Stories by Christie Wilcox

Toad Tadpoles Turn Homegrown Poisons on One Another

Young amphibians are the first animals thought to use toxins against rivals of their own species 

Moonlighting Genes Evolve for a Venomous Job

An unexpected mechanism allows wasps to rapidly co-opt genes for new toxic functions 

How a Wasp Turns Cockroaches into Zombies

A special chemical blend injected into the brains of cockroaches makes them pawns in the jewel wasp’s control—and perfect live food for its offspring

How a Wasp Turns Cockroaches into Zombies

A special chemical blend injected into the brains of cockroaches makes them pawns in the jewel wasp’s control—and perfect live food for its offspring

"A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for."

Small Guts May Be a Tradeoff for Big Brains

Big brains may mean small guts

Gingrey is a bad doctor, says science

Fake Feces To Treat Deadly Disease: Scientists Find They Can Just Make Sh*t Up

Though childish songs make crude jokes, there's nothing funny about diarrhea. Aside from the painful, twisting feeling in your guts, there's just something psychologically upsetting about losing control of your bowels...

People With Brown Eyes Appear More Trustworthy, But That's Not The Whole Story

Take a moment to look at yourself in the mirror. I want you to really examine your features—the curves, lines and shapes that make up your face. How broad is your chin?

Parasitic Wasps Master Microbiology In Addition To Neurochemistry

"Oh, beauty is a beguiling call to death, and I'm addicted to the sweet pitch of its siren." - Johnny Quid, RocknRolla Glinting in shimmering shades of blue and green, the emerald cockroach wasp is surely a thing of beauty, but its shimmering exterior masks its cruel nature...

Expensive Organs: Guppies Reveal The Cost Of Big Brains

Science Sushi: 2012 in Review

Happy Holidays, from my tank to yours!

The Best Gangnam Parody I've Seen Yet

Don't Pee On It: Zinc Emerges As New Jellyfish Sting Treatment

Corals Recruit Fish Bodyguards To Protect Them From Seaweed

Reefs recruit fish as bodyguards

Plant's Cry For Help Attracts The Wrong Crowd

Musical Monday: As Hard As It Is

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but Wild Sex excites me

Advice for grad students: own it.