Alison Pearce Stevens

Freelance Writer

Alison Pearce Stevens is a former duck wrangler, beekeeper and forever science geek who specializes in writing about science and nature for kids. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, their two kids and a small menagerie of cuddly (and not-so cuddly) critters. She writes for Science News Explores, Highlights, ASK (Arts and Sciences for Kids) magazine and National Geographic Kids' Books. Her next book, Rhinos in Nebraska, comes out in 2021. She is also an avid gardener who can often be found in her yard, checking out the critters that call it home.

All Stories by Alison Pearce Stevens

  1. Brain

    Learning rewires the brain

    Brain cells actually change shape as we learn. It’s one way we cement new knowledge. And much of the action happens as we sleep.

  2. Health & Medicine

    Starchy foods may cut meaty risks

    Eating red meat can increase the risk of certain types of cancer. But scientists have discovered that eating potatoes and other foods containing 'resistant' starch can help limit those risks.

  3. Plants

    Saving the banana

    A number of diseases threaten the world’s most popular fruit. Scientists are working to fight these blights. But if they don’t succeed, the sweet banana that’s a breakfast staple could disappear.

  4. Brain

    Lacrosse: Different genders, same injuries

    Scientists find that boys’ and girls’ versions of lacrosse lead to similar injuries. Because girls frequently get concussions, the study argues that like the boys, girls too should wear helmets.

  5. Health & Medicine

    For better weight control, fiber up!

    Certain types of fiber suppress appetite, at least in mice. Found in fruits, vegetables, oats and barley, this fiber breaks down in the gut to release acetate. That travels to the brain, where the chemical prompts the release of hunger-fighting hormones.

  6. Health & Medicine

    Infected cutting boards

    Germs can hitchhike into the kitchen on meat and many types of produce. A new study finds that some of those germs are particularly nasty. They are immune to the one or more of the drugs doctors would prescribe to wipe out the infection.

  7. Climate

    Mapping our carbon footprints

    Population density can determine how much of an impact modern communities have on the climate.

  8. Agriculture

    How to limit the need for pesticides

    The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests taking steps to limit children’s exposure to pesticides.

  9. Animals

    Why are bees vanishing?

    Scientists find evidence that pesticides, disease and other threats are devastating bees. And that could hurt farmers big time.

  10. Life

    Caught in the act

    Scientists observe some evolutionary speed demons as they adapt over the course of just a few years to new environmental conditions.

  11. Microbes

    Some dirt won’t hurt

    It could even lower risks of serious allergic disease.

  12. Life

    Explainer: What is a stem cell?

    Special cells have ability to turn into several different types

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