World of Biology

Tough, Tiny Tiger Beetles

Written by: Nancy Pearson, Dave Pearson

Even with 'tiger' in their names, life is hard for these fast and often colorful insects. Also in: Deutsch | Español | Français | Português | Pусский | 日本語 | தமிழ்

Trailing Through Taiga

Written by: Sisi Gao

The taiga, or boreal forest, is the largest land biome in the world. It is deep and dark, often green, and always cold. But even in this frigid place, many animals and plants thrive.
Also in: Español | Français | Português

Trekking Through Tundra

Written by: Melanie Sturm

The tundra is a cold and windy habitat, making survival a challenge. But you may be surprised by how much life there is in the tundra.

Also in: Français | Español

True Bugs

Written by: Adam Dolezal, Page Baluch

Not all insects are bugs, but all bugs are insects. How can this be? Learn about some particular insects that biologists call true bugs.
Also in: Español

Using Animals in Research

Written by: Patrick McGurrin and Christian Ross

Animals are often used to study many different scientific topics. But many scientists and others argue whether it's ok to use animals for this purpose. Here we discuss why scientists use animals and research, and discuss some of the rules and regulations in place to help protect animals used in research.

Using the Scientific Method to Solve Mysteries

Written by: CJ Kazilek and David Pearson

Play the Training Room Escape Game

Put your detective skills to the test with our escape room! Use the scientific method and your problem solving abilities to get out. While you are in the escape room see what else you might uncover as you test your escape skills.

To learn more, visit Using the Scientific Method to Solve Mysteries.

Vaccine science

Written by: Ian Vicino, Mary D. Pardhe, Karla Moeller

Every year, vaccines protect millions of people from getting sick. But how, exactly, do vaccines work? Learn the science behind how vaccines protect us from disease.
Also in: Português | Español

Virtual Biomes

Written by: Charles Kazilek

Here you can do more than read about biomes. You can explore them in 360 degree tours. While not the same as being there in person, these tours let you go to places you would not likely be able to see.

Vitamins: Vital or Not?

Written by: Danielle Penick

You may see advertisements for vitamins all the time. Do we really need vitamins? And if we do, how do we know which vitamins are high quality? Take a tour into the history, science, and manufacturing of vitamins.
Also in: Español

Walk in the Park

Written by: Dr. Biology, Justin Olson, Elizabeth Smith

What might look like a lifeless world is actually filled with life and history. You just need to know where to look. Take a tour with two park rangers to get the inside story of South Mountain Park.

What is Evolutionary Medicine?

Written by: Karla Moeller

Understanding evolution doesn't just help us figure out how humans evolved...it also helps us understand why we have the health problems we do in today's society. Evolutionary medicine can help us understand our health, why we get sick, and how we can better prevent and treat disease.
Also in: Español

What's a Biologist?

Written by: Patrick McGurrin

We hear about biologists studying everything from tiny organisms to whole ecosystems. But how can the role of a biologist be so broad? Let's take a closer look at what biologists do and how you can become a biologist.
Also in: Français | Türkçe

What's a Genome?

Written by: Ally Carr

You may have heard that the instructions for life are within your DNA and the DNA of any living thing. But how does DNA relate to a genome?

What's a GMO?

Written by: Jeremiah Molinaro

GMO might sound like a hard-to-understand name. But taking a quick look into the world of genetic modification will hopefully make it all a bit easier to understand.

Where In The World Is Kazakhstan?

Written by: Heather Triplett

Where in the world is Kazakhstan (Ka-zakh-ston)? This may be a puzzling question to some, but no longer. This story we will help put the pieces together.

Where the Rewilded Things Are

Written by: Challie Facemire

Humans change the world around us in many ways, cutting down trees, building roads, using resources. But what happens when we try to restore some of the things an area has lost? And should we try to do so?

Why Are English Sailors Called Limeys?

Written by: Corinne Corte

Imagine you are on a sailing ship in 1747. You left England only a couple of months ago and you felt fine. Now you are so tired you can barely walk. Dr. Lind wants to discover what is causing you so much pain that you can't work.