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).

  • The Women Behind the Gun vs. The Women Behind the Bird

    Two lesser known women helped set the stage for international wildlife treaties and conservation in the United States.

  • Built Different

    Alzheimer’s and depression are more commonly diagnosed in women, while Parkinson’s is more commonly diagnosed in men. Why is that?

  • Three things STEM undergrads might not know (that you can teach them!)

    Navigating the world of scientific research and academia can be tricky as an undergraduate. Grad students and instructors can teach STEM undergrads these three things to make their lives easier!

  • WEIRD Science

    Why wouldn’t you trust a scientist or a medical professional? They’ve spent years developing a better understanding of the world and how we can survive it… or how some of us can survive it.

  • Hug An Oyster for Wildlife Conservation

    Ever wonder how wildlife biology and conservation got to be the way it is? If you live in the U.S., you may need to thank an oyster…

  • How do microbes help animals adapt?

    Evolving is a team sport. Many animals co-evolve along with microbes in a symbiotic relationship.

  • Bang! “Ouch” *Grab*

    When you bang your elbow on a table, why is your first instinct to grab it? This response might have something to do with how your sensory neurons process information.

  • Going on Autopilot? Thank Your Place Cells

    Why do we go on autopilot when we travel somewhere we’ve been a thousand times? How do our brains snap out of this routine when we need to change it up?

  •  If I Only Had A Brain (Organoid)

    What would you think if I told you I grow human brains in a lab?

  • Why are Parka Ruffs Made with Wolverine Fur?

    Native Alaskans have a wealth of traditional knowledge that helps them survive, some of which are still not entirely understood by science. Many Native Alaskan groups use wolverine fur for the ruffs around their faces. Read on to find why wolverine fur is the best for ruffs.

  • Undergraduate Mentorship

    As a STEM graduate student, mentoring undergraduates is rewarding. Here are tips for recruitment, training, communication, education, and appreciation.

  • What is the world’s largest virus?

    We have barely scratched the surface of virus diversity, but over the past decade scientists have discovered shockingly large viruses in environments across the globe. These giant viruses shook up everything we thought we knew about the origin of viruses.