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

    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.

  2. Chemistry

    Converting trash to valuable graphene in a flash

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

  3. Health & Medicine

    New spray gel moves drugs deep to treat frostbite

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

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.