Long-term air pollution exposure raises depression risk: studies

22 Sept 08:51 Key points summarised by AI

Two new studies published in JAMA journals confirm that long-term exposure to air pollution significantly increases the risk of depression and anxiety.
One study, focusing on nearly nine million elderly Americans on Medicare, found a heightened risk of late-onset depression, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals.
The second study, conducted in Britain and China, observed an increased incidence of depression and anxiety even at low pollution levels, below UK air quality standards.
Researchers identified fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone as key pollutants contributing to these mental health issues, noting the elderly's particular susceptibility due to pulmonary and neural vulnerability.

Examining Thailand’s four-part education revolution

Today 14:22 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Education Ministry is implementing a four-pronged strategy to address its students' below-average performance in PISA 2025 and tackle significant educational inequality.
The plan prioritizes closing performance gaps by increasing funding for small and low-income schools, overhauling the curriculum to foster critical thinking, and adopting a data-driven management system to reduce teacher workload.
Key initiatives include enhancing school safety, combating cyberbullying, and expanding mental health support through peer-to-peer networks, recognizing the severe impact of distress on academic performance.
An education expert advises verifying if PISA improvements stem from structural changes, advocating for a revived STEM curriculum with practical 'learn by doing' methods, and urging bureaucratic reform to link teacher evaluations to student development.