Susan Milius

Susan Milius

Life Sciences Writer

Life sciences writer Susan Milius has been writing about botany, zoology and ecology for Science News since the last millennium. She worked at diverse publications before breaking into science writing and editing. After stints on the staffs of The Scientist, Science, International Wildlife and United Press International, she joined Science News. Three of Susan's articles have been selected to appear in editions of The Best American Science Writing.

All Stories by Susan Milius

  1. Little Brains That Could: Bees show big-time working memory

    Even though a honeybee's brain could fit on the head of a match, the creature's working memory is nearly as effective as that of a pigeon or a monkey.

  2. Animals

    Why a turkey helps a pal find a mate

    A new study shows how the classic idea of kin selection could explain why male turkeys cruise in pairs, even though only one of them will win a mate.

  3. Animals

    Big Mimics: African elephants can learn to copy sounds

    Two captive African elephants—one rumbling like a truck and the other chirping like a different elephant species—show they may be the first land mammals other than primates to learn vocal imitations.

  4. Animals

    Ant larvae sway to say, ‘Feed me!’

    The most detailed study yet of body language of ant larvae translates a swaying motion as begging for food and a chance at a better future.

  5. Animals

    Cops with Six Legs

    Insects commit crimes against their colonies, and researchers are taking a closer look at how these six-legged criminals get punished.

  6. Animals

    Vampires Run: Bats on treadmills show high-speed gait

    The first test of vampire bats on a treadmill shows that they've evolved their own style of running.

  7. Animals

    Picky-eater termites choose good vibes

    Good vibrations may have a lot to do with which pieces of wood a termite attacks.

  8. Bacterial Nanny: Beewolf grows microbe for protecting young

    A European wasp leaves a smear of bacteria near each of her eggs as protection against the perils of youth.

  9. Animals

    Shortcut to Big Heart: Pythons build cardiac muscle in record time

    A Burmese python can boost its cardiac fitness—by bulking up its heart muscle 40 percent in two days—just by eating.

  10. Animals

    The Old Crowd: Minke whales have long thrived in Antarctic seas

    Genetic studies of whale meat from Tokyo grocery stores appear to strengthen the case for protecting Antarctica's minke whales against renewed hunting.

  11. Humans

    Bushmeat on the Menu

    Studies of the bushmeat trade reveal that such meat appeals to people who can't afford anything else and to prestige seekers who certainly can.

  12. Animals

    Hour of Babble: Young birds sing badly in the morning

    Young zebra finches do badly at song practice for the first few hours after they wake up but then recover, and even improve, their musical skills.