All Stories by Katie Grace Carpenter
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- Ecosystems
Scientists Say: Ecosystem
The interplay between living things and the physical environment gives rise to Earth’s thriving, life-sustaining ecosystems.
- Space
Scientists Say: Quasi-satellite
Unlike a true satellite, these tagalongs orbit outside a planet’s primary sphere of gravitational control.
- Environment
New ocean sanctuaries house young coral and even flee peril
Two ISEF finalists want to foster growth of new coral reefs. So these teens designed and built self-navigating, undersea houseboats for coral larvae.
- Animals
Teens work to keep giant water bugs on the menu
Many culinary cultures around the world prize these nutritious and flavorful insects. New approaches may help giant water bug farming efforts.
- Chemistry
Scientists Say: Chiral
Many biological molecules come in a left- and right-handed form — and biology plays favorites.
- Environment
Eco-friendly sunscreen? That’s bananas!
Bananas make their own natural sunscreens. A teen thinks these could work to protect our skin as well, while being safe for aquatic life.
- Earth
Scientists Say: Caldera
These gigantic craters form when a volcanic eruption empties magma chambers underneath, allowing the mountain to crumble into the void.
- Plants
Magnets mimic gravity’s guiding hand for plants growing in space
Without constant gravity, plants waste energy twisting and coiling, trying to reach toward the sun. Teen ISEF finalists might have found a solution.
- Tech
Soft helpers and bio-inspired tech: a match made in robot heaven
Hugging toys offer emotional support to anxious kids and slithering snake-like robots may bring rescue aid to people trapped in dangerous conditions.
- Space
Scientists Say: Interstellar medium
Radiant energy and primordial space dust span the vast reaches between star systems.
- Chemistry
Teen finds cheaper way to make drugs against killer viruses
This drug-making achievement also nabbed the top award — and $100,000 in prize money — at the 2025 Regeneron ISEF competition.
