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. Life

    When two hyenas get the giggles

    Laughs of higher-status individuals are more posh, a study in a captive colony suggests.

  2. Life

    Tortoise see, tortoise do

    Though they rarely meet, solitary creatures can pick up skills by example.

  3. Humans

    Wildlife trade meeting disappoints marine scientists

    The 15th meeting of signatories to the CITES treaty ended on March 25 without passing several proposals to protect high-profile fish species.

  4. Life

    Hawaiian caterpillars are first known amphibious insects

    Developing underwater or above, it’s all good for moths that evolved new lifestyle in the islands

  5. Life

    There are rules in fiddler crab fight club

    Territorial crustaceans will defend their own rivals, but only to keep stronger ones out.

  6. Life

    Ingredients of hagfish slime revealed

    Figuring out the ingredients still doesn’t explain how the fishes avoid premature mucus explosions

  7. Life

    Chicken cells have strong sense of sexual identity

    In birds, hormones may not be the last word in determining males and females.

  8. Earth

    Country ants make it big in the city

    Odorous house ants act like invading aliens when they discover urban living.

  9. Life

    Rise of female weaponry driven by poop fights

    Motherly fights for excrement in one species of dung beetle have favored the evolution of a special female horn.

  10. Plants

    Losing life’s variety

    2010 is the deadline set for reversing declines in biodiversity,  but little has been accomplished.

  11. Life

    Ultraviolet freckles start fish fights

    Two damselfish species use short wavelengths to recognize rivals’ spots.

  12. Life

    Bacterial neighbors get mean

    Strains of the same species growing just meters apart can do a lot of damage to each other — and to themselves.