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Jesslyn Shields
Jesslyn Shields is a freelance science writer working out of Athens, Georgia. She writes about brand new research for HowStuffWorks. Since 2010, Jesslyn's written science news and content for educational videos, because she loves to always have something new to yammer on about at parties. You can find her online at www.jesslynshields.com
Recent Contributions
What Is a Coywolf?
They have been called both “coywolf” and “coydog,” but the majority of the scientific community recognizes this hybrid animal simply as the “eastern coyote.”
The 'SnotBot' Drone Is Making Scientific Research Easier on Whales
A drone with some petri dishes attached is making research much less stressful for whales and scientists alike.
The Smiley Quokka Is an Australian Super Survivor
The smallest of the wallaby species is known to pose for selfies with tourists and be cuter than cute. But the feisty quokka has had to fight for its very survival.
Cheetahs: The Big Cats That Can Totally Pass You on the Interstate
With lightning speed and incredible vision, the cheetah is the fastest land animal on Earth and the best hunter on the savanna.
The Peace Sign: From No Nukes Logo to Anti-war Symbol
The nuclear disarmament movement in the 1950s needed a logo for a political march. What it got was one of the most ubiquitous and easily recognized symbols of all time.
Why Some Animals Eat Rocks to Aid in Digestion
Gastroliths, or "stomach stones," are found in animals from chickens to sea lions. But what are they for?
It Takes a DJ: Healthy Reef Sounds May Lure Fish to Damaged Reefs
If it looks like a party is on, maybe they'll come back. Playing the sounds of a noisy, healthy coral reef can attract important fish species to devastated reef habitats.
9 Big Hairy Facts About Gorillas
Gorillas can live to be about 35 to 40 years old and are much gentler (and much sleepier) than you might think.
How the Ancient Land Blob Gondwana Became Today's Continents
Gondwana was a humongous landmass that persisted for 300 million years before it began to break up, forming all the continents in the modern Southern Hemisphere.
Pangolins: The Gentle, Ant-eating Oddballs of Africa and Asia
They're weird-looking and mild-mannered, but Asian and African markets can't get enough illegal pangolin scales.
Sea Otters Are the Party Animals of the Sea
Sea otters are adorable, back from the brink of extinction and will totally bite you.
Chloroplasts Are the Plant Cells That Manufacture Energy
Chloroplasts are where some of the most miraculous chemistry on Earth goes down.
The Harpy Eagle: Terrifying Apex Predator or Creepy Halloween Costume?
The largest eagle in the world has a claw the size of a grizzly bear's, a leg the size of a human's and a very disapproving gaze.
3-D Printed Space Meat: It's What's for Dinner, Astronauts
A Russian cosmonaut printed some steak in space, and now we're one step closer to sending humans to Mars.
The Super-cute Axolotl Is Also a Ruthless Carnivore
The axolotl can regenerate virtually any of its limbs or organs and has a face that's totally irresistible.
How Photosynthesis Captures Light and Powers Life on Earth
No life, except possibly very small bacteria, would exist on Earth without photosynthesis.
Every Single Living Thing Is Part of an Ecosystem. Here's How They Work
How do we consider a Thing with no edge? Ecosystem ecologists are always trying.
Tarantula Hawks Are Neither Tarantulas nor Hawks
The sting of a tarantula hawk is so painful you are advised to lie on the ground as soon as you're stung to avoid falling.
Why Are We So Fascinated With Owls?
From ancient times until today, people have been captivated by these iconic, mysterious birds. What is it about owls that makes them the enduring subject of myth and superstition?
Bobcats Are Back From the Brink (and Possibly in Your Backyard)
It turns out that bobcats do just fine if not actively hunted by humans.
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