Robert Roy Britt
@robertroybritt.bsky.social
Independent science and health journalist. Founder/editor of Wise & Well on Medium. Former editor-in-chief of Live Science and Space-dot-com. Author of Make Sleep Your Superpower.
For people with prediabetes, physicians (like this doctor/writer) have long cajoled patients to lose weight as main prevention means. Often, people can't lose the weight, which makes this new finding exciting: Normalizing blood glucose levels, without weight loss, appears to offer strong prevention.
Does Reversing Prediabetes Require Weight Loss? Not Always.
Normalizing blood glucose is more essential than losing pounds, a new study indicates
medium.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:48 PM
For people with prediabetes, physicians (like this doctor/writer) have long cajoled patients to lose weight as main prevention means. Often, people can't lose the weight, which makes this new finding exciting: Normalizing blood glucose levels, without weight loss, appears to offer strong prevention.
Causes of headaches, mild to severe, range from changes in the weather to, ironically, pain medications. Remedies are numerous (and some might work) but the actual mechanisms remain largely unknown. New research reveals just how common headaches and migraines are, and who suffers most.
The Frustrating Mysteries of Headaches and Migraines
Causes range from the weather to, ironically, pain medications. Remedies are numerous (and some might work) but the actual mechanisms…
medium.com
November 12, 2025 at 11:42 PM
Causes of headaches, mild to severe, range from changes in the weather to, ironically, pain medications. Remedies are numerous (and some might work) but the actual mechanisms remain largely unknown. New research reveals just how common headaches and migraines are, and who suffers most.
Since 1799, people have been inhaling nitrous oxide for laughs. Two centuries later, it became easier to get, and thus far more popular. Now an entire industry has arisen to make sure anyone can partake. Funny thing though: There are serious downsides (if you consider brain damage a downside).
Rising Nitrous Oxide Abuse is No Laughing Matter
Health agencies warn frequent use of “laughing gas” leads to permanent nerve damage and other serious health risks
medium.com
November 12, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Since 1799, people have been inhaling nitrous oxide for laughs. Two centuries later, it became easier to get, and thus far more popular. Now an entire industry has arisen to make sure anyone can partake. Funny thing though: There are serious downsides (if you consider brain damage a downside).
Nobody has a greater spirit of resilience than Randall H. Duckett, a journalist who has suffered chronic pain for decades. In this story, he shares 10 of his most insightful learnings from his new book: Chronic Pain Chronicles: Insightful and inspiring stories of resolve, resilience, and relief.
The 10 Biggest Secrets of Chronic Pain
I’ve suffered with and studied pain for years — and turned what I learned into a new book
medium.com
November 11, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Nobody has a greater spirit of resilience than Randall H. Duckett, a journalist who has suffered chronic pain for decades. In this story, he shares 10 of his most insightful learnings from his new book: Chronic Pain Chronicles: Insightful and inspiring stories of resolve, resilience, and relief.
In mid-life, you might not worry much about getting #dementia. But that's exactly when you should work at preventing it. New research finds heart health and brain size and shape predict risk of developing dementia much later. #health #mentalhealth #aging
Early Warning Signs of Dementia
Poor heart health, shrinking, smushing brains and numerous lifestyle choices predict dementia risk, new research reveals
medium.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:54 PM
In mid-life, you might not worry much about getting #dementia. But that's exactly when you should work at preventing it. New research finds heart health and brain size and shape predict risk of developing dementia much later. #health #mentalhealth #aging
What's the point in quitting smoking after a certain age? Well, the point is even quitting later can dramatically lower the risk for dementia and also lessen the odds of contracting other debilitating and deadly diseases, new research finds. This scientist spells out the specifics.
New Research Shows It’s Never Too Late to Quit Smoking
Learn how long it takes to see benefits to brain — and body — when extinguishing the habit later in life
medium.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:49 PM
What's the point in quitting smoking after a certain age? Well, the point is even quitting later can dramatically lower the risk for dementia and also lessen the odds of contracting other debilitating and deadly diseases, new research finds. This scientist spells out the specifics.
This scientist has noticed an emerging trend on how medical research is done that makes the distinction between connections and causation even more nuanced, and so he explains, in great detail, how analyses are often done now. Yes, it has to do with peas.
Sorting Medical Causation from Connection
Genetics provides a surprising way to help detect the causes of human physical and mental health conditions
medium.com
November 6, 2025 at 8:18 PM
This scientist has noticed an emerging trend on how medical research is done that makes the distinction between connections and causation even more nuanced, and so he explains, in great detail, how analyses are often done now. Yes, it has to do with peas.
Dietary #supplements are heavily marketed and wildly popular, even when they don't work or are dangerous. I dug deep into the research and interviewed four dietitians to find out what's useful, worthless and harmful, and who actually might need supplements to support good #health.
Who Really Needs Dietary Supplements and Why
A comprehensive guide to what’s helpful, worthless or dangerous, based on the latest science and interviews with nutritionists
medium.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Dietary #supplements are heavily marketed and wildly popular, even when they don't work or are dangerous. I dug deep into the research and interviewed four dietitians to find out what's useful, worthless and harmful, and who actually might need supplements to support good #health.
Head injuries at any age can affect cognition down the road, science has shown, and new research links traumatic brain injuries to a sharply higher risk of subsequent #dementia.
When a Blow to the Head Becomes a Blow to the Mind Later in Life
Even a mild head injury can lead to dementia, a new study finds
medium.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Head injuries at any age can affect cognition down the road, science has shown, and new research links traumatic brain injuries to a sharply higher risk of subsequent #dementia.
The side effects of sleep medications include next-day drowsiness. Which is to say: They don't accomplish their main goal. Other side effects are far worse. New research adds to the case against both prescription and over-the-counter sleep meds, as well as melatonin supplements.
Sleep Meds Do More Harm Than Good
New findings further warn about dangers of prescription and over-the-counter sleep drugs, even supplements like melatonin
medium.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:53 PM
The side effects of sleep medications include next-day drowsiness. Which is to say: They don't accomplish their main goal. Other side effects are far worse. New research adds to the case against both prescription and over-the-counter sleep meds, as well as melatonin supplements.
When the #moon is full some folks might #sleep less than normal. But how much does moonlight really thwart sleep? The answer is complicated, especially where street lights and other light pollution combine with sleep-ruining lifestyle factors.
Does Full Moon Really Ruin Sleep?
Folklore says yes. But the science is complex, with several nighttime factors having larger effects
medium.com
November 2, 2025 at 3:43 PM
In this week's Wise & Well newsletter:
> How to Curb Menopausal Weight Gain
> This Vaccine Serendipitously Reduces Dementia
> Politics is Like One Big Dysfunctional Family
> Focus on Sleep Quality, Not Just Duration
> Short ‘Exercise Snacks’ Boost Fitness in Inactive Adults
Plus:
> How to Curb Menopausal Weight Gain
> This Vaccine Serendipitously Reduces Dementia
> Politics is Like One Big Dysfunctional Family
> Focus on Sleep Quality, Not Just Duration
> Short ‘Exercise Snacks’ Boost Fitness in Inactive Adults
Plus:
Try ‘Physical Activity’ Instead of ‘Exercise’
Plus: Several other features to make your tomorrow a little better than today
medium.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:37 PM
In this week's Wise & Well newsletter:
> How to Curb Menopausal Weight Gain
> This Vaccine Serendipitously Reduces Dementia
> Politics is Like One Big Dysfunctional Family
> Focus on Sleep Quality, Not Just Duration
> Short ‘Exercise Snacks’ Boost Fitness in Inactive Adults
Plus:
> How to Curb Menopausal Weight Gain
> This Vaccine Serendipitously Reduces Dementia
> Politics is Like One Big Dysfunctional Family
> Focus on Sleep Quality, Not Just Duration
> Short ‘Exercise Snacks’ Boost Fitness in Inactive Adults
Plus:
A Mayo Clinic survey of nearly 5,000 women ages 45–60 that found more than 80% don’t seek medical care for their #menopause symptoms. If you're going through menopause, this special Wise & Well newsletter offers a bunch of helpful information and resources:
medium.com/wise-well/80...
medium.com/wise-well/80...
80% Women Dealing with Menopause Symptoms Don’t Seek Care
Plus: More menopause resources in a Wise & Well mid-week newsletter special
medium.com
October 29, 2025 at 6:15 PM
A Mayo Clinic survey of nearly 5,000 women ages 45–60 that found more than 80% don’t seek medical care for their #menopause symptoms. If you're going through menopause, this special Wise & Well newsletter offers a bunch of helpful information and resources:
medium.com/wise-well/80...
medium.com/wise-well/80...
Common symptoms of #menopause —hot flashes, mood swings and sleep challenges —are bad enough. Then there's weight gain on top of it all. And the added visceral fat around the midsection is the most unhealthy kind. This family physician sees it often. Here she explains what's going on and what to do.
Why Do Menopausal Women Gain Weight So Easily? And What Can Be Done?
Midlife hormonal changes conspire to trigger harmful weight gain. Here’s a strategy to counter the effect and reduce health risks.
medium.com
October 29, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Common symptoms of #menopause —hot flashes, mood swings and sleep challenges —are bad enough. Then there's weight gain on top of it all. And the added visceral fat around the midsection is the most unhealthy kind. This family physician sees it often. Here she explains what's going on and what to do.
Writer makes a strong case for momentary rage—spontaneous, impulsive behaviors—being the main factor in gun violence (80% of the time), not any sort of planned assault. That begs for wildly different preventive measures to curb the problem.
medium.com/wise-well/tr...
medium.com/wise-well/tr...
Triggers of Gun Violence are Not What You Think
Unthinking Violence: We need to understand that 80% of gun murders are spontaneous, thoughtless, decisions.
medium.com
October 29, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Writer makes a strong case for momentary rage—spontaneous, impulsive behaviors—being the main factor in gun violence (80% of the time), not any sort of planned assault. That begs for wildly different preventive measures to curb the problem.
medium.com/wise-well/tr...
medium.com/wise-well/tr...
If lack of time is your excuse for not getting enough physical activity, then you might try exercise snacks. A new study indicates than less than five minutes, twice a day, done thrice weekly, "can improve both cardiorespiratory #health and muscle #fitness in otherwise inactive adults."
Short ‘Exercise Snacks’ Boost Fitness in Inactive Adults
No gym required for mini workouts that deliver real gain in weeks
medium.com
October 28, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Scientists have made great strides in recent decades revealing the power of simply walking to improve physical and mental health. A new study adds a fresh twist: One longer walk is better than three shorter ones that add up to the same duration. But don't read the story. Just go for a walk!
The Next Step in the Science of Walking
Any walking is good for you, but one longish walk is better than multiple shorter strolls, new research suggests
medium.com
October 28, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Scientists have made great strides in recent decades revealing the power of simply walking to improve physical and mental health. A new study adds a fresh twist: One longer walk is better than three shorter ones that add up to the same duration. But don't read the story. Just go for a walk!
Raw cookie dough, raw shellfish, raw milk, undercooked beef or eggs. Those are just a few of items on a long list of foods that food safety experts and health professionals would not eat, period, based on this writer's interview with several of them.
medium.com/wise-well/fo... #food #health
medium.com/wise-well/fo... #food #health
Foods That Food Safety Experts Refuse to Eat
I spoke with scientists and public health professionals from around the world to reveal the hidden risks in everyday foods
medium.com
October 27, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Raw cookie dough, raw shellfish, raw milk, undercooked beef or eggs. Those are just a few of items on a long list of foods that food safety experts and health professionals would not eat, period, based on this writer's interview with several of them.
medium.com/wise-well/fo... #food #health
medium.com/wise-well/fo... #food #health
As he saw with a friend, the spiral into dementia can be swift. Since the writer is a doctor, he dug into the things that might've helped prevent his friend's fate, surprised to find the shingles vaccine is among them.
This Vaccine Serendipitously Reduces Dementia
The shingles vaccine is highly recommended for preventing shingles, but studies find a nifty added benefit
medium.com
October 27, 2025 at 2:06 PM
As he saw with a friend, the spiral into dementia can be swift. Since the writer is a doctor, he dug into the things that might've helped prevent his friend's fate, surprised to find the shingles vaccine is among them.
At least as important as sleep duration, almost surely more so, is to focus on how well you sleep, new research reveals. Learn how to gauge your sleep quality and the changes that'll improve the efficiency of your sleep, boosting overall health and how you feel every day.
Why You Should Focus on Sleep Quality, Not Duration
New research reveals a new sleep mystery, plus the vital importance of a good night’s sleep — beyond the hours you put in
medium.com
October 25, 2025 at 6:19 PM
At least as important as sleep duration, almost surely more so, is to focus on how well you sleep, new research reveals. Learn how to gauge your sleep quality and the changes that'll improve the efficiency of your sleep, boosting overall health and how you feel every day.
In addition to listening well, there are four specific things you can do to prepare for and stimulate better interpersonal discussions, regardless the skills of your counterpart. Can you guess what they might be? (That was a hint.)
The Science of Great Conversation
Building meaningful bonds with others can feel intimidating. But research shows small tweaks to our conversational style can help us feel…
medium.com
October 24, 2025 at 1:54 PM
In addition to listening well, there are four specific things you can do to prepare for and stimulate better interpersonal discussions, regardless the skills of your counterpart. Can you guess what they might be? (That was a hint.)
Before you take any vitamin D supplement, you'll want to know which kind. Vitamin D comes in two main forms, and new research suggests one is a bit of a downer, negating the effect of the other, more important one. Who knew? (Well, that's what science is for!).
Vitamin D Supplements May, Oddly, Sabotage Vitamin D Levels
New research suggest it’s important to choose the right kind of vitamin D
medium.com
October 22, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Before you take any vitamin D supplement, you'll want to know which kind. Vitamin D comes in two main forms, and new research suggests one is a bit of a downer, negating the effect of the other, more important one. Who knew? (Well, that's what science is for!).
You might've heard of the rule of threes, whereby everything from art to mantras looks or sounds better in threes. It makes me think about thirds. So many things that we see as black and white are, more accurately, divided into thirds, from political leanings to ambition and talent. Many examples.
Yes, We Are Divided. But in Thirds.
Looking beyond dichotomous characterizations of a seemingly polarized populace yields a notably more nuanced picture of Americans
robertroybritt.medium.com
October 22, 2025 at 10:27 PM
You might've heard of the rule of threes, whereby everything from art to mantras looks or sounds better in threes. It makes me think about thirds. So many things that we see as black and white are, more accurately, divided into thirds, from political leanings to ambition and talent. Many examples.
Blame the popular use of technical terms. This psychiatrist explains the difference, and why it matters, and in doing so offers a primer in the #neuroscience and #psychology of emotions, moods, and temperaments.
Don’t Call it a Mood Swing!
Emotions, moods, and temperaments describe different things.
medium.com
October 21, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Blame the popular use of technical terms. This psychiatrist explains the difference, and why it matters, and in doing so offers a primer in the #neuroscience and #psychology of emotions, moods, and temperaments.
If people knew how to handle minor "emergencies" that land them in the ER, fewer people would go to the ER. But, you know, we're human. So we need an ER doc like this one to explain how to handle common non-life-threatening injuries and oddities like cuts, ankle injuries and nose bleeds.
5 Emergency Medical Myths That Won’t Die
These common and sometimes scary issues have simple treatments that people often get wrong, risking a worsening situation.
medium.com
October 20, 2025 at 2:03 PM
If people knew how to handle minor "emergencies" that land them in the ER, fewer people would go to the ER. But, you know, we're human. So we need an ER doc like this one to explain how to handle common non-life-threatening injuries and oddities like cuts, ankle injuries and nose bleeds.