Christie Taylor is a producer for Science Friday. Her day involves 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”), and is the bold captain of the Science Friday Book Club.
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.
17:36
How NASA’s Perseverance Rover Will Look For Life
When it lands on Mars in winter of 2021, the Perseverance rover will search an ancient river delta for signs of life.
17:10
Who Owns The Night Sky?
As space fills with satellites, how do we weigh the value of a dark night over the benefits of a connected world?
11:55
How Sewage Samples Help Scientists Track COVID-19 Outbreaks
How scientists are using sewage to trace the pandemic. Plus, the toll fireworks can take on the lungs, and a birdsong gone viral.
16:49
Naked Mole Rats May Unlock Secrets About The Human Brain
Naked mole rats are unique in the mammal world. But their brains may have valuable clues for our own.
11:42
The First Wave Of COVID-19 Is Still Surging
States reckon with reopening as case numbers climb, plus a new signal in a Italian dark matter detector.
17:28
How To Approach The Risks Of Socializing During A Pandemic
States are opening up. Should you expand your social life? How to assess and manage your risk during the pandemic summer.
24:24
Protests Shine Light On Facial Recognition Tech Problems
As big tech steps back from facial recognition for police, some AI experts want an end to its use entirely. Here’s why they say reform isn’t enough.
33:56
Anthony Fauci Explains How To Make It Through His ‘Worst Nightmare’
‘America’s Doctor’ provides public health lessons from the AIDS epidemic, and strategies to make it out of the COVID-19 crisis.
12:03
Research Shows Peaceful Protest Depends On Police Behavior
Fifty years of research suggests police behavior makes the biggest difference in how safe protests are for everyone. Plus, how tear gas ups COVID-19 risk.
12:01
Research For Masks That Deactivate Coronavirus Receive NSF Funding
Plus, understanding false negative results in COVID-19 tests and the sounds of elusive narwhals, captured on tape.