Articles tagged with Nuclear Energy
Stanford researcher Mark Z. Jacobson finds wind power to be the most promising clean energy source, offering a 99% reduction in carbon emissions and water consumption. In contrast, biofuels, nuclear power, and coal are significantly polluting, causing thousands of deaths per year.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a new method to predict the properties of light nuclei, allowing for better understanding of element origins and star behavior. This breakthrough enables more accurate calculations of nuclear reaction rates, which are crucial for astrophysics experiments.
A symposium on energy research highlighted the need for transformational breakthroughs to meet future energy demands while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. Scientists discussed various renewable energy sources, including solar, nuclear power, hydrogen economy, and catalysis for transportation fuels.
The American Chemical Society's president will lead a special symposium on energy research and future challenges. Experts from various fields, including nuclear energy systems, hydrogen economy, and solar energy utilization, will present their findings.
Scientists have identified two types of electromagnetic configurations in inertial confinement fusion implosions that affect dynamics and diagnosis. Researchers measured field strength and area densities using radiography with a pulsed monoenergetic proton source.
Argonne is developing advanced simulation tools called SHARP to validate new nuclear technologies and reduce waste, with the goal of closing the nuclear fuel cycle and reducing proliferation risk. The lab's work aims to optimize reactor design and safety using high-speed supercomputers.
Researchers at Penn State are investigating thermochemical hydrogen production using advanced nuclear energy systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy independence. The three-year, $2.4 million program aims to develop efficient technologies for hydrogen production compatible with nuclear-generated heat sources.
The nuclear power industry is riding the green wave back into public favor, but it's still bound by a global energy landscape dominated by solar, wind and carbon sequestration. Veteran reporter Matthew Wald examines the trade-offs associated with alternative energy sources in his special feature.
Researchers at K-State are working on making sodium-cooled nuclear reactors safer and more efficient by developing technology to measure coolant velocity, pressure, and temperature. The goal is to improve reactor operations and maintenance with minimal investment in new equipment.
Livermore researchers have made the most accurate measurement of a nuclear isomer's excitation energy, a crucial step towards controlling its decay. This breakthrough could enable the use of isomers as high-energy density storage systems like batteries, and has implications for quantum computing, general relativity testing, and more.
A new study analyzing US nuclear reactors finds a range of electricity costs from 3 cents to 14 cents per kilowatt hour, with higher costs attributed to poor plant operation and security concerns. The study suggests that new technologies and safer reactors may not mitigate the financial risks associated with nuclear power.
Researchers from Sandia National Laboratories are conducting groundbreaking research at the North Slope of Alaska to better understand climate change. The team is studying how longwave energy gets trapped in the atmosphere, and their findings have significant implications for our understanding of Earth's natural energy balance.
A symposium explores the evolution of low energy nuclear reactions, with researchers presenting findings that suggest these phenomena have evolved and are supported by repeatable experimental data. Evidence includes excess heat generation, documented nuclear reaction products, and detection of high-energy atomic particles.
Breakthroughs in environmental science and technology are showcased in the ACS News Service Weekly PressPac. Researchers have discovered a sugar-based solution to reduce chromium toxicity in industrial waste, while gold and silver nanoparticles offer an antidote to fuel cell poisoning. Meanwhile, scientists in protective clothing techn...
A growing energy supply will be needed to meet future demands; thorium offers fewer environmental and human health hazards in its fuel production. DBI has developed innovative concepts to exploit thorium's benefits, including reduced waste and toxicity.
The US joins an international collaboration to build ITER, a project aiming to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of clean fusion energy. Fusion energy could provide significant amounts of electricity and generate hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles.
Brookhaven National Laboratory researchers are exploring the use of ionic liquids for nuclear fuel reprocessing to mitigate the risk of unintended chain reactions. By incorporating boron-containing ions, these liquid salts can hold up to a hundred times more dissolved plutonium before reaching critical thresholds.
Scientists at NIST have developed a highly accurate gamma ray detector, capable of pinpointing emissions signatures of specific atoms with 10 times the precision of conventional sensors. This technology may aid in verifying inventories of nuclear materials and detecting radioactive contamination in the environment.
Los Alamos scientists uncover new relationship between magnetism and unconventional superconductivity in complex materials. They demonstrate that magnetism can be made to reappear in the presence of an applied magnetic field, expanding our understanding of high-temperature superconductors.
Researchers at Imperial College London suggest that photovoltaics could match and exceed current nuclear output by 2023, with potential to produce 12 gigawatts of electricity. The UK's decision to halt solar panel installations is attributed to a pro-nuclear bias in scientific and government establishments.
A recent poll suggests that over half of the British public would accept new nuclear power stations to combat climate change, but most prefer renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. The survey highlights a need for balance in energy policy, with 63% supporting a mix of nuclear and renewables.
The workshop aims to identify national and regional needs, issues, and gaps in technology, policy, and regulations related to the interdependency of energy and water. Participants will discuss region-specific concerns, fresh water impacts on energy production, and science and cost issues.
The DOE is exploring the potential of Active Denial Technology (ADT) to protect nuclear assets from intruders. A small-sized ADS system is being developed for DOE fixed-site applications, which has shown encouraging results in previous studies and human effectiveness testing.
A computer model has been developed to aid in the design and certification of new fire detection systems in cargo compartments. The model uses complex simulations to determine worst-case locations for fires and optimal sensor placement, reducing the risk of false alarms.
Researchers propose Assured Nuclear Fuel Services Initiative (ANSFI) to provide nuclear fuel services to countries without enrichment capabilities. The initiative aims to prevent proliferation by making it economically attractive for countries to join, reducing the risk of weapons development.
Researchers at RHIC have discovered a new state of matter that exhibits nearly perfect fluid motion, contradicting early theoretical predictions. The hot matter formed in collisions of gold ions moves collectively in response to pressure variations, displaying a high degree of coordination among particles.
Physicists at NIST recreate key process for nuclear energy production in dense stars using ultracold crystals. The experiments may help study nuclear fusion as an energy source and demonstrate a new method for modeling dense stellar objects.
Researchers have developed a method to visualize the Z machine's key process using a single-frequency crystal. The images reveal that wires do not uniformly disintegrate, but instead heat and melt, with electrical current diverted to the plasma surrounding the dense wire cores.
The US Department of Energy has announced seven winners of the prestigious E.O. Lawrence Award, honoring researchers who have made significant contributions to various fields of science and energy. The award recipients include Nathaniel Fisch for his work on fusion tokamaks, Bette Korber for her HIV research, Claire Max for her astroph...
Loewen, an INEEL scientist, has been selected for a congressional fellowship to share his knowledge of nuclear science and technology with a member of Congress. The fellowship aims to bring a knowledgeable view of nuclear matters to Congress and provide a resource for Congress in science and engineering.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have successfully formed pure zirconium metal into glass at temperatures one-third of its melting point and pressures over 50,000 times atmospheric pressure. This breakthrough could lead to the development of stronger materials for various applications.
Research papers published in Vadose Zone Journal reveal complex environmental problems at INEEL, including microorganisms and geophysical imaging. Extensive cleanup and monitoring efforts are being based on current understanding of the subsurface and associated contamination issues.
The INEEL-designed closure system will demonstrate operations and equipment, with the prototype constructed and operated at the INEEL. The project builds on INEEL's expertise in spent fuel canister welding and robotics to develop a remote-operated waste package closure system.
The DOE's Office of Science has developed a strategic plan outlining seven short-term priorities and seven long-term goals in various scientific disciplines. The plan aims to track progress over the next 20 years and ensure US leadership in science, energy, and environment.
Customs agents receive comprehensive training to identify and halt smuggling of weapons of mass destruction. The training covers materials, components, and dual-use items associated with WMD development and deployment.
Los Alamos scientists have developed a new method to produce high-purity plutonium sources, which will be used as primary analytical chemistry standards. The new extrusion method produces 99.99% pure plutonium with minimal contaminants and surface oxidation.
The UGA Center for International Trade and Security has received over $3 million in grants to conduct research on preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction. The center will examine international efforts to control the spread of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons.
Researchers at Sandia National Labs successfully achieved symmetrical implosions and significant neutron production using intense x-rays to squeeze millimeter-scale fuel capsules, a crucial step towards nuclear fusion energy. The experiments demonstrate the potential for scaling up fusion reactions.
The conference emphasized the need for collaborations among government, industry, and academia to address nuclear education and R&D needs. Key action items include developing better secondary-school curriculum, expanding joint outreach at high schools and community colleges, and attracting young women and minorities to the field.
Seismologists have made significant progress in identifying violations of the nuclear test ban treaty by analyzing technical characteristics of seismic signals. Nearly all questionable events since 1995 have been identified as nuclear explosions, chemical explosions, earthquakes, or mine collapses.
The Big Ten university consortium is enhancing its research and training reactors to improve nuclear education and infrastructure. The four universities will share $1.97 million in funding to design the next generation of nuclear research facilities.
This year's winners include C. Jeffrey Brinker, Claire M. Fraser, Bruce T. Goodwin, Keith O. Hodgson, Saul Perlmutter, Benjamin D. Santer, and Paul J. Turinsky for their groundbreaking work in materials research, genome analysis, nuclear physics, environmental science, and more.
A 150-ton magnet in Japan is a testbed for the 925-ton magnet needed for ITER, which aims to demonstrate nuclear fusion as an energy source. The team has made progress in understanding the magnet's performance and reducing costs.
Emerging Generation IV machines will provide significant improvements in reactor design, economics, safety, and waste minimization. Advanced designs include high-temperature reactors that can produce hot water for communities or desalination energy.
Researchers will model and study supernovae to discover how they occur and the complex physical processes involved. They aim to understand challenging issues in theoretical and computational physics, advancing national security interests.
Sidney Drell, 74, has been honored with the Enrico Fermi Award for his work on arms control and particle physics. The award recognizes his pioneering research in quantum electrodynamics and his technical contributions to national security issues.
Researchers are exploring using tiny amounts of radioactive material to power microscopic devices, improving medical equipment, environmental management, and automobiles. The goal is to capture the natural decay of radioactive material and convert it into a power source, without the use of nuclear reactions.
A recent study commissioned by President Clinton emphasizes the importance of nuclear power in meeting ambitious environmental goals. The report suggests that nuclear energy will be necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet growing energy demands.