Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, November 14, 2024
Posted: 14th November 2024
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A researcher in the interior of the magnetic fusion experiment known as Alcator C-Mod at MIT. The interior of the donut-shaped device confines plasma hotter than the interior of the sun, using high magnetic fields. (Image courtesy of Bob Mumgaard / Plasma Science and Fusion Center, MIT.)
DAN DROLLETTE JR
Fusion, forever the energy of tomorrow?The Bulletin’s November 2024 magazine investigates nuclear fusion’s potential. Will it become a commercial energy source within the next decade, or will we still be waiting a century from now? Read more.
DAN DROLLETTE JR
Ferreting out the truth about fusion: Interview with Bob RosnerCan nuclear fusion be developed quickly enough to make a difference for climate change? Theoretical physicist, former head of Argonne National Laboratory, and self-described “plasma guy” Bob Rosner discusses fusion, climate change, and other reasons to pursue it. Part of our November magazine, this article is available to all for a limited time. Read more.
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HANS M. KRISTENSEN, MATT KORDA, ELIANA JOHNS, MACKENZIE KNIGHT
United Kingdom nuclear weapons, 2024
For decades, the United Kingdom has maintained a stockpile of approximately 225 nuclear warheads—up to 120 of which are available for delivery by four Vanguard-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. The stockpile is now increasing, according to the latest Nuclear Notebook by experts at the Federation of American Scientists. Read more.
Royal Navy Vanguard-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine HMS Victorious departs HM Naval Base Clyde in Scotland. The other three Vanguard-class SSBNs are also based at Clyde. (Credit: Will Haigh / UK Ministry of Defence.)
ROBERT ALVAREZ
The death of Karen Silkwood—and the plutonium economy
Yesterday marked 50 years since the death of Karen Silkwood, a union activist and whistleblower at a plutonium fuel plant. Robert Alvarez recounts the efforts he, his wife, and others made in successfully seeking justice for her. Read more.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Because we haven’t seen severe illness and deaths yet, I think there’s been some complacency around trying to control this virus [H5N1], but I’ve always said we shouldn’t wait for farm workers to die before we take action to protect them. I just don’t think you should gamble with people’s lives like that.”
— Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center and professor of epidemiology at Brown University School of Public Health, “Bird flu infections more widespread among US dairy workers than thought – study,” The Guardian
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