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. Life

    Hawaii’s honeyeater birds tricked taxonomists

    DNA from old museum specimens reveals evolutionary look-alikes.

  2. Life

    Study raises worries for zoo-born elephants

    Study of captive-born females finds big survival gap between zoo natives and elephants in native ranges.

  3. Animals

    Dogs will go on strike over unfair treats

    Equal sausage demanded for equal paw shakes.

  4. Health & Medicine

    Honeybee CSI: Why dead bodies can’t be found

    Virus could explain one symptom of colony collapse.

  5. Life

    Funny smell may have split bee species

    Among male bees that create their own perfume, a change in the sense of smell might mean a split in species.

  6. Animals

    Forensics’ next tool: Hair-collecting caterpillars

    First human DNA extraction from hair bits in moth larval case.

  7. Life

    Morse Toad: When amphibians tap their toes

    Toe wiggling creates motions, vibrations that get potential prey moving.

  8. Animals

    Bat syndrome’s telltale white nose-mold new to science

    Newly cultured fungus named as a suspect in deadly white-nose syndrome

  9. Life

    Salmon study: Dammed or not

    Columbia River salmon have troubles all right, but dams may no longer top the list.

  10. Animals

    Not Your Father’s Song

    The next generation of birds chooses its music.

  11. Animals

    Honeybees still at risk

    Bees still suffering from colony collapse disorder.

  12. Animals

    Spider males good for mating, food

    Expectant mothers, including spiders, need to eat well. For Mediterranean tarantulas, a male suitor tastes just fine.