Catherine Zhu

Catherine Zhu is a writer and associate producer for CBC Radio. Her reporting interests include science, arts and culture and social justice. She holds a master's degree in journalism from the University of British Columbia. You can reach her at catherine.zhu@cbc.ca.

Latest from Catherine Zhu

Q&A

Why isn't 'laugh' spelled L-A-F? Author explores the many failed attempts of simplifying English spelling

Have you ever wondered why English spelling often seems to defy logic — like why choir and liar rhyme, but laughter and daughter don’t? In his new book, Gabe Henry explores this conundrum, showing that you’re far from alone. He delves into the long history of spelling reform and the many bold — but ultimately unsuccessful — attempts to make English simpler.

45-year mystery behind eerie photo from The Shining is believed to be solved

The Shining is hailed as a spine-tingling horror classic, gripping audiences with its chilling psychological twists. It’s also mired with countless conspiracy theories. Now, one of those theories has finally been cracked: the mystery of where the infamous final photo, which ends the film on a haunting cliffhanger, came from.
Q&A

'Never give up': These baseball teams have both snapped a combined 141-game losing streak

In a clash of underdogs, two of the longest losing streaks in college baseball history were snapped on Tuesday as Yeshiva University and Lehman College went head-to-head in a thrilling doubleheader. The two teams entered the game with a combined 141-game losing streak.

This bird's nest is made of candy wrappers and face masks. Here's what we can learn

Dutch doctoral student Auke-Florian Hiemstra excavated a bird nest, and made a startling discovery. From McDonald's lids to face masks, the nest was built with layers of human trash — the oldest piece dating three decades back.

These best friends have sent each other the same birthday card for over 80 years

Pat DeReamer and Mary Wheaton-Kroger exchange the same card every year to celebrate each other's birthday — a tradition they've kept for the past 81 years.

Food scientists concoct delectable foie gras without force-feeding

Food physicist Thomas Vilgis says he may have cracked the code on how to make foie gras in a more ethical way.
Q&A

Top scientists pen letter calling for end to 'assault on U.S. science'

Nearly 2, 000 doctors, researchers, and scientists have signed an open letter urging Americans to stop the erosion of scientific funding and integrity.
Q&A

Why this young activist is risking his freedom to speak out against Turkey's president

Youth activist Enes Hocaoğulları is preparing for the possibility of arrest upon his return to Turkey, following his speech about the anti-government protests at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in Strasbourg, France.

It gave us the best map of the Milky Way. Now the Gaia spacecraft is orbiting into retirement

Astronomers bid an emotional farewell to Gaia, expressing their gratitude for its more than decade-long mission that gave us groundbreaking insights into our home galaxy, the Milky Way.
Q&A

Trump passport policy a 'fundamental rejection of my identity,' says transgender plaintiff

After applying for a new passport in January, Ash Lazarus Orr, a transgender man from West Virginia, has yet to receive it and is now suing the Trump administration over its discriminatory policy.