Katie Wudel
Editor, Storyteller & Content Strategist
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Science Stories

Maybe it's because I'm laughably bad at math, or I'm endlessly curious, but I have a soft spot for writing that helps me understand the weird phenomena of the universe.  

Inside A Covert Mission To Defeat Poachers In Nicaragua

Inside A Covert Mission To Defeat Poachers In Nicaragua

We contracted this story as a follow-up to a service piece about a Hollywood artist who crafts GPS-implanted eggs to trap poachers. The reporter was supposed to track the eggs on their journey; instead, a hurricane hit.

Role: Assigning Editor
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The Cure For Cyberchondria

The Cure For Cyberchondria

After WebMD committed itself to lifestyle content, we commissioned a dive into the company's inner workings. Were they on the up and up? We ended up with a nuanced portrait of the challenges and opportunities surrounding online diagnoses — and the internet itself.

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DNA Detectives Can Help Track Down The Family You Never Knew You’d Lost

DNA Detectives Can Help Track Down The Family You Never Knew You’d Lost

For Mother's Day, we published a series of stories that weren't the typical take on motherhood. This rip-roaring mystery story wrapped up in a strange scientific quirk with a sweet emotional payoff was my editorial contribution to the package, thanks to our excellent reporter.

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If Something Makes You Feel Better, Is It Medicine?

If Something Makes You Feel Better, Is It Medicine?

From first draft to final, we went from a slight commentary about how weird salt lamp culture is to a convincing defense of the placebo effect.

Roles: Editor, Art Director
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This Watermelon Is So Good, Farmers Used To Guard It With Guns

This Watermelon Is So Good, Farmers Used To Guard It With Guns

I just couldn't resist this juicy historical tidbit about my favorite summer fruit. 

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What Sex Is Like After Testicular Cancer

What Sex Is Like After Testicular Cancer

What started as a look at day-to-day life post-surgery turned into an unsentimental examination of American masculinity.

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America Is (Almost) Entirely Energy Independent

America Is (Almost) Entirely Energy Independent

We'd hoped this "look ahead" story would predict how long we'd have to wait for a peaceful, foreign oil-free U.S. existence. Instead, we ended up with a fascinating exploration of a turn of phrase long exploited by politicians and lobbyists. 

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The Delicious Tingly Sensation That Travels From Your Brain To Your Spine, Explained

The Delicious Tingly Sensation That Travels From Your Brain To Your Spine, Explained

My favorite science stories take a serious look at a seemingly inconsequential phenomenon. Just looking at the art here gives me those fun, spine-tingling ASMR vibes. 

Roles: Assigning Editor, Art Director
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Tiny, Murderous Wasps Are Fighting The Bizarre Effects Of Climate Change

Tiny, Murderous Wasps Are Fighting The Bizarre Effects Of Climate Change

By any measure, pesticides are inherently toxic. But is killing bugs with other bugs any better?

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Your Body Is Smarter, Stronger, And Dirtier Than You Think

Your Body Is Smarter, Stronger, And Dirtier Than You Think

For our health vertical, we struggled with responsibly informing readers about "wellness" methods alongside "serious" medicine. This writer struck the right balance between a healthy amount of skepticism and respect for innovation.

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Your Baby, No Sex Required

Your Baby, No Sex Required

The writer and expert here were incredibly knowledgeable; as a result, early drafts were highly technical and, frankly dry. We ended up with a curiosity-inducing ride into a not-too-distant future featuring lab-designed babies.

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The First Humans To Live To 150 Are Already Alive

The First Humans To Live To 150 Are Already Alive

Thanks to this reporter's connection to Stanford's Gerontology Lab, she was among the first to cover this startling research. And when it hit the top of the popular subreddit r/Futurolgy, the client was overjoyed.

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This Is Your Brain On God

This Is Your Brain On God

A scientific analysis of faith is the best type of Christmas story.

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