a headshot showing Katie Grace Carpenter

Katie Grace Carpenter

Katie Grace Carpenter is a science writer and curriculum developer, with degrees in biology and biogeochemistry. She also writes science fiction and creates science videos. Katie lives in the U.S. but also spends time in Sweden with her husband, who’s a chef.

All Stories by Katie Grace Carpenter

  1. Space

    Scientists Say: Event horizon

    Past this boundary, nothing that enters a black hole can ever leave — not even light.

  2. Chemistry

    Scientists Say: Fluoride

    This electrically charged form of fluorine boasts powerful tooth-strengthening abilities.

  3. Earth

    Scientists Say: Snow line

    On Earth, this line marks the edge of snow-covered ground. In space, it marks a spot where a certain molecule might freeze.

  4. Math

    Scientists Say: Topology

    This gamelike field of math probes the limits of families of shapes.

  5. Genetics

    Caffeine may dial down genes crucial for brain development, teen finds

    Data from animal studies point to a troubling possibility: Caffeine may alter brain development.

  6. Brain

    Scientists Say: Synesthesia

    This is a trait in which one kind of sensory input, such as sound, can trigger another sense, such as sight.

  7. Tech

    Nature-inspired rocket-nozzle redesign stands by for liftoff

    At the 2026 Regeneron ISEF competition, teens showed how they blasted past a problem that has limited use of super-efficient aerospike rocket engines.

  8. Materials Science

    Scientists Say: Metal-Organic Framework

    Special pockets in these molecular structures make them useful in medicine, climate science and more.

  9. Health & Medicine

    Teens invent first chewing gum to tackle anxiety

    Flavonoids from passionflower plants may one day give chewing gums the ability to take the edge off frazzled nerves or anxiety, report two Regeneron ISEF finalists.

  10. Computing

    Teen’s new app guards against the rise of villainous AI bots

    Sometimes good chatbots and AI agents go rogue. A Regeneron ISEF finalist’s new app helps guard against bots developing dangerous personalities.

  11. Physics

    Origami research takes top prize at 2026 Regeneron ISEF competition

    The top three winners each won at least $80,000. Other teen finalists shared in more than $7 million in prizes at this international science fair.

  12. Life

    Scientists Say: Spore

    Patience is a virtue of these crafty, resilient little reproductive cells. Some bacterial spores have grown after lying dormant for a millennium.