Clarissa Brincat

Clarissa Brincat

Live Science Contributor

Clarissa Brincat is a freelance writer specializing in health and medical research. After completing an MSc in chemistry, she realized she would rather write about science than do it. She learned how to edit scientific papers in a stint as a chemistry copyeditor, before moving on to a medical writer role at a healthcare company. Writing for doctors and experts has its rewards, but Clarissa wanted to communicate with a wider audience, which naturally led her to freelance health and science writing. Her work has also appeared in Medscape, HealthCentral and Medical News Today.

Articles by: Clarissa Brincat

Closeup of black licorice candy

How does licorice interfere with medications?

By Clarissa Brincat published

Eating licorice regularly, in large quantities or with certain medications can cause serious side effects. But why is that?

A pile of charcoal

Does activated charcoal interact with medication?

By Clarissa Brincat published

Activated charcoal can reduce the effectiveness of certain medications. But why is that?

A close-up of a young boy drinking a glass of milk

Why does dairy make antibiotics less effective?

By Clarissa Brincat published

Dairy products can affect the way certain medications work. But why?

An old hand holding a fork, eating a plate of leafy green vegetables and chickpeas

Why do leafy green vegetables interact with blood thinners?

By Clarissa Brincat published

Leafy green vegetables can affect the way certain anticoagulant (blood thinning) medications work. But why?

A close-up of grapefruit wedges

How does grapefruit interact with drugs?

By Clarissa Brincat published

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can affect the amount of medication that reaches the bloodstream. But why?

Nocardia bacteria colonies grown on petri dish.

What's the difference between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria?

By Clarissa Brincat published

There are two main types of bacteria, and these categories reflect the microbes' biology and their vulnerability to different antibiotics.

photo of a man running outside along a beach, holding his side as if in pain

What causes you to get a 'stitch in your side'?

By Clarissa Brincat published

Many people are familiar with the sharp pain that can strike beneath your rib cage during exercise. But what causes it?

Small dog sniffing big dog's butt

Why do dogs sniff each other's butts?

By Clarissa Brincat published

And like dogs, why do cats also sniff fellow felines' behinds?

Color coded diagram of different cell types within a developing heart on a black background.

Never-before-seen cells unveiled in detailed map of developing human heart

By Clarissa Brincat published

The most comprehensive cell "atlas" of the developing human heart to date was crafted using cutting-edge technology and includes never-before-seen cell types.

Close up on an older person's hands as they pour out a large quantity of soft gel vitamins into their palm

Is it possible to have too many antioxidants?

By Clarissa Brincat published

Antioxidants have long been touted as disease-fighting molecules, and it's easy to assume that the more of them you eat, the healthier you will be. But research shows that larger doses can actually be harmful.