Two researchers, Timothy Waring and Zachary Wood from the University of Maine, propose that humans are entering a new phase of evolution where cultural systems increasingly drive adaptation rather than genetic evolution. Their 2025 paper in BioScience argues that cultural inheritance—through medicine, education, technology, and institutions—can respond to adaptive challenges much faster than genetic mutations. For example, medical interventions like eyeglasses or cesarean sections alter biological outcomes without waiting for genetic changes to spread through populations. The researchers suggest this trend is accelerating, with cultural solutions preempting genetic evolution. They also introduce the concept of a 'cultural superorganism,' where human societies function as integrated units of adaptation, similar to ant or bee colonies. However, their hypothesis faces criticism from Nejad Kourki, who argues that human societies do not reproduce or participate in natural selection at the group level, which is required for a true evolutionary transition. Waring and Wood acknowledge the speculative nature of their claims and emphasize that cultural evolution does not equate to moral progress. The debate remains open, with ongoing efforts to test the hypothesis empirically. The researchers caution against conflating cultural evolution with ethical superiority, noting that cultural change can progress in both positive and negative directions. The article highlights the growing dependence of human survival on cultural systems while questioning whether this represents a fundamental shift in evolutionary individuality or merely a metaphorical description of societal complexity.

Dr Aida Dahbi describes adapting CIRCuiTS to account for linguistic and cultural differences

Background: The aging and caregiving population is becoming increasingly diverse in the United States, leading to a growing need for culturally adapted interventions to address the unique needs of underrepresented groups, such as Asian Americans. However, interventions targeting Asian Americans and exploring cultural adaptation strategies remain limited in dementia caregiving research. Objective: This study aimed to describe the cultural adaptation process of an evidence-based intervention for Chinese and Korean American dementia caregivers, called the New York University Caregiver Intervention–Enhanced Support. Methods: We conducted a deductive content analysis and categorized our adaptation strategies into 5 elements: content, context, relationship fidelity and core elements, engagement, and cultural competence. Timing and types of responses to each adaptation strategy were also observed. Two authors conducted the initial analysis, and additional team members finalized the synthesis through discussion. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist was used to guide the methodological rigor. Results: Twenty-four major adaptations were identified and categorized. For content, we translated materials, used culturally relevant terms, incorporated ethnic-specific surveys and resources, created social media support groups on platforms widely used by the targeted population, and extended the time allocated to complete the 6 counseling sessions. Context adaptation included expanding the range of individuals eligible for family counseling sessions to include fictive kin, using online and social media apps for communication, cultural matching and training of staff, and partnerships with relevant community organizations. Relationship fidelity and core elements involved consulting with community experts, conducting focus group interviews with caregivers, having regular meetings with the developer of the original intervention and an experienced New York University Caregiver Intervention–Enhanced Support clinician as well as experts in Chinese and Korean culture, and continuing regular counseling supervision. To enhance engagement, we provided clear explanations of the study procedure, which emphasized the benefits in participants’ native languages and matched participants with social workers who shared the same cultural backgrounds. We also used a step-by-step contact approach and prolonged communication, explained staff roles to build rapport, and offered participant compensation. Finally, cultural competence was reflected in tailoring counseling techniques with respect for cultural beliefs, the use of euphemistic language for taboo subjects, and culturally appropriate refreshments to show respect and build interpersonal relationships. Conclusions: We systematically adjusted a counseling-based intervention, an approach less familiar among Asian Americans, to fit the cultural characteristics of the target population. A contribution of this study is using an integrated, theory-driven approach that combines 2 cultural adaptation frameworks while also capturing real-time adaptations informed by external feedback and self-reflection. This work provides a practical model for adapting evidence-based interventions to serve Chinese and Korean American dementia caregivers and may inform future adaptations for other East Asian populations. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrial.gov NCT05461495; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05461495

Background: #Digital #MentalHealth interventions (DMHIs) offer scalable and cost-effective support for #MentalHealth but are predominantly developed in WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic) contexts, raising questions about their global #Applicability. Dropout, attrition, and adherence rates critically influence DMHI effectiveness yet remain poorly characterized in culturally adapted formats. Objective: This systematic review aimed to (a) synthesize evidence on dropout, attrition, and adherence in culturally adapted DMHIs delivered to non-WEIRD adult populations and (b) assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Methods: PsycINFO, PubMed, and ScienceDirect were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English between January 2014 and April 2024. Screening and data extraction followed PRISMA guidelines, and methodological quality was evaluated using the AXIS tool. Extracted variables included dropout, attrition, adherence, adaptation techniques, and clinical outcomes. Results: Twenty-three RCTs (N = 4,656) from diverse regions met inclusion criteria. Attrition ranged from 5.3% to 87% (median ≈18.4%), dropout from 0% to 66% (median ≈18.7%), and adherence from 26.3% to 100% (median ≈71%). Deep, participatory adaptations—such as language translation combined with culturally resonant content, stakeholder engagement, and iterative refinement—were consistently associated with lower dropout (75%). In contrast, surface-level adaptations (e.g., translation only) showed higher dropout (up to 56%). Studies that incorporated both cultural tailoring and human support reported the most favorable engagement and clinical outcomes (e.g., reductions in insomnia, #depression, and #anxiety). Most studies (91%) were rated as “Good” quality, although some lacked representative sampling or objective engagement metrics Conclusions: Comprehensive and participatory cultural adaptation is associated with engagement and effectiveness of DMHIs among non-WEIRD populations. Future research should integrate hybrid human-#Digital delivery models, objective engagement metrics, and larger multicenter trials to improve generalizability and scalability. Clinical Trial: PROSPERO (CRD42025641863)

The Japanese remake of the hit K-drama Nevertheless is making waves across streaming platforms, as both the original and its adaptation continue to captivate Japanese audiences. The Shapes of Love, the Japanese adaptation of Nevertheless, premiered simultaneously on ABEMA and Netflix on December 9th, generating immediate buzz. The series quickly claimed the top spot on ABEMA’s drama rankings and dominated Netflix Japan’s Top 10 TV shows chart for the week of December 9th-15th. The original Nevertheless, aired on JTBC in 2021, starred Song Kang and Han So Hee in a complex romance that particularly resonated with Japanese viewers. The Korean version maintained its position in Netflix Japan’s Top 10 for 13 consecutive weeks and enjoyed a seven-week streak on the global charts. The Japanese adaptation features Ryusei Yokohama in the male lead role, with Ryutaro Nakagawa directing and Michihito Fujii serving as executive producer. Set against the backdrop of Kamakura, Japan, the remake incorporates distinct cultural elements while maintaining the story’s core appeal. Production company SLL notes, “Audiences will discover charms distinct from the original series.” Meanwhile, SLL is currently developing additional co-production projects with Japanese broadcasters TV Asahi and TBS production company The Seven.   Source (1) The post Japanese Remake of K-Drama ‘Nevertheless’ Storms Netflix Japan’s #1 Spot appeared first on ZAPZEE - Premier Korean Entertainment Magazine.

The article explores the growing trend of Americans relocating to Scotland, highlighting key factors such as affordable healthcare, cultural adaptation, and environmental considerations. Christian, a writer who moved from Montana to Scotland, emphasizes the cost-effectiveness of NHS healthcare compared to the high expenses of American insurance systems. He notes that while both countries have waiting times for medical services, the financial burden in the U.S. is significantly higher. Jason Sorensen, a marketing manager who relocated via a skilled worker visa, praises Scotland's welcoming community and its more balanced approach to work-life compared to the 'hustle culture' of the U.S. He also highlights the appeal of single-payer healthcare and reduced firearm-related tensions. Lua Rodriguez Murphy, an American expatriate in Glasgow, underscores the warmth of Scottish people and the country's educational standards. The piece also touches on climate change as a factor, with Scotland's cooler climate and historical sites attracting those seeking cultural connection and resilience against environmental shifts. Overall, the migration trend reflects a blend of practical benefits, lifestyle preferences, and deeper ties to heritage and nature.

Background: Research on cultural adaptation of psychological interventions indicates that a higher level of adaptation is associated with a higher effect size of the intervention. However, direct comparisons of different levels of adaptations are scarce. Aims: This study used a smartphone-based self-help programme called Step-by-Step (Albanian: Hap-pas-Hapi) for the treatment of psychological distress among Albanian-speaking immigrants in Switzerland and Germany. Two levels of cultural adaptation (i.e., surface vs. deep structure adaptation) were compared. We hypothesised that the deep structure adaptation would enhance the acceptance and efficacy of the intervention. Method: We conducted a two-arm, single-blind randomised controlled trial. Inclusion criteria were good command of the Albanian language, age above 18, and elevated psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale score above 15). Primary outcome measures were the total score of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist and the number of participants who completed at least three (out of five) sessions. Secondary outcomes were global functioning, well-being, post-traumatic stress, and self-defined problems. Results: Two-hundred-twenty-two participants were included, of which 18 (8%) completed the post-assessments. The number of participants who completed the third session was equal in both conditions, with N = 5 (5%) and N = 6 (6%) respectively. Discussion: Drop-out rates were high in both conditions, and no group difference was found regarding the acceptance of the intervention. The high drop-out rate stands in contrast with other trials testing Step-by-Step. Future research should examine cultural factors impacting recruitment strategies, as insights could help to reduce participant drop-out rates in clinical trials.

Welcome to Soul Thai: Moving and Living in Thailand, your essential guide for a successful expat journey. This episode dives deep into common expat pitfalls, revealing why many fail to thrive abroad and return home discouraged. Learn crucial strategies to avoid isolation and financial strain by planning your visa, embracing local life, learning basic Thai, redefining success beyond the American hustle, and building a strong community. Discover how adapting to Thai culture, rather than trying to transplant your home lifestyle, is key to creating a peaceful, sustainable life. Soul Thai Fellowship supports new fellows with housing and guidance, ensuring a truly transformative experience. Tune in for practical tips, cultural insights, and inspiring advice to make your move abroad the beginning of peace, not the end of a dream.

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Background: International students, especially Chinese-speaking students, who grew up with collectivist values and the linguistic characteristics of the Chinese language - face a higher risk of mental health issues due to the challenges of geogrpahical, linguistic and cultural transitions when studying abroad. While digital technology has shown promise in supporting mental health, few studies have focused on designing tools specifically for Chinese-speaking international students and the challenges they face. Objective: This study aimed to design and develop a self-directed digital mental health support tool that provides culturally safe and appropriate support for international students. Methods: A co-design approach was used across two study phases - Phase I: Interviews and Phase II: Co-design Workshops - to explore the design implications of the digital tool. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted to extract design insights and solutions. Results: Findings revealed that participants faced a wide range of challenges arising from cross-cultural, academic, and daily life demands, which further contributed to a variety of negative emotions. These findings highlight the critical need to improve mental health awareness, literacy, and help-seeking intentions in this vulnerable group. These insights informed the design that emphasized the integration of culturally adapted resources with self-directed learning tools. Conclusions: Based on the findings, a personalized, self-directed and culturally adapted design has been proposed that creates a bridging pathway linking students’ immediate challenges with mental health education and support. This design offers a clear set of implications for enhancing international students’ mental health awareness, literacy, and help-seeking behaviors, thereby providing essential support for this population. Clinical Trial: Not applicable, RCTs approach is not included.

Background: Upon arriving in host countries, forcibly displaced people face psychological, cultural, as well as sociostructural challenges. Access to mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) remains limited, affecting both refugees and host country structures. Digital services offer promise in addressing these challenges, given their potential for scalability and accessibility. Despite the increasing use of digital MHPSS, cultural and contextual adaptation remains insufficiently documented, requiring systematic documentation. Objective: This study aims (1) to assess the psychosocial needs of newly arrived refugees in Switzerland and identify potential digital support solutions and (2) to participatorily develop and culturally adapt the Sui app to address those needs for Arabic-speaking refugees. Methods: We used a 2-phase adaptation process, structured using the RECAPT (Reporting Cultural Adaptation in Psychological Trials) framework to ensure systematic documentation. The preparation phase (2019-2021) included a desk review, needs assessment interviews, and conceptualization discussions. The development phase (2021-2022) included iterative development loops with a user advisory board (UAB) and a beta test, followed by final adjustments. Results: The desk review provided 5 key insights guiding development: mental health stigma, health literacy, sociostructural aspects, adherence to digital interventions, and task-shifting approaches. Findings from the needs assessment with 22 asylum care interviewees, 2 intercultural interpreters, and 4 target group interviewees confirmed the importance of integrating sociostructural and psychological factors. Through conceptualization discussions with a consultancy agency and 4 UAB (n=9) meetings, the scope of the Sui app was drafted: 9 relevant, everyday life topics (eg, asylum process, housing, and work), 5 psychological topics (eg, stress, sleep, and emotion regulation), and 1 peer-guided chat support feature. A multilevel translation process, involving 5 Arabic speakers from different countries, ensured linguistic accessibility. This allowed the UAB to focus on surface, content, and delivery during 19 development loops. The app’s content was delivered in various formats, including text, illustrations, video testimonies, and audio exercises. The beta test revealed high acceptability, with most users engaging with the app several times a week. However, technical challenges such as slow loading times hindered the full exploration of the features. Participants valued the peer support function, highlighting the importance of faster response times and personalized messages. Based on the beta test, technical and content refinements were made to prepare the app for a future quantitative evaluation. Conclusions: Through engagement with stakeholders and adherence to the RECAPT framework, we carefully considered the cultural and contextual circumstances of Arabic-speaking refugees newly arrived in Switzerland. The iterative participatory development process, spanning a preparation and development phase, ensured #usability, accessibility, and relevance, while highlighting challenges in technical implementation and peer support. This study contributes to the existing knowledge of mental health and the needs of refugees and provides insights for future cultural adaptation of MHPSS interventions.

Background: Latino caregivers are at an increased risk of negative health outcomes due to the responsibilities of caring for someone with dementia. Although interventions exist to address caregiver burden, they often do not meet the cultural needs of Latino caregivers. Objective: This study aimed to pilot test the cultural adaptation of the STAR-Caregivers Virtual Training and Follow-Up (STAR-VTF) intervention. The intervention is an evidence-based training program designed to teach family caregivers strategies to manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Our research team has conducted past studies to identify and perform culturally relevant adaptations to the online learning modules of STAR-VTF, and this study aimed to pilot these culturally adapted learning modules with a sample of Latino caregivers. Methods: Data on feasibility, usability, and acceptability were collected from a pilot test in which Latino caregivers (N=16) used the online learning modules of the STAR-VTF intervention over a 7-week period. Participants completed usability surveys following the completion of each learning module, and acceptability was assessed through semi-structured interviews (N=14) post-intervention. Preliminary outcome measures were also collected, and a descriptive analysis was conducted. The primary outcomes were the Revised Memory and Behavior Problem Checklist (RMBPC) and the Preparedness for Caregiving Scale. Results: The pilot study results suggest that it is feasible to deliver the culturally adapted STAR-VTF intervention to Latino caregivers, with 93.75% (15/16) of participants maintaining enrollment through intervention completion. The intervention's usability was found to be “good” based on an average System Usability Score of 76.7 out of 100 across all learning modules. Caregivers were generally satisfied with the online learning modules. In addition, preliminary outcome results demonstrated a trend of decreased BPSD pre- versus post-intervention (RMBPC sub-scale score: 28.24 to 21.34). Findings also demonstrated decreased caregiver reaction to BPSD pre- versus post-intervention (RMPBC sub-scale score: 40.40 to 37.21) and increased caregiver preparedness based on pre- and post-intervention (Preparedness Caregiving Scale score: 1.98 to 2.43). Conclusions: The pilot study demonstrated that the culturally adapted STAR-VTF intervention is feasible and perceived as easy to use based by a small sample of Latino caregivers. We aim to refine the cultural adaptations of the STAR-VTF intervention further based on feedback from study participants. Future studies are necessary to test the efficacy of the intervention and support the broad dissemination of the culturally adapted intervention.

Background: Despite facing significant health disparities and higher risk of dementia, culturally adapted interventions to improve brain health in the Latino population are limited. Objective: To culturally adapt a physical activity (PA) intervention for the older and middle-aged Latino community based on participant and community feedback gathered during a short pre/post pilot study. Methods: The cultural adaptation process involved translation of materials, community advisory board (CAB) review, and a pre-post pilot followed by focus groups and thematic analysis to inform the larger trial. Pilot intervention tools included using a Fitbit tracker and two phone calls to set individualized goals with a health coach. #feasibility and acceptability data, both qualitative and quantitative, were collected. Results: Ten Latino volunteers (mean age = 67.2, 90% female, 90% Spanish-speaking) completed the pre-post study and nine attended the focus groups. Completion rate was 100%, recruitment rate was 50%, and the threshold for acceptability was met, with all participants rating agree or strongly agree on the study satisfaction survey. Participants favored group activities and more interaction with the study team. Identified barriers included time constraints, health issues, and weather, while awareness of PA's cognitive benefits, accountability, self-efficacy, enjoyable activities, social support, and Fitbit use were seen as facilitators. Conclusions: Feedback from participants and the CAB was key in culturally adapting the intervention. This pilot work will inform a larger randomized controlled trial to reduce dementia risk in Latino older adults.

Background: Digital interventions have been suggested to facilitate access to mental health care for refugees, who experience structural, linguistic, and cultural barriers to mental health care. Sleep-e, a digital sleep intervention originally developed for German teachers, has been culturally adapted for refugees in Germany mainly coming from African and Middle East countries. With the increasing number of refugees from Ukraine and the associated diversity of cultural backgrounds among refugees in Germany, it is essential to assess whether existing digital interventions are culturally appropriate for this target group as well. Objective: The study aimed to investigate the perceived cultural appropriateness of Sleep-e in both its original and culturally adapted versions among refugees in Germany, hereby exploring and possibly contrasting the needs of refugees coming from Ukraine and other countries of origin. Methods: Overall, 13 refugees (6 from Ukraine, 23-66 years old; and 7 from other countries, 26-41 years old) participated in the study. Each participant went through parts of the original or culturally adapted version of the digital sleep intervention, with 5 participants going through both versions. A total of 17 semistructured interviews (11 for the adapted, 6 for the nonadapted intervention version) and 9 think-aloud sessions (6 for the adapted, 3 for the nonadapted intervention version) were conducted to assess cultural appropriateness, suggestions for adaptations, and perceived relevance. Data were transcribed, categorized, and analyzed using structured qualitative content analysis. Results: The findings showed key differences in the perceived appropriateness and identification between the 2 refugee groups and the 2 intervention versions. Ukrainian participants expressed positive (n=70) and negative (n=56) feedback on the adapted intervention version, which revealed identity conflicts, as the adapted intervention version was targeted at a refugee population with whom they could not fully identify (18 negative feedback quotes concerning the refugee example characters). Whereas they identified with the European context in the original version, they found the problems described less relevant to their experiences. In contrast, participating refugees from other countries found the culturally adapted version more comprehensible and culturally appropriate (55 positive and 5 negative feedback quotes). No significant #usability issues were reported, but several participants highlighted the need for an individualization of the intervention content. Conclusions: Neither the original nor culturally adapted version of the digital sleep intervention fully met the needs of all refugee groups, highlighting the complexity of culturally adapting digital interventions for this population. Particularly, the identity conflict of participating Ukrainian refugees regarding the refugee context suggests that adaptation should go beyond regional considerations and consider the dynamics of social identity. These findings emphasize the relevance of including co-design processes with different refugee populations to ensure broad identification and, herewith, cultural appropriateness of digital interventions. Trial Registration: German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00036484; https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00036484