We know you’re all out of school, but we’re going to attempt to keep you abreast on Tufts news this summer with a new feature. Similar to Fresh Cream, Ripe Produce will feature local Boston news that’s “ripe for the reading.” Here are five summer stories you must read.

* It's summer and time to catch lightning bugs! Yes! Ever wondered why these fun summer bugs glow? Well, scientists at Tufts University have found out! Mystery solved.

* Pinching pennies because of outrageous gas prices? According to Jim Tillotson, professor of food policy and international business at Tufts University's Fletcher School, people will always spring for a sweet treat.

* Are there really hot college babes who are members of an engineering club at Tufts? I guess so, and they are the inspiration to a new TV show. "Nerd Girls" is a show about girls doing engineering things and also girly things, like dishing about boys. How neat!

* Ever feel like you are dying from pollution? You could be, or at least that is what Tufts University researchers are going to try and find out. Tufts researchers and five Boston-area community groups were granted $2.5 million to study the health effects of pollution exposure in neighborhoods adjacent to highways.

* Destroy the planet much? You had better stop! According to a report by the Global Development Institute at Tufts University, if greenhouse gases are not reduced, there will be an increase in hurricanes and an increase loss of life.