Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists January 23rd, 2023
Posted: 23rd January 2023
Jan. 23, 2023
A composite image showing a river of dust from western Africa flowing over the Atlantic Ocean in 2014. (Photo: NASA Goddard)
CLIMATE CHANGE
What the ebb and flow of atmospheric dust has to do with global warmingAtmospheric dust could be shielding the globe from even more warming—so what happens if the amount of dust decreases? The Guardian’s West Coast political reporter, Maanvi Singh, weighs in. Read more.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Renewable ammonia: the future of fuels?Like hydrogen, ammonia has great potential as a no-carbon-emissions alternative to fossil fuels, says energy expert Douglas R. MacFarlane. Could ammonia replace fossil fuels in transportation? Read more.
BIOSECURITY
Researchers hacked a lab’s pathogen containment system. Was it a good idea to publish the results?Researchers in the life sciences have been publishing research that could be misused by bad actors, like a recent study on hacking the containment systems of labs and specialized hospital rooms. There are few guardrails in place to prevent the rapid publication of so-called “dual-use” research, write two experts. Read more.
Tomorrow: Watch the 2023 Doomsday Clock announcement
Tomorrow, tune in to see what the Bulletin’s Science and Security Board has set the Doomsday Clock at for 2023. Hear from speakers including former president of Ireland Mary Robinson, former president of Mongolia Elbegdorj Tsakhia, Bulletin president and CEO Rachel Bronson, and more.
IN THE NEWS
300 nuclear missiles are heading your way. You must respond. What now?This Financial Times article explores work looking at nuclear launch protocols such as a forthcoming documentary from Moran Cerf and a VR simulation from Sharon Weiner and Moritz Kütt. Bulletin President and CEO Rachel Bronson says of the launch protocols: “We need to rethink every aspect of this system and push for more time and more engagement and more democracy.” Read more.
DOOMSDAY CLOCK
Answers to questions about the Doomsday ClockIn light of the Doomsday Clock announcement tomorrow, here are some answers to the common Clock questions we receive. Read more.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“The newly published biography Norman Cousins: Peacemaker in the Atomic Age by scholar Allen Pietrobon confirms the immensity of his humanitarian spirit and influence as a self-appointed secular anti-nuclear prophet.”
— Diane Cole, “One of our greatest peacemakers didn’t speak about his Jewishness; he didn’t have to,” Forward
Your ongoing support ensures we stay on mission and get the job done.
Thank you!