Christie Taylor was a producer for Science Friday. Her days involved diligent research, too many phone calls for an introvert, and asking scientists if they have any audio of that narwhal heartbeat. She also coordinates SciFri’s coverage of science and the arts (“sciarts”).
During her undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Christie was almost a biology major but took a chance turn down the path of thing-explaining and realized it was the only thing she wanted to do. Since then, she’s worked as a print and online reporter, technical writer, and a science writer for a university press office.
She takes extra joy in writing interview questions about space exploration, creative research methods, and the intersection of science and society.
17:15
One Last Martian Love Fest
Where did the Martian magnetic field go? Can we drill for water at its poles? Your Red Planet questions answered with ‘The Sirens of Mars’ author Sarah Stewart Johnson.
12:18
How Vampire Bats Evolved To Drink Blood
How losing genes allowed vampire bats to gain bloodsucking superpowers.
17:13
The Brief And Wondrous Lives Of Cicadas
How art that uses thousands of cicadas is drawing in the insect-shy. An artist and an entomologist use art to foster insect appreciation.
17:18
The Case Of Mars’ Missing Water
Water was once everywhere on Mars. This is how scientists are learning where it all went, and where some of it might be.
17:41
The Climate Crisis Is Driving New Home Improvements
A fifth of American carbon emissions come from our homes. Here’s what you can do about it, and how to balance individual and systemic action.
11:17
As Mask Mandates Drop, COVID Cases Increase In Some Parts Of World
Mask and vaccine mandates are fading in the U.S. and elsewhere. But COVID cases are up in countries with previously low numbers.
17:16
Searching For Life On The Red Planet Prompts Deeper Questions
How to look for life that we can’t even imagine—and how to imagine life we’ve never seen before.
19:27
Can Meteorites On Earth Point To Ancient Life On Mars?
An astrobiologist explains why a meteor from Mars changed planetary science. Plus, why samples from the Perseverance rover will be key to understanding the Red Planet.
12:17
Where Are The Black Physicists?
A physicist and higher education researcher on what’s driving the absence of Black physicists—and what universities can do to change.
17:24
Blind Patients With Eye Implant Left In The Dark As Its Startup Struggles
Second Sight Medical Devices abandoned support for blind patients who received its bionic eye implant. What happens to those patients next?