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. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Materials Science

    Reversible superglue mimics snail slime

    Inspired by snail slime, scientists have created the first super-strong adhesive that can be easily become unstuck, when necessary.

  4. Brain

    The color of body fat might affect how trim people are

    Brown fat burns calories to keep us warm. Researchers are searching for ways to boost it to help fight obesity and diabetes.

  5. Psychology

    Social media doesn’t, by itself, make teens unhappy or anxious

    Checking social media frequently doesn’t necessarily cause unhappiness, a new study finds. Sleep, exercise and cyberbullying are also key.

  6. Health & Medicine

    Don’t snooze on getting enough sleep

    Sleeping the right amount at night is good for mental and physical health. Ironically, napping isn’t always helpful.

  7. Materials Science

    Trees may become the key to ‘greener’ foam products

    Scientists have made an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic-based foams to help keep things cool.

  8. Tech

    Ocean energy could be the wave of the future

    Energy systems that turn the power of ocean waves into electrical energy could be on the horizon — or pumping away near the sea floor.

  9. Psychology

    Art can make science easier to remember

    Students who learn science using art remember what they learned longer than those in regular classes.

  10. Chemistry

    Shape-shifting chemical is key to new solar battery

    Storing solar energy is a challenge. A new, shape-shifting molecule may provide a solution.

  11. Health & Medicine

    Teens who play violent video games aren’t any more violent

    A careful new study shows that teens who play violent video games are no more aggressive than other teens.

  12. Psychology

    What part of us knows right from wrong?

    Our conscience may have evolved from our need to cooperate. Scientists are learning where the brain’s moral centers are, and how they make us human.