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.
Trustworthy journalism comes at a price.
Scientists and journalists share a core belief in questioning, observing and verifying to reach the truth. Science News reports on crucial research and discovery across science disciplines. We need your financial support to make it happen – every contribution makes a difference.
All Stories by Susan Milius
-
LifeSea 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.
-
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.
-
LifeMoss counters shortness with A-bomb-style clouds
Sphagnum overcomes drag by launching its spores in vortex rings.
-
ClimateWarming has already boosted insect breeding
Museum records, publications suggest extra generations at same time as temperature increases
-
LifeSexual conflict takes shape in ducks
Up-close view of male ducks reveals extreme speed and extreme conflict.
-
LifeDo-it-yourself bed-bug detector
With bed-bug numbers on the rise in North America, researchers test homemade bug finders.
-
LifeVirus makes plants lie to insects
Infected squash plants smell delicious but taste terrible – perfect combination for tricking aphids into spreading disease
-
No one villain behind honey-bee colony collapse
Many factors may interact to bring on the mysterious honey-bee colony collapse disorder.
-
LifeWhen feminine beauty thrives on competition
Gorgeous plumage for both starling sexes comes from rivalry in co-op nests
-
HumansAnother livestock drug endangers vultures
After one veterinary NSAID almost wiped out vultures in South Asia, one of the possible replacements turns out to be toxic too.
-
LifeBird feeding, migration could be splitting a species
German birds that spend the off-season at U.K. birdfeeders now look slightly different from neighbors that migrate to Spain
-
AnimalsLittle push turns snail lefties to righties
Bumping an early embryo’s cells can switch the direction of its spiral.