Scientists Reach Breakthrough In Nuclear Fusion
12:15 minutes
This week, researchers announced a big breakthrough in the field of nuclear fusion.
Scientists have been slamming atoms into each other for decades in the hope that they will fuse together, and release more energy than was put in. And for the first time ever, scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory did just that in early December, using very powerful lasers.
But just how quickly will the mission to develop scalable nuclear fusion become a reality? Ira talks with Casey Crownhart, climate reporter at MIT Technology Review, about that and other top science news of the week, including an uptick in methane, an investigation into telehealth data sharing practices, and the newly-identified snake clitoris.
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Segment Guests
Casey Crownhart
Casey Crownhart is a climate reporter for MIT Technology Review in New York, New York.
Segment Transcript
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@iraflatowIra Flatow is the founder and host of Science Friday. His green thumb has revived many an office plant at death’s door.