#Technology

A groundbreaking international study led by over 150 scientists has produced the most detailed map ever of how visual information moves through the brain, uncovering more than 500 million intricate connections within a speck of mouse brain tissue and bringing the world closer to understanding how we see. Published in the journal Nature on April 9, 2025, the research combines genetic engineering, high-powered electron microscopy, and deep learning to capture not only the physical wiring of over 200,000 brain cells but also their real-time electrical activity in response to visual stimuli. The project—hailed as one of the most complex neuroscience experiments ever attempted—has generated a dataset of unprecedented size and detail: 1.6 petabytes, about the equivalent of 22 years of continuous high-definition video, all representing a single grain-sized fragment of brain.

A recent study by Talker Research reveals how smartphones’ battery life can spark anxiety across generations. The survey of 2,000 Americans found a “panic percentage” around 38%—a threshold that triggers stress even before typical low-battery alerts. This insight suggests users form emotional attachments to their devices long before critical levels.

The research highlights notable demographic differences. While some individuals remain calm well below 20% charge, about a quarter of respondents begin to worry once the battery falls below 50%. Generational patterns are clear: Gen Z starts worrying at 44% battery, Millennials at 43%, and Baby Boomers only at about 34%. These figures illustrate how younger users experience stronger battery-related anxiety.

In a world increasingly tethered to digital devices, a recent study by Talker Research highlights a newfound anxiety linked to our smartphones’ battery life. This survey of 2,000 Americans has pinpointed the “panic percentage,” with most people beginning to stress when their battery life hits a relatively high 38%. This point of concern arises long before the typical warning signs, such as the low-battery notification that iPhones present at 20%.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into skin cancer detection is gaining momentum, heralding a potentially transformative shift in medical diagnostics. However, experts emphasize that while AI technologies are advancing, human expertise remains irreplaceable. Ivy Lee, a dermatologist in Los Angeles and chair of the Augmented Intelligence Committee at the American Academy of Dermatology, reflects this sentiment, noting that the industry’s maturity moves beyond previous media hype towards practical applications of AI in healthcare.

AI is accelerating skin cancer detection, offering new ways to improve access to care. Yet experts warn that human clinicians remain essential. A leading dermatologist in Los Angeles and chair of the Augmented Intelligence Committee at the American Academy of Dermatology notes that AI’s maturity is shifting from hype to practical medical use, while doctors oversee care and patient interactions that machines cannot replace.

A landmark Nature study from 2017 showed AI models analyzing more than 129,000 clinical images could outperform several dermatologists in diagnosing skin cancer. Critics, however, remind us that real diagnosis blends image analysis with patient history, physical examination, and interpersonal care. As a senior clinician at a major U.S. cancer center emphasizes, photos alone cannot capture the full clinical picture.

In a groundbreaking study published in Neuroscience of Consciousness, researchers have unveiled a fascinating psychological dynamic affecting decision-making confidence when individuals believe they’re collaborating with machines. This revelation highlights that the mere perception of working alongside artificial intelligence can undermine human confidence, even when human judgment is accurate. Such insights compel us to reconsider how human-machine interactions might be designed, especially as automation increasingly infiltrates our daily lives and workplaces.

A new study in Neuroscience of Consciousness reveals a surprising finding: simply believing you are working with a machine can lower your confidence in decisions, even when your judgments are correct. The research shows that human–machine interactions shape self-belief in ways that may affect everyday choices at work and in learning environments.

This insight is timely as Thailand expands its tech ecosystem. Thai educators, students, and professionals are increasingly using AI in classrooms, clinics, and offices. Understanding how perceived machine collaboration influences confidence could inform the design of human-centered technologies in education and health services.

A groundbreaking eight-year study from Finland has revealed that early childhood screen time is significantly linked to increased levels of stress and depressive symptoms among teenagers. Published in JAMA Network Open, this research is crucial for parents in Thailand and across the globe as it underscores the importance of managing digital device usage during critical developmental years source.

The study follows the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) cohort, involving 187 children tracked from ages 6 to 9 up to their teenage years. It highlights that children who logged more hours on phones and tablets tended to face more severe mental health challenges in adolescence. With mental health issues in teens becoming more prevalent, particularly with symptoms typically emerging during these years, the findings are a wake-up call for those raising the future generation.

A new study released in March 2025 links being a night owl to a higher risk of depression compared with early risers. The research points to sleep quality, mindfulness practices, and daily choices as key factors driving this association. For Thailand, where urban living and heavy digital engagement influence daily rhythms, the findings have clear local relevance.

According to a senior clinician, modifiable factors such as sleep routines and physical activity can reduce depression risk. The emphasis on prevention is timely as global rates of depression rise, affecting young adults in particular. Another expert notes that an “always-on” culture—with constant connectivity and social media—can erode sleep, especially among adolescents and young adults.

In recent scientific developments, night owls—people who naturally stay up late—have been found to have an elevated risk of depression compared to their early-rising counterparts. According to a study published in March 2025, factors such as sleep quality, mindfulness practices, and lifestyle choices play significant roles in this increased risk. This emerging research holds particular relevance for Thailand, where the impact of urban lifestyles and technological engagement contributes to shifting sleep patterns.

A long-term Finnish study raises alarms about early childhood screen use and its link to stress and depressive symptoms in adolescence. Published in a respected medical journal, the findings underscore the need for Thai families to manage digital device use during key development years and to promote healthy activities outside the screen.

The PANIC cohort study followed 187 children from ages 6–9 into their teenage years, revealing that higher hours on smartphones and tablets in childhood correlated with more serious mental health challenges later. As teen mental health concerns rise, the research serves as a timely reminder for parents and educators to monitor digital exposure and encourage balanced routines.

In a groundbreaking study, researchers employing virtual reality (VR) and functional MRI have unveiled distinct neural communication patterns in children with ADHD, diverging significantly from traditional methods that focus on resting brain states. Conducted by a collaboration of European universities, including Aalto University, the research underscores the potential of dynamic diagnostic methods and gamified tools in transforming ADHD diagnosis and treatment.

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, remains a prevalent condition affecting many Thai children, characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Current diagnostic practices often rely on static brain imaging, which fails to capture the nuances of how these symptoms manifest in real-world interactions. This study marks a significant pivot towards understanding ADHD as an active neurodevelopmental disorder, where the brain’s interaction with the environment becomes a crucial diagnostic element.