Staying current with scientific articles enriches your knowledge and gives you a competitive edge in various academic endeavors. For high school students involved in research projects, keeping up with the latest findings in biology can provide new insights and enhance the quality of their work. 

Additionally, discussing recent scientific developments during college interviews or incorporating them into your Statement of Purpose can demonstrate your passion and commitment to the field. 

This article explores 8 awesome biology articles tailored for high school students!

1. Science Daily

Cost: Free

ScienceDaily offers biology news that explores the latest discoveries across the various subfields of biology. This resource provides updates on groundbreaking research, such as the use of RNA editing technologies for potentially lifesaving treatments for genetic diseases and insights into the complex interactions between hornets and plants, which challenge previous assumptions about pollination processes. Each article is supported by rigorous research and presented in a way that is accessible to readers with different levels of knowledge, making complex scientific information understandable and engaging.

For those particularly interested in marine biology, ScienceDaily also covers how climate change affects marine life, offering insights from recent studies about the resilience of marine species in increasingly acidic and warmer seawaters. It discusses innovative research methods like eDNA to monitor coral reef health and the roles of different fish behaviors in marine ecosystems.

These articles provide updates on current research and include expert commentary and context, helping bridge the gap between scientific discoveries and public knowledge. As a high school student, this resource is perfect for staying informed about the latest developments in the world of biology.

2. The National High School Journal of Science

Cost: Free

The National High School Journal of Science (NHSJS) provides a wealth of articles that delve into cutting-edge biological research topics. Their coverage spans a wide range of subjects, from genome editing's implications in agriculture to the cognitive effects of nutrition, making it an excellent resource for students interested in the latest scientific developments. The NHSJS stands out not only for its focus on high-level scientific issues but also for its accessibility to high school students, encouraging them to engage with complex topics through peer-reviewed articles that are both informative and educational.

You can explore a variety of biological topics on NHSJS, such as the role of biophysical mechanisms in apoptosis and cancer pathogenesis or the connections between the amygdala and autism. Each article provides insights into current research and discussions, often linking to broader biological themes and current events in science, making it a great resource for students looking to deepen their understanding of biology and its real-world applications.

3. New Scientist

Cost: Free

New Scientist's biology section offers a rich and diverse array of articles that cater to both enthusiasts and professionals in the field. With its focus on recent discoveries and research in cell biology, the publication sheds light on complex biological mechanisms and their implications in health, technology, and nature. For example, articles may cover innovative studies on how cellular processes are influenced by external factors like diet or explore the role of newly discovered cellular structures and their functions.

By presenting these complex topics in an accessible manner, New Scientist informs and engages its readers, making the intricate world of biology relatable and understandable.

4. Science Journal for Kids and Teens

Cost: Free

Science Journal for Kids and Teens offers a treasure trove of resources that align perfectly with familiar educational standards such as NGSS, AP Environmental Science, and IB Biology, ensuring the material is engaging and academically relevant. This platform allows you to dive deep into a variety of scientific and social science topics that resonate with your studies and interests.

For those interested in biology, you can explore complex topics such as the impact of parenting on brain size, with materials tailored to different reading levels and available in audio format, complemented by lessons on birds and their brain structures. Within health and medicine, discover how cognitive biases affect vaccine choices through articles enhanced with audio and comprehensive lessons on vaccines. This resource helps you explore and understand complex topics through a multidimensional learning approach.

5. Scholastic Science World

Cost: $9 per student

Scholastic Science World immerses you in the dynamic world of science, delivering engaging news and hands-on activities across various scientific fields like biology, physics, chemistry, earth science, and engineering.

Beyond traditional reading, Science World enriches understanding through videos, interactive content, and a suite of digital teaching tools designed to bring complex scientific concepts to life. 

With resources like the Digital Resource Guide, which includes lesson plans, skills sheets, and interactive Google Quizzes, learning becomes more engaging and interactive. Additionally, the platform is aligned with Common Core Reading and Writing Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), ensuring that the content is educationally robust. 

6. Nature

Cost: Free

Nature's Biological Sciences section is a premier source for groundbreaking research across all areas of biology. It offers detailed reports and research articles on the latest advancements in fields such as genetics, botany, and ecology. The publication is renowned for its rigorous peer-review process, ensuring that each piece of research is both credible and scientifically significant.

The articles typically explore a wide range of topics, from fundamental biological processes to innovative biotechnological applications. Whether you're interested in the latest developments in neurobiology or the evolutionary implications of newly discovered species, Nature provides comprehensive insights and in-depth analysis. For high school students keen on staying at the forefront of biological research and trends, Nature’s Biological Sciences section can be incredibly enlightening. 

7. Scientific American

Cost:

• Digital: $39 per year

• Print & Digital: $79 per year

Scientific American's Biology section provides a wide-ranging exploration of the latest trends and discoveries in the field of biology. This esteemed publication features accessible yet in-depth articles that cover a spectrum of biological topics, from evolutionary biology and genetics to biotechnology and environmental science. Each piece combines rigorous scientific analysis with engaging storytelling to bring complex concepts to a broad audience.

Whether you're a student, educator, or just curious, Scientific American makes cutting-edge research understandable and relevant, highlighting how biological findings impact our lives and the world around us. Regular updates ensure readers are always informed about the newest research and debates in the scientific community. 

8. The Royal Society’s Biology Letters

Cost: Free

Biology Letters, published by the Royal Society, delivers cutting-edge research across all branches of biology through a concise format. The journal emphasizes rapid publication of brief, innovative research papers and reviews that introduce new theoretical concepts, report groundbreaking findings, and discuss novel research methodologies. 

Focusing on evolutionary biology, ecology, and environmental science, it caters to a wide scientific audience by offering quick dissemination of significant research findings. Ideal for keeping abreast of the latest developments, Biology Letters encourages interdisciplinary dialogue and is accessible to a broad range of biologists.

In addition to the research that is published, Biology Letters also publishes acclaimed review articles that are free to access for all! 

One other option - Lumiere Research Scholar Program!

If you’re interested in pursuing research in biology, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.

Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

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