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).
-
Horny and Hungry: The Dilemma of Sexual Cannibalism
In some species, the phrase “I could eat you up” between lovers has a very literal meaning. Let’s check out the stories behind sexual cannibalism, the strange and intriguing behavior where males become meals!
-
Midnight Snacks Could Be the Death of You
What time you’re eating may be more influential than what you’re eating, according to a collaborator of Nobel Prize recipients.
-
Secrets of the Soil: Searching for Stories from a Warming Climate
Get the “dirt” on one grad student’s “hot” work.
-
Where do fish go in winter?
When the weather gets unbearably cold and the waters freeze, what do the fish do?
-
Single Large or Several Small? The Ongoing Debate in Nature Preserve Design
Should we use limited resources for fewer large nature preserves, or a patchwork of smaller ones?
-
Fishing towards conservation
Anglers are vital advocates for their beloved waters; some decide to leave fish in the rivers and off the dinner table.
-
Being selfish means staying alive
When I say altruism, you probably think of giving to others. As humans, we admire when someone acts altruistic and consider altruism to be a good personality trait. Why then, is true altruism in the animal kingdom rare?
-
Extract DNA from any living thing
DNA Extraction is easier than you might think – you can even try it in your kitchen at home!
-
Research Highlight: Making Brain Cells
Research Highlight: As a Ph.D. student, I get to grow brain cells!
-
Distilling Complexity in Three Minutes; The UMass 3MT Competition
The UMass 3-Minute Thesis is back! During #3MT competition, grad students explain their research in 180 seconds. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll learn something!
-
Know Your Enemy: The Differences Between Bacteria and Viruses
Pathogenic microbes are everywhere, but before you reach for those antibiotics, it’s important to know the cause of illness for proper treatment when you’re feeling your worst.
-
Why the Sea Salt Fad Could Be Very Bad
Though it can be prettier and tastier than your average iodized salt, gourmet salt is unfortunately lacking a huge health benefit.