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).

  • Is Milk Bad for Me? Finding Scientific Truths in the “Post-Truth” Era.

    With so much false scientific information floating around online, how do I separate the truth from the dumpster fires?

  • Sleeping One Hemisphere at a Time

    Did you know it’s possible for only half of your brain to sleep while the other half stays awake? Why would anyone do that?

  • 3D Printing for Fun and Science

    Almost any conceivable object can now be 3D printed into reality. The process is fun and futuristic, but it’s also opening new doors for biological research.

  • The Story of Chestnuts in North America: How a Forest Giant Disappeared from American Forests and Culture

    The American Chestnut once dominated forests along the eastern seaboard of the United States. Where did they go, and will they ever return to their former glory?

  • Vaginas and clitoris: why the study of the reproductive morphologyof females is important

    De vaginas y clitoris: por que es importante el estudio de la morfologia reproductiva de las hembras What shapes sexual organ morphology and their function? This month we are excited to host Dr. Patty Brennan to share her work which explores female vertebrate genitalia and why is is important to do basic science. Join us…

  • Urban Trees with Dr. Jess Gersony

    Come join us April 27th, for another amazing Science Cafe! This month we are hosting Dr. Jess Gersony who is going to talk to us about the wonderful world of trees! Join us at the Amherst Women’s Club or virtually on Zoom. If you are joining us on Zoom, please register here!

  • International Transgender Day of Visibility: Science is on the side of the Trans community

    On this incredibly important day we want to highlight some trans individuals who helped shape science. We feel it is important to remember that trans individuals have always been here and they are an integral part of our communities and the history of science. While we have only picked out a few to highlight today…

  • Dirty Details with Dr. Kristen DeAngelis

    Come join us for another great Science Cafe! This week we are getting into all the dirty details on soil microbes and how they are related to climate change. Join us at the Amherst Women’s Club or virtually on Zoom. If you are joining us on Zoom, please register here!

  • Black history doesn’t end with Black History Month

    In honor of Black History Month coming to a close, we are spotlighting influential Black cell biologists from the past and present with the hopes of inspiring the Black cell biologists of the future.  Here is a list of Black cell biologists who have (and are currently!) making a difference in their fields and beyond.…

  • Movers and Shakers: A cell biology panel

    Come help us kick-off another great season of Life Science Cafe! This season we are starting with three great scientists who are joining us to talk about their work in cell biology. If you are going to be attending on zoom please register here!

  • Save the Date!

    Welcome back to another great season of Life Science Cafe! We have been busy planning events that will be in-person and streaming live to for our virtual audience. We have four incredible events lined up, the last of which will be held in Spanish with live english translation.   Join us this season as we welcome some…

  • Dr. Ana Caicedo Follow-up Post

    Thank you everyone who joined in person or virtually for our interview with Dr. Ana Caicedo. Thanks to Dr. Caicedo for telling us the origin story of weedy rice plants and how she studies their evolution.  For this post we would like to uplift one of Dr. Caicedo’s community oriented projects, The Mind Hears, which…