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.
One type of is good, and one is bad, right? Well… it's not that simple, as this scientist explains. Interesting facts: Cholesterol is made naturally by the body, and it's in every cell, but the waxy, fat-like stuff has to travel through blood in specialized bubbles, otherwise it wouldn't mix well.
The Simple Difference Between HDL and LDL Cholesterol
One kind is bad, and the other is good (except sometimes it isn’t good). It’s more complex than “eat more of this.”
medium.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:46 PM
One type of is good, and one is bad, right? Well… it's not that simple, as this scientist explains. Interesting facts: Cholesterol is made naturally by the body, and it's in every cell, but the waxy, fat-like stuff has to travel through blood in specialized bubbles, otherwise it wouldn't mix well.
Using pulses of electricity to the brain, trigeminal nerve stimulation purports to help alleviate ADHD, depression, epilepsy, migraine headaches and head trauma. But as with many therapies so highly touted, TNS is not a cure-all. This neuroscientist/psychiatrist explains.
Who Should Try Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation?
Electrical stimulation of the trigeminal nerve helps with migraine and epilepsy, but the research on benefits for ADHD and depression is…
medium.com
February 3, 2026 at 3:07 PM
Using pulses of electricity to the brain, trigeminal nerve stimulation purports to help alleviate ADHD, depression, epilepsy, migraine headaches and head trauma. But as with many therapies so highly touted, TNS is not a cure-all. This neuroscientist/psychiatrist explains.
Pink noise—think of pattering rain or a babbling brook—has become a popular sleep aid. There is very little research on the effects of this an other forms of acoustic stimulation on #sleep. But a new study finds pink noise isn't the ideal solution to a noisy bedroom (or even a quiet one).
Can Ambient Noise (Pink, White or Brown) Really Help You Sleep?
New research questions the value of acoustic stimulation for sleeping
medium.com
February 2, 2026 at 5:53 PM
Pink noise—think of pattering rain or a babbling brook—has become a popular sleep aid. There is very little research on the effects of this an other forms of acoustic stimulation on #sleep. But a new study finds pink noise isn't the ideal solution to a noisy bedroom (or even a quiet one).
GLP-1 drugs (Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound) came with high expectations, and they have been revolutionary in may ways. But now we're starting to get a long-term look at their effectiveness, and there's cause for concern.
After 8 Years of Ozempic, Is Our National Health Any Better?
Despite being touted as a modern medical miracle, drugs like Ozempic fall short of their incredible potential. Here’s why.
medium.com
February 2, 2026 at 3:19 PM
GLP-1 drugs (Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound) came with high expectations, and they have been revolutionary in may ways. But now we're starting to get a long-term look at their effectiveness, and there's cause for concern.
"Mindfulness" has many definitions. In simplest form, anyone can be mindful (conscious or aware of something) without even thinking of it as mindfulness. More formally, one can use #mindfulness #meditation to become more purposefully and consistently mindful (aware, in the moment, non-judgmental).
The Many Meanings of Mindfulness (and How They Differ)
Mindfulness is taught everywhere, from schools to workplaces. But scientists define and measure it in very different ways. Here’s why that…
medium.com
February 1, 2026 at 3:35 PM
"Mindfulness" has many definitions. In simplest form, anyone can be mindful (conscious or aware of something) without even thinking of it as mindfulness. More formally, one can use #mindfulness #meditation to become more purposefully and consistently mindful (aware, in the moment, non-judgmental).
In this week's Wise & Well newsletter:
- Heart attack risk for men diverges from women in mid-30s.
- The Female Libido Med
- Why It’s So Hard to Make Friends After 40
- Contaminated Water Coolers
- Why Men Are Struggling
- Taurine Benefits/Risks
- Why Some People Can’t Admit When They’re Wrong
- Heart attack risk for men diverges from women in mid-30s.
- The Female Libido Med
- Why It’s So Hard to Make Friends After 40
- Contaminated Water Coolers
- Why Men Are Struggling
- Taurine Benefits/Risks
- Why Some People Can’t Admit When They’re Wrong
Wise & Well Weekly 01.30.26
Heart attack risk for men diverges from women in mid-30s. Plus this week’s feature stories.
medium.com
January 30, 2026 at 3:50 PM
In this week's Wise & Well newsletter:
- Heart attack risk for men diverges from women in mid-30s.
- The Female Libido Med
- Why It’s So Hard to Make Friends After 40
- Contaminated Water Coolers
- Why Men Are Struggling
- Taurine Benefits/Risks
- Why Some People Can’t Admit When They’re Wrong
- Heart attack risk for men diverges from women in mid-30s.
- The Female Libido Med
- Why It’s So Hard to Make Friends After 40
- Contaminated Water Coolers
- Why Men Are Struggling
- Taurine Benefits/Risks
- Why Some People Can’t Admit When They’re Wrong
A new analysis from tests done in the US and other countries finds water from these sources is often loaded with dangerous levels of E. coli and other unhealthy microbes. The writer considers your options.
Water Coolers and Dispensers are Often Dirtier Than the Tap
Bacteria and other unhealthy stuff lurks in office water coolers, supermarket dispensers and other machines that claim to deliver sparkling…
medium.com
January 29, 2026 at 4:19 PM
A new analysis from tests done in the US and other countries finds water from these sources is often loaded with dangerous levels of E. coli and other unhealthy microbes. The writer considers your options.
When federal officials lie about things we can see with our own eyes, everything gets distorted; we can't even have rational conversations. This pattern is not new. A refugee from Nazi Germany warned about the consequences decades ago.
Repeated Government Lies Destroy Public Discourse
When “facts” become a weapon, a shared world no longer exists and we don’t even know what to argue about
medium.com
January 29, 2026 at 3:32 PM
When federal officials lie about things we can see with our own eyes, everything gets distorted; we can't even have rational conversations. This pattern is not new. A refugee from Nazi Germany warned about the consequences decades ago.
As we enter mid-life and beyond, many of us put more and more energy into family relationships, giving us less time and energy to devote to friends. This psychologist offers practical tips to foster new friendships and rekindle old ones, and explains how it can be really good for you.
Why It’s So Hard to Make Friends After 40
Once you understand the reasons, you can use these science-based strategies to build and strengthen relationships from mid-life onward
medium.com
January 28, 2026 at 9:50 PM
As we enter mid-life and beyond, many of us put more and more energy into family relationships, giving us less time and energy to devote to friends. This psychologist offers practical tips to foster new friendships and rekindle old ones, and explains how it can be really good for you.
For sexual dysfunction, including low sexual desire, there are more than two dozen FDA-approved medications for men and, until recently, none for women. This nurse provides a helpful analysis of a new drug's promise and side effects.
Can Female Libido be Prescribed?
A new pill to boost sexual desire in postmenopausal women was just approved. Is this a win for women? It’s complicated.
medium.com
January 28, 2026 at 3:14 PM
For sexual dysfunction, including low sexual desire, there are more than two dozen FDA-approved medications for men and, until recently, none for women. This nurse provides a helpful analysis of a new drug's promise and side effects.
A trio of new studies, + some not yet published, reveal how admitting wrongness builds trust and credibility, across just about any situation. Works for scientists, professors, in the workplace and with romantic relationships. I explore why we all (yes, all of us) struggle to say "I was wrong."
Why Some People Can’t Admit When They’re Wrong
And how fessing up has significant reputational advantages, according to multiple new studies
medium.com
January 27, 2026 at 3:19 PM
A trio of new studies, + some not yet published, reveal how admitting wrongness builds trust and credibility, across just about any situation. Works for scientists, professors, in the workplace and with romantic relationships. I explore why we all (yes, all of us) struggle to say "I was wrong."
What Google's AI search says about this common sports drink ingredient: "Taurine supplements [have] potential benefits including blood pressure regulation, reduced oxidative stress, and improved metabolic health." In a word: misleading. This neuroscientist explains the actual facts.
Are Taurine’s Benefits Just a Bunch of Bull?
Brains and muscles contain a lot of taurine, but evidence that taurine adds much to sports/energy drinks is sparse
medium.com
January 27, 2026 at 3:06 PM
What Google's AI search says about this common sports drink ingredient: "Taurine supplements [have] potential benefits including blood pressure regulation, reduced oxidative stress, and improved metabolic health." In a word: misleading. This neuroscientist explains the actual facts.
We men are struggling to adapt to a culture in which gender roles have morphed suddenly, dramatically. But we don't want to talk about it, as feelings are not our strong suit. This psychologist isn't afraid to discuss the whole thing frankly, and she offers us some great advice.
What’s Wrong with Men?
Men struggle throughout their lifespan. Their hidden pain often goes unnoticed.
medium.com
January 26, 2026 at 4:40 PM
We men are struggling to adapt to a culture in which gender roles have morphed suddenly, dramatically. But we don't want to talk about it, as feelings are not our strong suit. This psychologist isn't afraid to discuss the whole thing frankly, and she offers us some great advice.
I marvel at people who seemed to always know what they wanted to do with their lives, what they wanted to be when they grew up. Artists, actors and athletes are among those who claim that’s what they’d always dreamed of being. I was never like that. Now I'm 63, and I finally figured it out. You?
What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?
A serious question for grown-ass adults (like me, who’s figured it out at 63)
medium.com
January 22, 2026 at 11:22 PM
I marvel at people who seemed to always know what they wanted to do with their lives, what they wanted to be when they grew up. Artists, actors and athletes are among those who claim that’s what they’d always dreamed of being. I was never like that. Now I'm 63, and I finally figured it out. You?
New research shows that for longevity, choosing a variety of activities - whether it involves common daily activities like walking or doing chores, or engaging in more vigorous workouts like yoga, running or team sports - appears to be superior to picking one primary method of movement.
What’s the Best Type of Physical Activity?
Science is reframing how we should think about exercise
medium.com
January 20, 2026 at 11:50 PM
New research shows that for longevity, choosing a variety of activities - whether it involves common daily activities like walking or doing chores, or engaging in more vigorous workouts like yoga, running or team sports - appears to be superior to picking one primary method of movement.
There's been a lot of news the past few years about the nutritional benefits (and possible risks) of dark chocolate. New research adds an encouraging dollop of evidence to an emerging "best bet" that modest amounts, especially of dark chocolate, can be pretty good for you.
The Sweetest Anti-Aging News I’ve Heard in a While
People with higher blood levels of a common chocolate compound showed signs of slower biological aging, new research finds.
medium.com
January 20, 2026 at 4:39 PM
There's been a lot of news the past few years about the nutritional benefits (and possible risks) of dark chocolate. New research adds an encouraging dollop of evidence to an emerging "best bet" that modest amounts, especially of dark chocolate, can be pretty good for you.
A relative of mine recently took an online mental health test that returned a "superpower score." I know these tests to be bogus, and I said so. Such evals should be done in person by physicians, psychologists or psychiatrists. But what if the tests THEY use yield inaccurate results?
Modern Health Care Asks the Wrong Questions
A questionnaire purporting to measure depression reveals bigger problems with our mental health and medical systems, and our approach to…
medium.com
January 19, 2026 at 3:57 PM
A relative of mine recently took an online mental health test that returned a "superpower score." I know these tests to be bogus, and I said so. Such evals should be done in person by physicians, psychologists or psychiatrists. But what if the tests THEY use yield inaccurate results?
This week's Wise & Well newsletter:
>Bamboo as Health Food?
>How Inflammation Cancels Joy
>Do You Need Vitamin D Supplements?
>How to Build Your ‘Courage Muscle’
>Fitness Resolutions Fill Emergency Rooms
>Weighted Vests Are Popular. Do They Work?
>Stress vs. Anxiety: How to Know Which is Bugging You
>Bamboo as Health Food?
>How Inflammation Cancels Joy
>Do You Need Vitamin D Supplements?
>How to Build Your ‘Courage Muscle’
>Fitness Resolutions Fill Emergency Rooms
>Weighted Vests Are Popular. Do They Work?
>Stress vs. Anxiety: How to Know Which is Bugging You
Wise & Well Weekly 01.16.26
Bamboo as health food? Plus more wellness feature stories
medium.com
January 16, 2026 at 6:04 PM
This week's Wise & Well newsletter:
>Bamboo as Health Food?
>How Inflammation Cancels Joy
>Do You Need Vitamin D Supplements?
>How to Build Your ‘Courage Muscle’
>Fitness Resolutions Fill Emergency Rooms
>Weighted Vests Are Popular. Do They Work?
>Stress vs. Anxiety: How to Know Which is Bugging You
>Bamboo as Health Food?
>How Inflammation Cancels Joy
>Do You Need Vitamin D Supplements?
>How to Build Your ‘Courage Muscle’
>Fitness Resolutions Fill Emergency Rooms
>Weighted Vests Are Popular. Do They Work?
>Stress vs. Anxiety: How to Know Which is Bugging You
A lot of people don't get enough of vitamin D (often because they live where the sun don't shine much). Doesn't mean YOU need a supplement. This family doc explains in plain terms how to know (and which type of D to take if you need it).
Most People Don’t Benefit From Vitamin D Supplements. Here’s Who Might.
Personalized dosing may be the key to improved health outcomes, especially in those with heart disease, new research suggests
medium.com
January 15, 2026 at 9:07 PM
A lot of people don't get enough of vitamin D (often because they live where the sun don't shine much). Doesn't mean YOU need a supplement. This family doc explains in plain terms how to know (and which type of D to take if you need it).
Quite a shift... "majorities of Gen Z adults and millennials identified as political independents" ... and slightly more of them lean Democratic vs. leaning Republican. news.gallup.com/poll/700499/...
January 15, 2026 at 12:02 AM
Quite a shift... "majorities of Gen Z adults and millennials identified as political independents" ... and slightly more of them lean Democratic vs. leaning Republican. news.gallup.com/poll/700499/...
Reposted by Robert Roy Britt
#Breaking: SAMHSA canceled up to $1.9 billion in grants without staff consultation, accelerating the mental health agency's deterioration under President Trump. www.statnews.com/2026/01/14/s...
Trump administration cuts up to $1.9 billion from mental health and addiction treatment programs
SAMHSA canceled up to $1.9 billion in grants without staff consultation, accelerating the mental health agency's deterioration under President Trump.
www.statnews.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:15 PM
#Breaking: SAMHSA canceled up to $1.9 billion in grants without staff consultation, accelerating the mental health agency's deterioration under President Trump. www.statnews.com/2026/01/14/s...
Our favorite octogenarian physician/writer has plenty experience with the flu, including insight into how the vaccine and one particular flu treatment medication are helpful even if you do catch the bug, as he recently did.
As Flu Cases Surge, a Doctor Explains What You Need to Know
How to protect yourself from all the respiratory infections you don’t want to catch
medium.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:32 PM
Our favorite octogenarian physician/writer has plenty experience with the flu, including insight into how the vaccine and one particular flu treatment medication are helpful even if you do catch the bug, as he recently did.
Often, what we think of as stress is actually anxiety. And while they both manifest similarly, each has distinct causes and mechanisms. Importantly, if you're dealing with anxiety, trying to battle stress isn't the right remedy. So I talked to experts to sort this all out for myself, and for you.
Stress vs. Anxiety: How to Know Which is Bugging You
Anxiety and stress are totally different things, but they often overlap. Knowing the difference is key to shaking those negative feelings.
medium.com
January 13, 2026 at 11:04 PM
Often, what we think of as stress is actually anxiety. And while they both manifest similarly, each has distinct causes and mechanisms. Importantly, if you're dealing with anxiety, trying to battle stress isn't the right remedy. So I talked to experts to sort this all out for myself, and for you.
Give a rat some saccharine, with a side order of nausea booster, and it'll never want saccharine again. That's classical condition, similar to Pavlov's dog experiments. Similar things happen in humans, whereby the nervous system and immune system talk to and influence each other. And...
A Surprising Buzzkill: How Inflammation Cancels Joy
Anhedonia, the inability to enjoy, is increasingly linked to inflammation in the body. Exactly why remains a bit mysterious.
medium.com
January 13, 2026 at 2:43 PM
Give a rat some saccharine, with a side order of nausea booster, and it'll never want saccharine again. That's classical condition, similar to Pavlov's dog experiments. Similar things happen in humans, whereby the nervous system and immune system talk to and influence each other. And...
As a teen in the '70s, I remember wearing ankle weights and wrist weights to, supposedly, make me stronger. Mostly just made my joints hurt. So I was surprised to learn weighted vests are suddenly popular, as people try to maximize exercise to build muscle or lose weight.
Weighted Vests Are Suddenly Popular. Do They Work?
A health and exercise expert explains the potential benefits (and limitations) of this fitness fad
medium.com
January 12, 2026 at 11:13 PM
As a teen in the '70s, I remember wearing ankle weights and wrist weights to, supposedly, make me stronger. Mostly just made my joints hurt. So I was surprised to learn weighted vests are suddenly popular, as people try to maximize exercise to build muscle or lose weight.