That’s Life [Science] is a free source of articles spanning the realm of the life sciences and more. It was created by an interdisciplinary collective of graduate students who strive to provide readily accessible information about STEM to the general public. While That’s Life [Science] began with a focus on life at its many levels (from molecules to entire ecosystems, and the evolutionary history, behavior, physiology, and ecology of life), we’ve broadened our scope to examine other science topics including chemistry, astronomy, and physics. If you want to learn about who you’re sharing the planet with and how, check out Earth’s Organisms and Our Ecosystems. If you’re curious about a new disease, odd animal behavior, or orbital dynamics, we’ll show you How It Works. Come with us to our labs and field sites in Grad School Diaries to see what day-to-day life is like as a scientist. Join us as we explore the world through the lens of science!
TLS articles do not represent the views of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the UMass Amherst Graduate Student Organizations, or any affiliated groups or persons beyond the individual author(s) of each article. To receive TLS articles in your inbox, enter your email below, and check for a confirmation email (might be in your spam folder).
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Do Bees Wash Their Hands? Social Immunity in the Insect World
Honey bees are highly social, just like us – and like humans, they can easily spread pathogens in their close-knit group. Luckily, they have fascinating “social immunity” strategies to bolster their defenses against pathogens and parasites.
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Searching for Water During Shortage: Assessing Water Resource Management Strategies
Where can we turn in the search for more water? While modern usage may strain natural resources, modern technologies can also be employed to help find, conserve, and manage water stores.
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When You Gotta Go: Carnivorous Plant or Shrew Loo?
Ever heard of a shrew using the loo? Learn about the unique relationship between a carnivorous pitcher plant and shrew in the mountains of Borneo.
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Freezing and Thawing: How Animals in the Campus Pond Survived Winter Under the Ice
Imagine what it might be like trying to survive all winter at the bottom of the icy frozen campus pond.
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Hit the (Forest) Floor – The Importance of Leaf Litter
We’ve learned about leaf color change in part 1, and why trees lose their leaves in part 2. Now join me on our final journey – what happens once leaves hit the ground – and find out how you can make a difference for wildlife in your own backyard!
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Why Isn’t There A Cure For Cancer?
Cancer is a leading cause of death for humans, and finding a cure is a top priority for researchers. So why is it that we still don’t have a cure?
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The Big Blue in Amherst: A Look Into UMass Amherst’s Gloucester Marine Station
Come find out how researchers are able to study the ocean and its animals in Amherst!
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Seeking Hope In The Modern Era of Climate Science
Following a disastrous year for the sciences, climate grief is on the rise. How can we as individuals stay motivated in a fight that feels so much bigger than us?
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Drop It Like It’s Fall – Why Do Trees Lose Their Leaves?
The leaves have changed color, but now they’re falling to the ground! Why do trees lose their leaves at all? Grab a cup of tea and find out!
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Sniffles and Sneezes: Why We Fall Ill in the Fall
Why does everyone get sick in the fall? Find out why this happens, and learn ways to protect ourselves from this season’s cold spell!
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Beautifall – The Science of Autumn Leaf Color
Ever wondered about what makes fall color fabulous? Grab a pumpkin spice latte and join me in the forest to find out!
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Can we eat our way out of biological invasions?
Eating invasive species might be one way to reduce their populations. Does it work?