Top 10 Verified News Stories of 2025: From Asteroids to Health Myths

Bangkok: The Thai News Agency has released a comprehensive list of the top 10 fact-checked news stories of 2025, aiming to clarify widespread misinformation and provide accurate information to the public.

According to Thai News Agency, initial fears about the asteroid Apophis colliding with Earth have been dismissed. Current evidence confirms that Apophis will safely pass within approximately 35,000 kilometers of Earth on April 13, 2029, alleviating concerns of a catastrophic impact in the near future.

Reports from New Zealand indicated an increase in death rates following the lifting of lockdowns and the onset of the Omicron variant. It was clarified that residual DNA in mRNA COVID-19 vaccines is present only in small, non-harmful amounts and cannot interfere with human genetic code, ensuring the safety of these vaccines.

In the corporate world, Tesla shareholder Ross Gerber publicly suggested that Elon Musk should either return as CEO full-time or the company should seek new leadership. While shareholders cannot directly remove a CEO, they can influence the board to consider leadership changes, depending on Tesla's future performance in car sales and stock value.

Health discussions included the causes of erectile dysfunction, which may result from both physical conditions such as vascular disease and psychological factors like stress. For those concerned about air quality, it was highlighted that standard face masks are ineffective against PM 2.5 dust, with N95 masks recommended for better protection.

Concerns about hearing loss from headphones were addressed, pointing out that it's the loudness of sound, rather than proximity, that affects hearing. Using noise-canceling headphones or software can mitigate the risks associated with loud music.

Electric vehicles (EVs) were defended against claims of inefficiency in traffic jams. Since EV motors do not run when stationary, battery power remains stable. However, extremely cold weather can still affect battery capacity.

A viral video purportedly showing a UFO near the International Space Station was debunked as footage of the SpaceX Dragon cargo vehicle. NASA explained that interruptions in space image transmissions are standard and normal.

Health warnings about hair dye causing cancer were partially confirmed, noting a lawsuit involving a hairdresser who developed bladder cancer. While regular hair dye use has not been conclusively linked to cancer, hairdressers exposed to dye frequently may face increased risks.

Finally, the belief that abstaining from ejaculation for seven days boosts testosterone levels was clarified as a myth. While a 2003 study suggested a temporary increase, levels normalized after seven days, and any perceived benefits may relate more to stress reduction rather than hormonal change.