittest individuals. But they then applied a “negative control” approach—asking whether high fitness in adolescence also reduces deaths from random, unrelated accidents like car crashes or drownings. Surprisingly, the link persisted for accidental deaths as well, suggesting the observed associations could reflect other, unseen factors rather than fitness alone. As one senior researcher explained, observational studies can produce strong but misleading estimates if groups are not truly comparable.

Thailand’s growing interest in protein-rich diets mirrors social media trends, but older adults—particularly those over 65—may not be getting enough. Experts warn that insufficient protein can threaten muscle mass, bone strength, and independence, risking higher healthcare needs in Thailand and across Asia.

Across the web, high-protein hacks flood feeds on TikTok and Instagram. Yet researchers emphasize nuance. Recent reporting in a major U.S. newspaper highlighted that most working-age adults in developed countries meet or exceed current protein guidelines, while older adults often struggle to consume enough protein due to reduced appetite, dental issues, illness, or limited access to diverse foods. This challenge is echoed in Thai households, especially those with seniors living alone or in care facilities.

Regular physical activity plays a crucial role in calming the body’s stress response by keeping cortisol, the stress hormone, in check. For Thai readers juggling work, family, and crowded urban life, these findings offer practical, everyday steps to improve wellbeing.

Cortisol drives the body’s fight-or-flight response. It spikes under work pressure, family concerns, or even from caffeine and alcohol. While occasional rises are normal, persistently high cortisol can contribute to anxiety, sleep trouble, weight gain, and higher risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Experts note that everyday stressors can push cortisol beyond healthy levels, highlighting the value of steady exercise.

Recent research has highlighted the crucial role regular physical activity plays in controlling the body’s stress response, particularly by keeping levels of the so-called “stress hormone,” cortisol, in check. For Thai readers, who often juggle busy work schedules, shifting family norms, and urban living challenges, these findings underscore practical strategies for improving wellbeing in daily life.

Cortisol is central to the human body’s “fight or flight” response—it surges in moments of stress, whether due to work pressure, family concerns, or even stimulants like caffeine and alcohol. While occasional increases in cortisol are normal, experts warn that persistently high levels can lead to long-term health problems, including anxiety, sleep disruptions, weight gain, and increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension (South China Morning Post). German endocrinologist Dr. Matthias Kroiss, whose insights were featured in the recent article, explains that everyday stressors—from the workplace to private life—can drive cortisol higher than healthy limits.

A new study shows that groups of AI agents can spontaneously create shared ways of communicating and social norms without direct human guidance. Published in Science Advances, the research reveals that large language model teams, when interacting with each other, can converge on a common “language” and collective behaviors. This challenges the idea that AI can only operate as individual tools and suggests they may participate in social systems in surprising ways.

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have found that artificial intelligence (AI) systems can spontaneously develop human-like ways of communicating, forming social conventions and group norms without human direction. Published in Science Advances, the peer-reviewed study demonstrates that groups of large language model (LLM) AI agents like ChatGPT, when communicating together, are capable of building their own shared language and collective behaviors—a finding that could reshape how we think about both AI development and its integration into society (The Guardian).