#Scientificresearch

A new line of research suggests that gut bacteria may offer a natural approach to managing blood sugar and reducing sugar cravings. In a study led by researchers at Jiangnan University in China and published in Nature Microbiology, the gut bacterium Bacteroides vulgatus and its byproducts appear to stimulate the body’s own GLP-1 production, a hormone that promotes fullness and helps regulate glucose. While findings are preliminary and based on animal studies, they point toward future dietary or probiotic strategies that could complement or reduce reliance on medications like Ozempic. The research also raises hopes for Thailand and other countries facing rising diabetes rates, where accessible, lifestyle-based options are highly valued by patients and clinicians.

New science is reshaping our understanding of muscle memory. It’s not just the brain that remembers a move; muscle cells themselves can retain a “memory” of past training. This epigenetic memory involves chemical changes to DNA in muscle tissue that make recovery after a break faster and training more effective. Pioneering work by researchers including Dr. Adam Sharples shines a light on how muscles prime themselves for regrowth, offering practical guidance for athletes, patients recovering from injury, and anyone maintaining strength over time.

Research breakthroughs are challenging what most of us believe about “muscle memory,” showing that the roots of athletic resilience and recovery run deeper than just the brain’s capacity to recall an old dance step or bicycle ride. Instead, our muscles themselves can “remember” past training and respond faster to exercise after a break – thanks to changes in gene expression known as epigenetic memory. Recent studies, including pioneering work by Dr. Adam Sharples and colleagues, have brought this hidden capacity to light, offering hope and guidance for athletes, patients recovering from injury, and anyone striving to maintain strength over a lifetime (Wired; Nature).

In a world where guilty pleasures and healthy habits rarely go hand-in-hand, new research has delivered a surprisingly sweet message for chocolate lovers—especially those in Thailand, where sugary desserts and rich snacks are woven into daily life. Multiple robust studies in 2024 indicate that eating dark chocolate in moderation may offer genuine health benefits, ranging from enhancing mood and brain function to reducing the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and supporting heart health. But before you rush to the local 7-Eleven or OTOP fair to stock up on chocolate bars, experts are cautious to set the record straight: not all chocolate is created equal, and only the dark, cocoa-rich kind—often with a bitter bite—stands out as a potential health-helper.

Dark chocolate may offer real health benefits when enjoyed in moderation, a finding that resonates with Thai readers who often balance indulgence with wellness. Recent 2024 studies suggest that cocoa-rich chocolate can support mood, brain function, and heart health, while potentially lowering the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Experts caution that only dark chocolate with high cocoa content delivers these advantages, and portion control remains essential.

In Thailand, chocolate is a beloved ingredient in desserts and drinks. Most commercial products are milk chocolate, which tends to be high in sugar and lower in the cocoa compounds that provide health benefits. Dark chocolate typically contains 50-90% cacao, delivering more flavanols—plant compounds linked to better blood flow, mood, and cognitive function. Health-focused dietitians in Asia note that darker chocolate’s lower sugar content makes it a friendlier option for mindful eaters and vegans alike.

A new study published in the journal Obesity Science and Practice suggests that increasing protein and fiber intake, alongside moderate calorie restriction, may be the most effective combination for weight loss—a message with particular relevance for health-conscious Thais seeking balanced approaches to managing their weight. Conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the study offers concrete recommendations on how much protein and fiber to consume for maximum results, adding much-needed clarity to a field often clouded by contradictory diet advice (AOL News).

A new study from leading U.S. universities finds a link between certain brain circuits and how intensely people engage in political activities. The research suggests that extreme expressions of political views may reflect neural pathways, not ideology alone, providing a fresh perspective on mind and behavior for Thai audiences.

Historically, scientists have noted connections between mental health factors and aggressive political actions, but the brain’s exact role was unclear. The latest findings, published in Brain, address this gap by examining neural circuits that may shape political actions.

In a groundbreaking study, researchers from Harvard, Stanford, and Northwestern University have discovered a significant connection between specific brain circuits and the intensity with which individuals engage in political activities. This revelation marks a vital step in understanding the neurological underpinnings of political behaviors, showing that intense ideological expression might be attributed to particular neural pathways rather than political ideology itself.

Historically, science has acknowledged the links between certain mental health disorders and aggressive political actions. However, the precise role the brain plays in these behaviors has remained largely unexplored. The latest study, published in the journal “Brain,” has addressed this gap by examining the neural circuits that potentially influence political actions.

In recent years, creatine has surged as a prominent supplement in the wellness community, often praised for its benefits in muscle, brain, and bone health. However, misinformation around creatine persists, fueled by misconceptions and outdated studies. A recent article on mindbodygreen sought to debunk five pervasive myths about creatine, with insights from Darren Candow, Ph.D., a leading researcher in the field. Understanding these truths can guide Thai readers in making informed decisions regarding this popular supplement.

Creatine has become a popular wellness supplement, praised for benefits to muscle, brain, and bone health. Yet myths persist. A recent analysis reviews five common beliefs about creatine with input from a leading researcher. For Thai readers, these insights help inform safer, smarter decisions about supplementation.

Myth 1: Creatine causes hair loss The hair-loss claim traces back to a study in rugby players who took high-dose creatine. The study found changes in a hormone linked to hair loss, but it did not establish causation. Subsequent research has not confirmed that creatine raises testosterone or DHT to levels that trigger hair loss. Overall, the hair issue remains largely unproven.

For centuries, the spicy, aromatic vine known as สะค้าน (sakaan)—derived from the species Piper interruptum, Piper ribesioides, and Piper wallichii—has occupied a unique place in Thai and Southeast Asian herbal tradition. Sometimes called ตะค้านเล็ก or ตะค้านหยวก, this plant has been handed down through generations of healers as both a culinary delight and a medicinal powerhouse. Now, as the scientific community shines a modern spotlight on herbal medicine, sakaan invites us to examine its rich cultural tapestry as well as the emerging evidence behind its traditional uses.

Sakae Na—known scientifically as Combretum quadrangulare and called by various local names across Thailand—holds a storied place in the landscape of traditional Southeast Asian herbal medicine. For generations, the seeds and other parts of this modest riverside tree have been used in folk remedies, especially in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia, with revered status for their healing potential. Today, as science casts its analytical lens on ancient practices, Sakae Na finds itself at a fascinating crossroads: validated by centuries of use, yet continually examined by modern pharmaceuticals for real-world therapeutic power. With growing interest in plant-based wellness, understanding how tradition and science intertwine in the story of Sakae Na speaks not just to health-conscious readers but also to the cultural heart of Thailand.

Sakae Na, scientifically known as Combretum quadrangulare, holds a cherished place in Thai folk medicine and across Southeast Asia. For centuries, communities along rivers and wetlands used its seeds and other parts to treat a range of ailments. Today, researchers are exploring how centuries of tradition align with modern science, uncovering potential health benefits while stressing careful, evidence-based use. The story of Sakae Na resonates with Thai readers who value heritage, community wisdom, and sustainable health.

Few plants bridge the worlds of tradition and science as elegantly as sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), known in Thai as “งา” and cherished for centuries across cultures as both food and medicine. From the noisy markets of Bangkok, where both white and black sesame seeds adorn everything from desserts to savory dishes, to ancient scripts referencing its powers to “nourish the five internal organs,” sesame has held a special place in Thai and global heritage. But what does modern research tell us about the health claims surrounding this tiny seed, and how do its age-old applications stand up to scientific scrutiny?

In the world of Thai traditional medicine, few remedies conjure as much intrigue as “khon dok” (ขอนดอก), a unique crude drug derived not from the foliage or flowers of a plant, but from the fungus-infused heartwood of ancient trees, specifically the sacred “pikul” (Mimusops elengi) and “tabak” (Lagerstroemia calyculata). Revered for centuries across the region, khon dok resonates as an intersection of deep-rooted animist tradition, classical Thai and Ayurvedic healing, and emerging biomedical research. Today, as both practitioners and scientists re-examine humble old formulas in the quest for greener, more localized therapeutics, the story of khon dok stands as a compelling model of how ancient wisdom and modern science can harmonize.

Khon dok is a remarkable Thai traditional remedy drawn from fungus-infused heartwood, not leaves or flowers. It comes from pikul or tabak trees and is used in many communities to support digestion, heart health, and as a general tonic. Today, researchers are re-examining this ancient formula as interest in local, sustainable medicines grows.

Thai herbalists across the central, northern, and northeastern regions have long valued khon dok for its purported astringent, cooling, and anti-inflammatory properties. In the era of antibiotic resistance and concerns about side effects from synthetic drugs, scientists are revisiting khon dok to understand what makes the wood-fungus complex potentially beneficial.