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. Materials Science

    Will bacterial ‘wires’ one day power your phone?

    An accidental discovery helps scientists generate electricity out of thin —but humid — air with bacteria-made protein nanowires.

  2. Environment

    Pesticides can have long-term impact on bumblebee learning

    Pesticide-laced nectar and pollen can permanently harm the brains of baby bumblebees.

  3. Brain

    Sleep helps teens cope with discrimination

    Good sleep helps teens better deal with racial and ethnic discrimination.

  4. Health & Medicine

    New ultrasound treatment kills off cancer cells

    Low-frequency ultrasound destroys cancer cells while leaving most healthy cells intact.

  5. Animals

    Conservation is going to the dogs

    Scientists are now training dogs to help track rare, elusive — and sometimes invasive — plants and animals.

  6. Brain

    Zapping the brain may make it work right again

    Sending electrical zaps to electrodes implanted deep in the brain can help people with Parkinson’s disease, depression and even obsessive-compulsive disorder.

  7. Chemistry

    Converting trash to valuable graphene in a flash

    Flash heating of carbon-rich wastes creates graphene, which has many commercial uses.

  8. Health & Medicine

    New spray gel moves drugs deep to treat frostbite

    New gel spray sends healing ingredients deep into frostbite injuries to promote healing.

  9. Oceans

    Healthy coral reef sounds attract fish searching for a home

    Playing the sounds of a healthy reef can help attract fish to dying corals, helping rebuild their community.

  10. Brain

    As teens gain weight, they find high-fat foods less pleasurable

    Teens who gained excess weight showed less activity in the brain’s reward center when viewing or tasting foods with lots of fat.

  11. Animals

    Standing out helps barn owls on the hunt

    White barn owls are more successful hunters than red ones — at least when the moon is full.

  12. Earth

    Air pollution intensifies a teen’s feeling of stress

    Living where the air is dirty may make tough situations even more stressful — especially for teens suffering from anxiety or depression.