#ThailandHealth

A landmark Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences has recognized two leaders in multiple sclerosis (MS) research. Dr. Alberto Ascherio of Harvard University and Dr. Stephen Hauser of UCSF share a $3 million award for work that reshapes how we understand and treat MS, a neurodegenerative disease affecting millions worldwide.

Ascherio’s work highlights Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) as a major risk factor for MS. In a rigorous 20-year study, he showed that EBV infection increases the risk of developing MS by about 32 times. This positions EBV as a leading known cause of MS and has spurred efforts to develop vaccines that might prevent the disease by targeting the virus. For Thai readers, this underscores the global importance of infectious triggers in chronic diseases and the potential for preventive strategies.

In a groundbreaking revelation, recent research published in the Journal of The Royal Society Interface has redefined our understanding of the aorta’s function within the human body. Known primarily as the primary conduit for oxygenated blood flowing from the heart to the rest of the body, the aorta has now emerged as a critical player that actively supports cardiovascular health. This discovery holds significant implications for individuals suffering from heart failure, a condition of growing concern in Thailand as well as globally.

Spring in Thailand brings beautiful blooms but also rising allergy symptoms for many readers. Recent data show pollen seasons arriving earlier and lasting longer, with pollen levels up about 21%. In Thailand, allergic rhinitis affects a significant portion of the population, underscoring the need for effective, accessible relief.

Managing symptoms starts with practical, over-the-counter options. Oral antihistamines help with sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion, while corticosteroid nasal sprays target a continually runny nose. For immediate relief from irritation, nasal saline rinses are simple and effective at flushing out pollen particles.

A recent study is reshaping how we understand the aorta, the main artery that carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart. Researchers say the aorta does more than passively absorb pressure spikes; it actively supports circulation through a mechanism called wave-pumping. This discovery could influence how heart failure is treated in Thailand and around the world.

Traditionally, the aorta was viewed as a flexible tube that cushions the heart’s workload by expanding and recoiling with each beat. Now scientists describe the aorta as a cooperative partner in blood flow. By stretching and recoiling in step with heart contractions, the aorta helps propel blood forward, effectively acting as a “second heart.” This could reduce the strain on a damaged heart and improve overall circulation, a welcome development for patients with heart failure.

A global look at grocery habits shows a clear shift toward healthier choices, with potential implications for Thailand’s health and lifestyle scene. A major online grocery platform analyzed purchasing patterns from 2023 to 2024 and found a notable rise in interest in nutrition-dense foods. Searches and orders for high-protein items rose significantly, while high-fiber options surged even more, signaling a growing focus on balanced diets among urban consumers.

The same dataset highlights a surge in non-alcoholic beverages, with non-alcoholic cocktails seeing a substantial jump in orders between 2023 and 2024. In Thai culture, where mindful drinking aligns with health and certain Buddhist practices, these items are gaining attention as healthier, social alternatives. This shift reflects a broader movement toward wellness and mindful consumption, with data from leading health and consumer research institutions underscoring the trend.

New lab tests are aiming to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease by measuring cognitive decline rather than solely counting brain plaques. Researchers say this approach may better indicate when memory and thinking are actually affected, helping guide earlier and more effective treatments. Historically, amyloid plaques were seen as a hallmark of Alzheimer’s, but their presence doesn’t always align with dementia symptoms.

One notable development is a blood test targeting tau tangles, the abnormal protein clumps linked to Alzheimer’s. Scientists are focusing on a region of tau called MTBR-tau243, which appears more closely tied to cognitive symptoms than amyloid deposits. This shift could improve how clinicians assess disease progression and tailor interventions.

Statins have long been a cornerstone in lowering bad cholesterol and reducing heart disease risk. In Thailand, as usage climbs, it’s essential to weigh proven benefits against potential side effects. A clear, patient-centered view helps clinicians and patients make informed choices.

Statins mainly reduce LDL cholesterol, which can accumulate in arteries and raise the chances of heart attacks and strokes. They are highly effective at cutting cholesterol, yet some users report side effects that deserve attention. Common concerns include muscle aches, digestive issues, and questions about cognitive effects. While public conversation has raised memory questions, current evidence shows no strong, consistent link between statins and dementia. A five-year study comparing statin users and non-users found no increased dementia risk.

A groundbreaking study has produced the first comprehensive map of mitochondria in the human brain, shedding light on how brain energy management relates to aging and neurodegenerative diseases. The research, published in a leading journal, explains how mitochondrial type and density vary by brain region, deepening our understanding of brain metabolism and its role in conditions such as dementia. Experts say the MitoBrainMap project could open new avenues for targeted therapies and prevention.

A recent health article warns that global experts are increasingly concerned about four “shortfall nutrients”—fiber, calcium, vitamin D, and potassium—that many populations fail to meet. These nutrients matter beyond digestion; they help prevent chronic diseases and support overall well-being. In Thailand, these gaps resonate with local dietary patterns and public health priorities.

Thailand’s rich food culture faces a nutrition challenge similar to international trends: the spread of processed foods amid a traditional emphasis on fresh produce. Data from public health analyses show that many Thai adults fall short of daily targets for fiber, calcium, vitamin D, and potassium. This shortfall is not just about supplements; it reflects how everyday meals shape long-term health outcomes.

A new study from a leading medical research center explains why many new mothers may prefer cooler surroundings after childbirth. Although conducted in mice, the research offers insight into how pregnancy and birth can alter temperature regulation. The findings could deepen understanding of maternal physiology for Thai readers and beyond.

Published in Molecular Metabolism, the study shows postpartum female mice develop a clear preference for cooler settings for more than four weeks after weaning. The researchers pinpoint neural changes in estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) neurons in the brain’s preoptic area as key drivers of this shift. In postpartum mice, these neurons become less responsive to warmth and more responsive to cold, reshaping environmental preferences.

A recent study from Uppsala University in Sweden raises questions about heart health and workplace coffee. The research found that coffee prepared by many office machines may contain higher levels of diterpenes, cafestol and kahweol—cholesterol-raising compounds. These substances can be less effectively filtered out by metal filters commonly used in office brews, unlike traditional paper-filtered coffee.

For Thai workers, the coffee break is more than a pause—it’s a social ritual that boosts morale and productivity. This study suggests that the way coffee is brewed at work could influence long-term cholesterol levels, especially for individuals with a family history of cardiovascular disease. Data from leading health authorities indicate that elevated LDL cholesterol remains a major risk factor for heart disease, reinforcing the need to consider coffee choices in the workplace.

A new study from a leading university introduces MitoBrainMap, an atlas that maps how mitochondria—the brain’s energy factories—populate regions linked to higher cognitive functions. Researchers suggest these areas harbor specialized energy resources that could influence development, brain health, and disease progression. The work points toward noninvasive ways to assess brain bioenergetics and potentially detect early signs of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric conditions.

Energy underpins every mental process, from memory and learning to emotion and perception. Previously, scientists had limited insight into how mitochondrial density varies by brain region. MitoBrainMap now provides a detailed view of the brain’s energy landscape and how it supports cognitive activity.

A shift in U.S. health policy under the current administration raises questions about the future of mRNA research. Health and Human Services leadership signals potential changes in funding that could affect ongoing projects, including studies on mRNA vaccines and immune responses. Once celebrated for accelerating vaccine development during the COVID-19 era, mRNA technology now faces renewed scrutiny. For Thai readers, the implications extend beyond one country, touching global science, public health strategy, and regional collaboration.

Prediabetes signals blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet diabetes. On Diabetes Alert Day, Thai health experts emphasize awareness and early screening to prevent progression to type 2 diabetes. The condition affects a large portion of adults globally, yet many people remain unaware, delaying preventive action.

Prediabetes often has no symptoms, so routine screening is crucial. An aging population and rising obesity rates heighten risk, especially for adults aged 35 to 70 who are overweight or obese. The Hemoglobin A1c test provides a reliable snapshot of average blood sugar over the past two to three months. Early screening enables timely lifestyle changes that can dramatically reduce diabetes risk. Research shows that losing just 5% to 7% of body weight halves the likelihood of developing diabetes. Regular physical activity and a high-fiber, nutrient-rich diet with lean proteins support sustained risk reduction.