Peer-Reviewed Research Publications

Advancing the scientific understanding of cardiovascular health, thermal stress, and autonomic function. Dr. Watso’s federally funded research encompasses over 65 publications in premier medical and physiological journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, and Hypertension.

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Global News Research Features & Expert Commentary

Dr. Watso’s federally funded research and expert commentary have been featured across premier international news organizations:

 
 
 

Public Science Communication

Podcast Guest Appearances


VO2max: What it is and Why it Matters



Exploring Cardiovascular Health and Ultra Marathon Running


Health Behaviors to Lower Blood Pressure - Exercise, Sodium, Alcohol, etc.


Podcast Co-Host for Physiology Unraveled

Co-host Dr. Jorge Granados and I unravel human physiology, health, performance, and biomedical careers.

 

Science Writing

Featured
STAY COOL WITH SUNCREEN, EVEN ON THE MOVE

Sunscreen is thought to impair exercise performance by worsening body heat strain, but new research suggests sunscreen is not bad for body heat regulation. This post was originally featured on "I Spy Physiology" on May 22nd, 2024. (3 min read)

A NEW WAY TO 'BEET' HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Beetroot juice prevents blood pressure from increasing with a high salt diet in rats. Learn about why beets may also do so in humans. This post was originally featured on "I Spy Physiology" on March 15th, 2023. (3 min read)

MAKING SENSE OF SALT SENSING

Some cities in the U.S. are starting to post sodium warnings in restaurants. You might wonder how our bodies know how much salt is too much. This post was originally featured on "I Spy Physiology" on May 18th, 2022. (3 min read)

WANT TO LOWER YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE? JUST BREATHE (IN)

Study finds that a new breathing exercise lowers blood pressure and improves cardiovascular function. This post was originally featured on "I Spy Physiology" on July 14th, 2021. (3 min read)

GIVING SUGAR THE RUN-AROUND: HOW EXERCISE PROTECTS BLOOD VESSELS FROM SUGARY DRINKS

Study finds that regular exercise prevents the negative effects of sugar-sweetened beverages on blood vessel function. This post was originally featured on "I Spy Physiology" on December 17th, 2020. (2 min read)

IS DROPPING JUNK FOOD THE KEY TO WEIGHT LOSS? (YES)

A new NIH study suggests ultra-processed foods contribute to overeating and weight gain. Read more to learn about how food quality might affect weight status. This post was originally featured on "I Spy Physiology" on April 1st, 2020. (2 min read)

HOW OUR BODY STAYS COOL IN THE HEAT AND WHAT CHANGES AS WE AGE

Heat waves are growing increasingly intense and frequent. Read more to learn about how our body deals with the heat. This post was originally featured on "I Spy Physiology" on August 8th, 2019. (2 min read)

FOUR MORE REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD EXERCISE REGULARLY

Aside from the well-known benefits of regular exercise on leading a long and healthy life, there are other important advantages that may surprise you. This post was originally featured on "I Spy Physiology" on October 4th, 2018. (2 min read)

EXERCISE BLOOD FLOW REGULATION IN HEALTH & DISEASE

Learn about how our body directs blood flow to exercising muscles, and how it changes in disease states like heart failure and peripheral artery disease. This blog was originally featured on the ACSM Blog on October 3th, 2018. (3 min read)

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF WHILE YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR GARDEN

Enjoy the outdoors and the (literal) fruits of your labor this spring, but do so with a water bottle in hand. This post was originally featured on "I Spy Physiology" on April 11th, 2018. (2 min read)