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.
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All Stories by Susan Milius
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Life
Human noise may distract animals
When boats roar, hermit crabs slip up and let predators get extra close
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Earth
Florida’s big chill may have hammered corals near shore
January cold snap caused rare wintertime coral bleaching and die-offs for Florida’s coral reefs.
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Life
For pipefish, measly Mr. Mom needs help
In species with pregnant males, females may put something extra into eggs.
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Life
Soybean genome turns out to be soysoybeanbean
The plant's newly sequenced genetic blueprint includes a surprising number of spare copies.
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Life
Sea slug steals genes for greens, makes chlorophyll like a plant
A sea slug, long known as a kidnapper of algal biochemistry, can make its own supply of a key photosynthetic compound.
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Milius versus the bed bugs
Science News writer Susan Milius experiences the perils of knowing what bed bug scientists do in their own hotel rooms.
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Life
Moss counters shortness with A-bomb-style clouds
Sphagnum overcomes drag by launching its spores in vortex rings.
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Climate
Warming has already boosted insect breeding
Museum records, publications suggest extra generations at same time as temperature increases
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Life
Sexual conflict takes shape in ducks
Up-close view of male ducks reveals extreme speed and extreme conflict.
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Life
Do-it-yourself bed-bug detector
With bed-bug numbers on the rise in North America, researchers test homemade bug finders.
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Life
Virus makes plants lie to insects
Infected squash plants smell delicious but taste terrible – perfect combination for tricking aphids into spreading disease
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No one villain behind honey-bee colony collapse
Many factors may interact to bring on the mysterious honey-bee colony collapse disorder.