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. Health & Medicine

    The power of ‘like’

    A single “like” on a social-media post can make it much more popular, which can influence how teens behave.

  2. Health & Medicine

    Social media: What’s not to like?

    Social media can help teens connect with friends and family. Sometimes, however, it may leave them feeling depressed or isolated.

  3. Health & Medicine

    Mindfulness in eating pays the body big dividends

    Schools are starting to use mindful eating in the classroom — and science shows that it can reduce overeating and improve overall health.

  4. Environment

    Night lights have a dark side

    Artificial light at night not only affects our view of the night sky, but also has the ability to impair animal behaviors — and probably our health.

  5. Psychology

    Think you’re not biased? Think again

    Everyone holds some unconscious bias about certain social groups, even when they don’t mean to. Scientists are learning how people can fight such implicit biases.

  6. Environment

    Plastic trash rides ocean currents to the Arctic

    Ocean currents can carry plastic trash far from the cities that shed it. Some plastic debris has made it all of the way to the Arctic Ocean, new data show.

  7. Health & Medicine

    Tattoos: The good, the bad and the bumpy

    Tattoos and their inks can cause regrets and allergic reactions. But here’s a surprise: Some inked body art may actually benefit health by boosting its host’s immune system.

  8. Psychology

    Noticing mistakes boosts learning

    People who pay attention to their mistakes are more likely to do better the next time, data show.

  9. Psychology

    Teens make riskier decisions than children or adults

    Teens may make risky decisions in part because they don’t care about uncertainty.

  10. Health & Medicine

    Violence spreads like a virus

    New research shows that the friends of violent teens are much more likely to become violent themselves.

  11. Psychology

    What makes a pretty face?

    Beautiful faces are symmetrical and average. Do we prefer them because this makes them easier for our brains to process?

  12. Health & Medicine

    What is IQ — and how much does it matter?

    Studies reveal that intelligence — and success in life — depend on more than what IQ tests measure.