#Sciencenews

As Thai society becomes ever more health-conscious, fresh scientific insights are changing how we understand the path to greater stamina—no matter one’s age or starting fitness. Recent research and expert guidance are making it clearer than ever: anyone can improve their endurance through proven, practical steps that benefit not only physical performance but also long-term well-being (Prevention). The latest studies emphasise that increasing cardiorespiratory fitness, measured by VO₂ max (the body’s capacity to use oxygen efficiently during exercise), does more than allow you to take the stairs with ease. It actively reduces the risk of chronic disease and lowers the risk of early death (AMA), making stamina enhancement a vital goal for Thais of all backgrounds.

A new study published in Scientific Reports has revealed that creatine, a supplement widely known for enhancing athletic performance, could also offer a crucial cognitive boost for those recovering from a poor night’s sleep. This discovery points to a potentially game-changing strategy for people in Thailand and worldwide who struggle to stay sharp after inadequate rest, particularly in high-pressure work and educational settings where optimal brain function is critical (mindbodygreen.com).

A new study in Scientific Reports suggests creatine, long used to enhance athletic performance, may also support cognition after poor sleep. For Thai readers juggling work, study, and shifting schedules, this could be a practical option to stay sharp when rest is limited.

Across Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and other urban centers, sleep deprivation is a common challenge. Beyond fatigue, lack of sleep can slow memory, reduce processing speed, and impair decision making—issues that affect professionals, healthcare workers, and students in Thailand’s fast-paced economy and competitive campuses. While coffee remains a popular quick fix, the study points to creatine as a potential brain energy support after restless nights.

A dramatic new find from Spain suggests a Neanderthal may have intentionally created art using a single ochre-stained touch. The discovery challenges long-standing ideas about when and by whom symbolic thinking and artistic expression began. The study appears in Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences and strengthens the view that Neanderthals shared complex cognitive abilities with modern humans.

An eight-inch pebble of quartz-rich granite, excavated in 2022 from a central Spanish rock shelter, lies at the center of the claim. Researchers estimate the pebble is about 42,000 to 43,000 years old. It bears curved forms that resemble a face, and crucially, a vivid red dot placed precisely where the “nose” would be. Forensic analysis by Spanish authorities identified the mark as an ochre fingerprint deliberately applied by a Neanderthal finger, not a random scratch.

A breakthrough in reading the ancient, carbonized scrolls from Herculaneum marks a new era of speed and precision. Researchers are leveraging high-energy data capture and advanced imaging to unlock text buried for nearly two millennia. This progress signals a leap from painstaking, line-by-line reconstruction to broader discoveries of Roman thought, politics, science, and daily life at the end of antiquity. The work builds on non-destructive imaging techniques that peer inside rolled papyri without unrolling them, preserving fragile material for generations to come.

A large Swedish analysis is challenging the long-held belief that higher fitness in youth directly lowers the risk of premature death from diseases such as heart disease and cancer. The findings, published in a leading preventive cardiology journal, suggest that earlier studies may have overstated the life-extending power of adolescence fitness due to unmeasured differences between individuals.

In Thailand, public health campaigns have long linked early-life exercise to longer, healthier lives. School sports programs, Bangkok park running, and rural community fitness initiatives have all drawn on this idea to promote activity. The new research invites policymakers and the public to view fitness as one important piece of a broader health puzzle.

New research from Spain has revealed a striking find: a Neanderthal may have intentionally created a piece of art with just a single, ochre-marked touch, rewriting long-held assumptions about human and Neanderthal creativity. The discovery, outlined in a new study published in the journal Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, elevates the prehistoric record and deepens our understanding of the Neanderthal mind AOL News.

At the center of this revelation is an 8-inch-long quartz-rich granite pebble, excavated in 2022 from a rock shelter in central Spain. Thought to be between 42,000 and 43,000 years old, the pebble itself features curves and indentations that, to modern eyes, give it the uncanny appearance of a human face. But what captivated archaeologists most was a single, vivid red dot placed exactly where the “nose” would be. Forensics carried out by Spanish police confirmed what was invisible to the naked eye: the mark was a fingerprint made with ochre—an earth pigment commonly used in prehistoric times—applied purposefully by a Neanderthal finger AOL News.

A sweeping new study from Sweden is challenging the widespread belief that higher physical fitness in young people directly leads to a substantially lower risk of premature death from diseases like cancer and heart disease—a notion that has shaped public health messaging globally, including in Thailand. The research, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology (news-medical.net), reveals that previous studies may have overstated the true impact of physical fitness on mortality due to overlooked differences among individuals.

The race to read the lost words of Ancient Rome has entered a new era of speed and precision as researchers leverage powerful scientific tools to decipher carbonized papyrus scrolls buried for nearly two millennia. Recent advancements, highlighted by an article in The Economist (economist.com), reveal that the laborious process of recovering text from the “Herculaneum scrolls”—once a slow crawl—has shifted into a faster, more promising phase, thanks to cutting-edge particle accelerator technology.

New research shows that even modest aerobic activity can boost the diversity and function of the trillions of bacteria in the gut, enhancing overall health. This emerging evidence highlights how physical activity works with the gut microbiome to strengthen immunity and metabolism, prompting health experts to consider exercise a key factor alongside diet. In Thailand, where lifestyle plays a crucial role in public health, these findings offer practical guidance beyond traditional nutrition advice.

A sweeping new analysis published in May 2025 challenges the long-standing belief that mental disorders are largely inherited. The research argues that heritability explains far less of mental illness than once thought, urging a broader view that includes environment, trauma, and social factors in mental health. This shift has important implications for Thai readers, where openness about mental health is increasing but stigma and misinformation still linger.

In Thailand, where public dialogue around mental health is expanding, it is vital to understand that conditions like depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia are not determined solely by family history. Recognizing the role of social determinants can inform better policy, more inclusive services, and clearer messaging that reduces stigma across communities.

The assumption that mental disorders are largely inherited from our parents—a bedrock belief of biological psychiatry for decades—is now under serious scrutiny. According to a detailed new analysis published in May 2025, current research demonstrates that heritability explains far less about mental illness than previously assumed, prompting renewed calls for a broader understanding of the interplay between genes, environment, and psychology in shaping mental health (Madin America).

Why does this matter for Thai readers? In a country where mental health awareness is only now gaining national attention, public discourse often echoes global trends in medicine and psychiatry, including an emphasis on genetic causation. Many Thais, especially in urban areas, may be told that conditions like depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia run in families and are predominantly genetic. Understanding that mental disorders stem from more than just DNA could help counter stigma, inform policy, and inspire more comprehensive mental health support across the country.

A new discovery is sending ripples through the medical world: scientists have identified a gene called PHGDH not just as a bystander but as a direct cause of Alzheimer’s disease, potentially changing the diagnosis and treatment of this devastating condition. Uncovering a previously unknown function of this gene, researchers have also pinpointed a candidate drug-like compound that may one day prevent or slow the disease in its earliest stages – a major leap forward, especially for aging societies like Thailand.

A new study reshapes our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers identify the PHGDH gene not just as a marker, but as a driver of brain changes linked to Alzheimer’s. They also spotlight a candidate drug-like compound that could slow the disease in its earliest stages. The finding holds particular relevance for aging societies like Thailand, where dementia care poses rising health and social challenges.

Globally, Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, affecting roughly one in nine people aged 65 and older. In Thailand, the rapidly growing elderly population brings heightened concerns about cognitive decline and dementia care. While rare genetic mutations are known to cause some cases, most Alzheimer’s cases arise spontaneously. This research offers fresh scientific insight and potential hope for families and health systems facing dementia.

A groundbreaking study published in Nature by investigators at the Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester, has linked taurine—an amino acid found in energy drinks and natural food sources—with an increased risk of blood cancers, particularly leukemia. The research, already sparking international dialogue, comes at a time when energy drink consumption is soaring in Thailand, especially among youth and office workers who rely on such products for an energy boost.

A new study published in Nature from researchers at the Wilmot Cancer Institute and the University of Rochester links taurine—an amino acid found in energy drinks and various foods—to an increased risk of blood cancers, notably leukemia. The findings arrive as energy drink use rises in Thailand, especially among young people and office workers seeking quick energy.

Taurine is a staple in popular drinks like Red Bull, Monster, Celsius, and Alani Nu. It has long been considered safe and is produced naturally in the body and in some foods. The latest research, however, suggests taurine might fuel cancer cell metabolism under certain conditions. In experiments with immunocompromised mice, leukemia cells exposed to taurine showed accelerated growth, indicating a potential mechanism for cancer development. These results call for cautious interpretation and further study in humans, as animal models do not always translate to people.

A groundbreaking new study has uncovered remarkable sex-based differences in the structure of a single neuron in the tiny nematode—Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans)—offering fresh insight into the underpinnings of sex-specific neural and behavioral differences, with far-reaching implications for understanding the human brain. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and conducted by a collaborative team at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, the research reveals that a single neuron, previously believed to function identically in both sexes, displays structural and functional differences linked to sex-specific behaviors in this simple organism (MedicalXpress).

A new study reveals striking sex-based differences in the structure of a single neuron in the tiny worm C. elegans, providing fresh insight into how neural and behavioral patterns may diverge by sex. The research, conducted by a collaboration between Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and Albert Einstein College of Medicine and published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows that the PVD neuron, long studied in hermaphrodites, develops male-specific branches linked to mating behavior. This discovery highlights cellular-level sexual dimorphism and its potential relevance to human brain health.

A recent study suggests that restricting carbohydrates on just two days per week can yield metabolic benefits similar to those of intermittent fasting. The findings point to a more approachable option for improving heart and metabolic health without severe hunger or major dietary upheaval. For Thai readers, this could translate into practical changes that fit busy urban lives and traditional dining patterns.

Intermittent fasting, especially the 5:2 approach, has gained popularity worldwide, including in Thailand, as a tool for weight management and metabolic wellness. Yet many people struggle with hunger, disrupted meals, or concerns about nutrient adequacy. The new research, led by a nutrition expert from the University of Surrey and published in The Conversation, investigates whether carbohydrate restriction on two days a week can produce similar benefits. The study summary is reported by ScienceAlert.

A groundbreaking new study suggests that restricting carbohydrates just two days a week may provide the same metabolic health benefits as the more challenging intermittent fasting diets, offering hope for simpler approaches to improving heart and metabolic health. These findings could open new doors for Thai readers eager to enhance their health but daunted by the demanding routines of traditional fasting regimens.

Intermittent fasting — especially the popular “5:2” version, where people drastically reduce calorie intake on two days each week — has won devotees around the world, including in Thailand, for its reputation as a weight loss tool with additional metabolic perks. However, many Thais and others have struggled to stick with fasting due to hunger pangs, meal disruption, or concerns about nutritional adequacy. The latest research, led by an Associate Professor of Nutrition at the University of Surrey and published on May 11, 2025, in The Conversation, offers a gentler alternative: twice-a-week carbohydrate (not calorie) restriction may deliver similar health benefits without forcing people to go extremely hungry or disrupt their regular eating habits, according to their study outlined on ScienceAlert.

A breakthrough set of studies published in Science in early 2025 shows that advanced intelligence on Earth evolved at least twice—once in mammals and once in birds. This challenges long-held ideas about the origins of cognition and has potential implications for neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and the search for intelligent life beyond humans. The reporting from Quanta Magazine and coverage in Wired help frame the significance of these findings.

Birds such as crows, ravens, cockatoos, and chickadees exhibit planning, tool use, problem‑solving, and impressive memory, despite brains that are very different from those of mammals and often much smaller. These abilities have long offered a window into how evolution crafts complex thinking in diverse neural architectures. For example, tool construction by some crows and the seed-cache memory of chickadees illustrate cognitive feats once believed possible only in larger-brained species.

In a major breakthrough that reshapes our scientific understanding of animal intelligence, a series of studies published in Science in early 2025 confirm that advanced intelligence on Earth evolved independently at least twice—once in mammals and once in birds. This finding, as reported by Quanta Magazine and summarized in Wired (wired.com), challenges longstanding assumptions about the origins of cognition in vertebrates and could hold profound implications for neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and the global search for intelligent life.

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.

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.