Sarah Zielinski

Managing editor, Science News for Students; Editor, Science News Explores

Sarah Zielinski is a science writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience covering a wide breadth of science, from astronomy to zoology. A former editor at Smithsonian magazine, she has been published in Scientific American, Discover, National Geographic News, Science and Slate. She received the DCSWA 2010 Science News Brief Award, and an honorable mention in 2017. She has a B.A. in biological sciences from Cornell University and an M.A. in journalism through New York University’s Science, Health and Environmental Reporting Program. She has three cats: Oscar, Saffir and Alani.

All Stories by Sarah Zielinski

  1. Animals

    A panda stands out at the zoo but blends in the wild

    A panda may stand out among bamboo at the zoo, but in the wild, its black-and-white coloring camouflages it from predators. Learn more with this web comic.

  2. Animals

    Cockatoos learn from each other how to open garbage bins

    The bin-opening behavior is an example of social learning. It’s also the basis of a foraging culture. Learn more in this web comic.

  3. Earth

    Let’s learn about Antarctica

    This continent is dry, windy and very cold — and home to penguins, ice and a lot of scientific research.

  4. Microbes

    Let’s learn about microbes

    There may be a billion species of microorganisms on Earth — but scientists have only discovered a small fraction of them.

  5. Animals

    Let’s learn about dinosaurs’ fearsome neighbors

    Dinosaurs may get much of our attention, but there were plenty of other interesting critters during the Age of Reptiles, including our mammal ancestors.

  6. Animals

    Let’s learn about whales and dolphins

    Whales, dolphins and porpoises are all cetaceans — mammals that live in water and have a streamlined body similar to a fish.

  7. Earth

    Let’s learn about lightning

    Around 100 times a second, every hour of every day, lightning strikes somewhere on Earth. It’s beautiful — and deadly.

  8. Animals

    How bees play telephone to form a swarm

    Honeybees use pheromones and flapping wings to tell each other where to find the queen — so they can all be together. Learn more with this web comic.

  9. Planets

    Let’s learn about Jupiter

    This gas giant is home to a massive storm that has lasted hundreds of years. It’s also surrounded by dozens of moons.

  10. Physics

    Let’s learn about bubbles

    Bubbles are a great way to while away a beautiful summer day. Knowing a bit of science can help you blow the biggest and the best bubbles.

  11. Animals

    Let’s learn about domestic cats

    Cats rule the internet — and many of our homes. To get here was a journey of many thousands of years.

  12. Earth

    Let’s learn about earthquakes

    Dozens of quakes happen every day, but most aren’t big enough for people to notice.