IAEA Top News

• Update 283 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine
  The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team based at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) visited the site’s diesel storage tanks today and saw no signs of damage or spillage there, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.
  
• Revolutionizing Plastic Recycling Through Irradiation
  Ahead of the International Day of Zero Waste this weekend, find out how radiation technology can be applied to tackle the global crisis of plastic pollution.
  
• Update 282 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine
  The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team has this week been observing operational tests of diesel generators at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) as part of ongoing efforts to help prevent a nuclear accident during the military conflict in Ukraine, where the off-site power situation remains challenging, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.
  
• This Glass is Radioactive
  This type of glass has been produced for nearly 200 years, and it contains the first ever discovered radioactive element.
  
• What is Isotope Hydrology?
  Protecting water resources is an important goal for all countries, especially as we see the impacts of climate change becoming more and more pronounced. “Isotope hydrology is a really useful tool for countries to help do this because it gives us a fingerprint of the water molecule,” explains Jodie Miller, head of the Isotope Hydrology Section at the IAEA.
  
• Latest IAEA Reports Confirm Japan's ALPS Treated Water Release Continues to Meet International Safety Standards
  The discharge of treated water from Fukushima Daiichi is proceeding in line with international safety standards, the IAEA Task Force confirmed today.
  
• Glaciers on Borrowed Time: Capturing Data from Vanishing Ice in Bolivia
  The Western Huayna Potosí Glacier in Bolivia, an important water source, may vanish in 20 years. Scientists, supported by the IAEA and Food and Agriculture Organization, are monitoring the glacier, helping farmers and policymakers manage this vital water source.
  
• IAEA Visits India to Strengthen Cooperation in Energy and Cancer Treatment
  IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has been in India this week to attend the prestigious Raisina Dialogue and strengthen cooperation on nuclear energy and cancer care.
  
• Update 281 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine
  Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said it was encouraging to see the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) being “considered in ongoing conversations” on the military conflict in Ukraine and he stressed that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was ready to provide its technical support for those efforts.
  
• Ocean Acidification: How Nuclear Techniques Could Provide Solutions
  Ocean acidification, a consequence of climate change caused by the ocean’s absorption of carbon dioxide, is threatening the environment.
  
• From Disaster Recovery to Saving Cultural Heritage: IAEA Boosts Assistance to Countries in Non-Destructive Testing
  To help countries better prepare for natural disasters, the IAEA has recently increased its services in non-destructive testing by opening a new training centre and by issuing guidelines aimed at building capacity in this life saving technique.
  
• Focus on Safe Management of Spent Fuel and Radioactive Waste at Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention
  Long term management of spent fuel and radioactive waste is being discussed this week at the Eighth Review Meeting of Contracting Parties to the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management.
  
• IAEA and World Bank Join Forces to Strengthen Water Security in Niger
  The IAEA and Niger have signed an agreement, backed by World Bank funding, to improve water security in the country.
  
• IAEA Director General Visits Niger to Strengthen Cooperation in Mining, Water Management and Cancer Care
  IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has been to Niger this week for high-level meetings with Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine and other senior officials to enhance support for the country through the peaceful uses of nuclear technology for mining, water management and cancer care.
  
• Update 280 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine
  Ukrainian firefighters have gained full control over the situation at the Chornobyl site following last month’s drone strike that caused extensive damage to the large confinement structure covering the reactor destroyed in the 1986 accident, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said today.
  

IAEA Fukushima Status Reports

• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 21 February 2025
  On 21 February 2025, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during November, which the Ministry of Forei
  
• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 1 February 2025
  On 1 February 2025, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during October, which the Ministry of Foreig
  
• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 1 February 2025
  On 1 February 2025, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during September, which the Ministry of Forei
  
• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 28 November 2024
  On 28 November 2024, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during August, which the Ministry of Foreign
  
• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 6 November 2024
  The Japanese Government has provided the IAEA with a report that summarizes the events and highlights the progress related to recovery operations at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station.
  
• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 29 October 2024
  On 29 October 2024, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during July, which the Ministry of Foreign Af
  
• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 2 October 2024
  On 1 October 2024, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during June, which the Ministry of Foreign Aff
  
• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 11 July 2024
  On 10 July 2024, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during May, which the Ministry of Foreign Affair
  
• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 13 June 2024
  On 13 June 2024, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during April, which the Ministry of Foreign Aff
  
• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 13 June 2024
  On 13 June 2024, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during March, which the Ministry of Foreign Affa
  
• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 25 March 2024
  On 22 March 2024, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during February, which the Ministry of Foreign
  
• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 5 March 2024
  On 5 March 2024, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during January, which the Ministry of Foreign Af
  
• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 18 January 2024
  On 18 January 2024, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during December, which the Ministry of Foreig
  
• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 27 December 2023
  On 27 December 2023, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during November, which the Ministry of Fore
  
• Japan's Reports on Conditions at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 21 November 2023
  On 21 November 2023, Japan provided the IAEA with a copy of a report on the discharge record and the seawater monitoring results at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station during October, which the Ministry of Foreig
  

Union of Concerned Scientists

• Nuclear Security Agency Responds To UCS Scientist's Concerns
  Nuclear Security Agency Responds To UCS Scientist's Concerns 2025 Omari Spears Mon, 01/13/2025 - 13:03 Read press release
  
• Millions of Midwesterners Benefit from Milestone Clean Energy Investment
  Millions of Midwesterners Benefit from Milestone Clean Energy Investment 2024 Omari Spears Thu, 12/12/2024 - 15:36 Read press release
  
• California Passes First-in-the-Nation Bidirectional EV Charging Bill
  California Passes First-in-the-Nation Bidirectional EV Charging Bill 2024 chris bliss Thu, 12/12/2024 - 14:07 Read blog post
  
• Clean Energy and Environmental Justice Win in Massachusetts
  Clean Energy and Environmental Justice Win in Massachusetts 2024 Omari Spears Wed, 11/27/2024 - 13:50 Read press release
  
• After UCS Advocacy, >13 Million People Protected By New Ethylene Oxide Regulation
  After UCS Advocacy, >13 Million People Protected By New Ethylene Oxide Regulation 2024 Omari Spears Wed, 11/27/2024 - 12:24 Read press release
  
• New Federal Rules to Modernize US Power Grid Cite UCS
  New Federal Rules to Modernize US Power Grid Cite UCS 2024 Omari Spears Wed, 06/05/2024 - 16:00 Read press release
  
• EPA Falsified Scientific Records in Ohio Train Derailment Disaster
  EPA Falsified Scientific Records in Ohio Train Derailment Disaster Omari Spears Tue, 05/28/2024 - 15:25 Administration Biden Topic Environment Public Health
  
• New EPA Rules Offer $370 Billion in Climate and Health Benefits
  New EPA Rules Offer $370 Billion in Climate and Health Benefits 2024 Omari Spears Mon, 05/06/2024 - 16:21 Read press release
  
• 7 Billion Tons of Climate Pollution Avoided Thanks to New UCS-backed Vehicle Standards
  7 Billion Tons of Climate Pollution Avoided Thanks to New UCS-backed Vehicle Standards 2024 Omari Spears Mon, 05/06/2024 - 16:16 Read blog
  
• More Than 12,000 Chemical Facilities Better Prepared for Disasters
  More Than 12,000 Chemical Facilities Better Prepared for Disasters 2024 Omari Spears Mon, 05/06/2024 - 16:00 Read blog
  

Nuclear Energy News -- ScienceDaily

• A safe nuclear battery that could last a lifetime
  Lithium-ion batteries, used in consumer devices and electric vehicles, typically last hours or days between charges. However, with repeated use, they degrade and need to be charged more frequently. Now, researchers are considering radiocarbon as a source for safe, small and affordable nuclear batteries that could last decades or longer without charging.
  
• Gas injection setup in new fusion system is guided by public-private research
  Researchers have determined that six gas valves provide the best protection against plasma disruptions in SPARC, a next-generation, experimental fusion system. By refining the setup for the fusion vessel's massive gas injection system, researchers are ensuring that disruptions -- sudden jets of plasma that can damage the fusion vessel's inner walls -- are controlled efficiently...
  
• New machine learning framework enhances precision and efficiency in metal 3D printing, advancing sustainable manufacturing
  Researchers are leveraging machine learning to improve additive manufacturing, also commonly known as 3D printing. The team introduces a new framework they've dubbed the Accurate Inverse process optimization framework in laser Directed Energy Deposition (AIDED). The new AIDED framework optimizes laser 3D printing to enhance the accuracy and robustness of the finished product. T...
  
• Muonic atoms unlock new possibilities in nuclear physics
  Researchers have combined theory and experiments to show that nuclear polarization does not limit studies of muonic atoms, clearing the way for new nuclear physics experiments.
  
• Producing nuclear fusion fuel is banned in the US for being too toxic, but these researchers found an alternative
  Lithium-6 is essential for producing nuclear fusion fuel, but isolating it from the much more common isotope, lithium-7, usually requires liquid mercury, which is extremely toxic. Now, researchers have developed a mercury-free method to isolate lithium-6 that is as effective as the conventional method.
  
• Nanomaterials used to measure nuclear reaction on radioactive nuclei produced in neutron star collisions
  Physicists have measured a nuclear reaction that can occur in neutron star collisions, providing direct experimental data for a process that had previously only been theorised. The study provides new insight into how the universe's heaviest elements are forged -- and could even drive advancements in nuclear reactor physics.
  
• Dialing in the temperature needed for precise nuclear timekeeping
  For decades, atomic clocks have been the pinnacle of precision timekeeping, enabling GPS navigation, cutting-edge physics research, and tests of fundamental theories. But researchers are now pushing beyond atomic transitions to something potentially even more stable: a nuclear clock.
  
• Direct evidence revealed for rare pulsing pear-shapes in Gadolinium nuclei
  Scientists have acquired direct evidence of rare, pulsing pear-shaped structures within atomic nuclei of the rare-earth element Gadolinium, thanks to new research.
  
• Scientists discover new heavy-metal molecule 'berkelocene'
  Scientists have discovered 'berkelocene,' the first organometallic molecule to be characterized containing the heavy element berkelium. The breakthrough disrupts long-held theories about the chemistry of the elements that follow uranium in the periodic table.
  
• Highly radioactive nuclear waste: how to keep it from oblivion
  Sweden's radioactive nuclear waste will be stored in a sealed bedrock repository for 100,000 years. It will be hazardous for a very long time. So how can we ensure that humanity does not forget that it is there? Researchers have come up with a proposal for how to keep the memory alive over generations.
  
• Some fuel lodges in the inner walls of fusion vessels: Researchers now have a better idea of how much
  New research offers insights that could help reduce the amount of radioactive tritium embedded in the walls of fusion vessels to a minimum.
  
• A completely new type of microscopy based on quantum sensors
  Researchers have invented an entirely new field of microscopy -- nuclear spin microscopy. The team can visualize magnetic signals of nuclear magnetic resonance with a microscope. Quantum sensors convert the signals into light, enabling extremely high-resolution optical imaging.
  
• Scientists design battery that runs on atomic waste
  Researchers have developed a battery that can convert nuclear energy into electricity via light emission, a study suggests.
  
• Illuminating the proton's inner workings
  Scientists have now mapped the forces acting inside a proton, showing in unprecedented detail how quarks -- the tiny particles within -- respond when hit by high-energy photons. The international team includes experts who are exploring the structure of sub-atomic matter to try to provide further insight into the forces that underpin the natural world.
  
• Breakthrough study challenges long-held beliefs about the shape of atomic nuclei
  An international research collaboration has overturned the long-standing belief that the atomic nucleus of lead-208 is perfectly spherical. The discovery challenges fundamental assumptions about nuclear structure and has far-reaching implications for our understanding of how the heaviest elements are formed in the universe.
  

Atomic Insights

• Atomic Show #329 – Dr. Kathryn Huff, former Assistant Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Energy
  The Honorable Dr. Kathryn Huff is an associate professor in the nuclear, plasma and radiological engineering department at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She is the director of the Advanced Reactor Fuels laboratory and currently specializes in nuclear reactor core neutronics and multi-physics modeling. She served as the Assistant Secretary of Energy for Nuclear En...
  
• Atomic Show #328 – Matt Loszak, CEO Aalo
  Aalo Atomics is a two year old micro reactor company founded by Matt Loszak, a serial entrepreneur, and Yasir Arafat, a skilled nuclear engineer who previously lead the DOE’s MARVEL advanced micro-reactor demonstration project. Note: At Nucleation Capital, we were impressed enough with the company and the team to add it to our growing portfolio...
  
• Atomic Show #327 – Rod Baltzer, CEO, Deep Isolation
  Deep Isolation is one of Nucleation Capital’s more impactful portfolio companies because its technology can enable greater success for most of the rest of the companies – and for the entire nuclear energy sector. The company has been developing, testing and refining its systematic approach to nuclear waste disposal for a decade. Despite the fact...
  
• Atomic Show #326 – Jigar Shah, former director of DOE Loan Programs Office
  Jigar Shah has had a lengthy career as an energy industry entrepreneur and strategic thinker. He founded Sun Edison and helped to create a new model for deploying solar power systems. He was part of the Carbon War Room and then founded Generate Capital to provide loans to proven technologies that had not yet achieved...
  
• Chris Wright on nuclear power, Nov 6, 2020
  Yesterday, Chris Wright was confirmed as the next U.S. Secretary of Energy. After that important step in his energy career, it’s worth taking a few moments to learn what he thinks about nuclear power outside of any political context. In my experience, people like Wright form and hold opinions that do not shift much over...
  
• Atomic Show #325 – Marco Visscher – The Power of Nuclear
  After many years as an independent journalist with an antinuclear bent, Marco Visscher began questioning his long-held beliefs. He realized that the accepted alternatives to fossil fuel were not actually reducing fossil fuel use so much as they were limiting the rate at which it was increasing. He began acknowledging that nuclear energy was a...
  
• Atomic Show #324 – Jay Hakes, Author of Presidents and the Planet
  Jay Hakes, an accomplished author and historian, visited the Atomic Show to talk about his recently published book, Presidents and the Planet: Climate Change Science and Politics from Eisenhower to Bush. Sometimes referred to as “the untold story of climate change,” Hake’s book is an enlightening jaunt through a history discovered during long days in...
  
• Atomic Show #323 – Julie Kozeracki, Director of Strategy, DOE Loan Programs Office
  Julie Kozeracki was the lead author for a U.S. Department of Energy strategy document titled Pathways to Commercial Liftoff: Advanced Nuclear published in September 2024. The document was the result of a multi-agency, multi-lab effort to update a previously issued report. During our conversation, Kozeracki described how the report was informed by changes in the...
  
• Atomic Show #322 – Westinghouse’s eVinci micro reactor
  Westinghouse’s eVinci is a 15 MWth, 5 MWe micro reactor. Westinghouse often refers to it as a nuclear battery. Unlike conventional nuclear power plants, eVinci uses no water and doesn’t produce steam. The eVinci is not “just another way to boil water.” There are no pumps in the system that moves heat out of the...
  
• Atomic Show #321 – Andrew Harmon, VP Natura Resources
  The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued a construction permit on September 16, 2024 to Abilene Christian University (ACU) to build a molten salt research reactor. This marked the first university research reactor approval in 30 years. It is the first liquid fuel reactor ever approved for construction by the NRC and only the second advanced...
  
• Matthew Marzano brings valuable education and experience to his potential role as NRC Commissioner
  Note: (Added Dec 3, 2024)I have come to the conclusion that Matthew Marzano is not an appropriate choice to be an NRC Commissioner. He should not be confirmed by the Senate, especially in the closing days of a lame duck session. Though he has respectable technical education and significant operational experience, he has largely been...
  
• Atomic Show #320 – Magnus Mori, Urenco
  Urenco is one of the few companies in the world that enriches uranium. It’s one of an even smaller group of enrichers that aren’t owned by the Russian, Chinese or Iranian governments. It plays a key role in the western world’s nuclear fuel cycle. That role became even more important after February, 2022. With the...
  
• The ADVANCE Act – Meaningful changes in U. S. nuclear regulatory framework
  NRC’s Newly Aligned Mission Will Accelerate Nuclear Energy Deployment With resounding bipartisan, bicameral support that also achieved enthusiastic support of the Executive Branch, the US has enacted a new law announcing its support of nuclear energy. It has the potential to make an even larger impact on global atomic energy use than the combination of...
  
• Atomic Show #319 – Juliann Edwards, The Nuclear Company
  The Nuclear Company exited a period of operating in “stealth mode” about a month ago. That exit was sufficiently well planned and executed that it is likely that Atomic Insights readers have already heard of the company. The Nuclear Company was incorporated a year ago. Its founding team has been working diligently to build the...
  
• Atomic Show #318 – Brian Gitt, Business Development, Oklo
  Brian Gitt, the Business Development lead at Oklo, visited the Atomic Show to describe his employer’s business model and current prospects. Oklo is an advanced fission and fuel recycling company with an expansive vision for becoming a competitive clean energy supplier. It plans to provide heat and/or electricity as a service from a fleet of...
  

Energy News

• Secretary Wright Acts to Remove Red Tape, Accelerate Mission Execution at America’s National Weapons and Science Labs
  U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright today announced new actions to ease burdensome permitting rules and regulations for construction projects at the Department’s 17 National Labs.
  
• Energy Department Advances Efforts to Lower Costs and Increase Consumer Choice
  U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright today announced the Department of Energy (DOE) has further postponed the implementation of three of the Biden-Harris administration’s restrictive mandates on home appliances.
  
• ICYMI: WSJ: Thanks to Trump Administration, We Now Know the Truth About LNG’s Benefits
  Excerpt from a Wall Street Journal opinion piece originally printed on March 20th, 2025.
  
• Secretary Wright Signs Export Authorization for Venture Global CP2 LNG
  U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright today approved a liquefied natural gas export authorization to the Venture Global CP2 LNG export project proposed for Cameron Parish, Louisiana.
  
• DOE Approves Loan Disbursement for Palisades Nuclear Plant
  U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright today announced the release of the second loan disbursement to Holtec for the Palisades Nuclear Plant.
  
• ICYMI: Secretary Wright Powers up American Energy at CERAWeek & the Houston Rodeo
  U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright just wrapped up his first visit to Houston, Texas as the 17th U.S. Secretary of Energy, where he delivered a keynote address at CERAWeek 2025 and participated in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
  
• Secretary of Energy Chris Wright Delivers Keynote Remarks at CERAWeek 2025
  U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright delivered remarks today at the 43rd annual CERAWeek by S&P Global, outlining the administration’s and Energy Department’s commitment to expanding the production of affordable, reliable and secure American energy.
  
• DOE Issues Extension to Delfin LNG Project
  U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright today approved a liquefied natural gas export permit extension for Delfin LNG LLC, granting additional time to commence exports from the project proposed for offshore Louisiana.
  
• Secretary Wright to Deliver CERAWeek Keynote Address in Houston
  U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright will deliver keynote remarks at the 43rd annual CERAWeek by S&P Global on Monday, March 10, 2025.
  
• ICYMI: Secretaries Wright and Burgum Join American Energy Workers in Applauding President Trump’s Leadership & Historic Investment in American Energy Infrastructure
  U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum joined more than a thousand American energy workers at Venture Global’s Plaquemine LNG Export facility to highlight the impacts of President Trump’s energy agenda.
  

Today in Energy

• The United States remained the world’s largest liquefied natural gas exporter in 2024
  The United States exported 11.9 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in 2024, remaining the world’s largest LNG exporter. LNG exports from Australia and Qatar—the world’s two next-largest LNG exporters—have remained relatively stable over the last five years (2020–24); their exports have ranged from 10.2 Bcf/d to 10.7 B...
  
• U.S. biodiesel use increases outside of the transportation sector
  A small but increasing amount of biodiesel in the United States is consumed in the residential, commercial, and electric power sectors, according to new estimates now published in our State Energy Data System. Previously, we allocated all U.S. biodiesel consumption to the transportation sector, where the vast majority of biodiesel is consumed.
  
• U.S. manufacturing energy consumption has continued to increase since 2010 low
  U.S. manufacturing energy consumption has continued to increase, according to our recently released survey results for 2022. We conduct the Manufacturing Energy Consumption Surveys (MECS) every four years, and the latest iteration shows the third consecutive increase in energy consumed in the manufacturing sector since a low point in 2010. Natural gas consumption in the manufac...
  
• Jet fuel made up a record share of U.S. refinery output in 2024
  U.S. refineries produced a record-high share of jet fuel in 2024, reflecting increased demand relative to other transportation fuels.
  
• U.S. ethane production, consumption, and exports set new records in 2024
  U.S. ethane production, consumption, and exports reached record highs in 2024, according to recent data from our Petroleum Supply Monthly. Increasing ethane recovery associated with natural gas production and continued growth in the domestic and global petrochemical sectors drove these increases.
  

Nuclear & WMD News at DefenceTalk.com

• Russia’s updated nuclear ‘red line’ adds uncertainty: experts
  DefenceTalkRussia’s new nuclear doctrine reflects its hopes to deter Ukraine’s allies from a greater role in the war by establishing red lines hedged with added ambiguity, experts say. Moscow warned on Tuesday that it would respond after Ukraine fired longer-range US missiles at its territory for the first time, as President Vladimir Putin issued a […]https:/...
  
• Russian defence ministry says held fresh nuclear drills
  DefenceTalkRussia said Tuesday its army held fresh nuclear drills under the supervision of President Vladimir Putin, who recently called for changes to rules on the use of Moscow’s nuclear deterrent. Putin has raised the prospect of using nuclear weapons during Moscow’s offensive in Ukraine several times and last month suggested Russia broaden its rules on […...
  
• Japan shifting back to nuclear to ditch coal, power AI
  DefenceTalkGlinting in the sun by the world’s biggest nuclear plant, the Sea of Japan is calm now. But as the huge facility gears up to restart, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa has a new tsunami wall, just in case. Japan pulled the plug on nuclear power after the 2011 Fukushima disaster, but with the G7’s dirtiest energy mix, it […]https://www.defencetalk.com/japan-shifti...
  
• Amazon bets on nuclear power to fuel AI ambitions
  DefenceTalkAmazon announced significant investments in nuclear energy on Wednesday, joining other tech giants in aiming to meet the high electric power demands of artificial intelligence using atomic energy. As companies including Microsoft, Amazon, and Google rapidly expand their global data center capabilities, they are actively seeking new electricity sources. Amazon has sig...
  
• Nuclear deterrence still at heart of great power strategy: experts
  DefenceTalkNuclear-armed powers have no intention of giving up the atom bomb as part of their military strategy, experts said after the Nobel Peace Prize committee urged against any weakening of the nuclear “taboo”. Awarding this year’s peace prize to Japan’s Nihon Hidankyo, a grassroots movement of Hiroshima and Nagasaki survivors pushing for a nuclear ...
  
• Israeli retaliation threat sparks call in Iran for nuclear weapons
  DefenceTalkWith the prospect of Israeli retaliation for Iran’s missile attack looming, some Iranian hardliners want their government to revise its nuclear doctrine to pursue atomic weapons. Israel has vowed to launch a “deadly, precise, and surprising” attack on Iran in retaliation for its second-ever direct strike on Israeli territory. On October 1, Iran laun...
  
• Kazakhstan approve plan for first nuclear power plant
  DefenceTalkKazakhstan has approved a plan to build its first nuclear power station in a referendum, overcoming lingering resentment over massive radiation exposure from Soviet-era nuclear tests. The Central Asian country is the world’s largest producer of uranium and has massive oil reserves but it suffers from chronic energy shortages. The “Yes” vote won 71.1...
  
• With Two Nuclear-Armed Strategic Competitors, US Modernization Top Priority
  DefenceTalk“The security environment we face today is unprecedented,” said Melissa Dalton, undersecretary of the Air Force. “We face for the first time in our nation’s history, two strategic competitors that are nuclear states with large and growing nuclear arsenals. When we look at the [People’s Republic of China] and its breathtaking modernizatio...
  
• Kremlin says won’t change plans on Belarus nuclear weapons
  DefenceTalkThe Kremlin on Monday said Western criticism would not change plans announced by President Vladimir Putin to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in neighboring Belarus. The West condemned Putin’s weekend announcement on placing the weapons in EU and NATO-bordering Belarus, triggering calls for new sanctions on Moscow. Ukraine said it was seeking an emergency meetin...
  
• North Korea says it tested new underwater nuclear attack ‘drone’
  DefenceTalkNorth Korea claimed Friday it had tested an underwater nuclear attack drone able to unleash a “radioactive tsunami”, as it blamed recent US-South Korea exercises for a deteriorating regional security situation. Pyongyang carried out military drills of its own in response this week, the official Korean Central News Agency said, including test-firing a new ...
  

All Articles | Discover Magazine

• Salt Is Necessary for the Body, but Over-Consuming Sodium Is Now Linked to Obesity
  New research reveals how the salt, often hidden in processed foods, is associated with being overweight.
  
• Artificial Intelligence Tools Like ChatGPT May Weaken Our Problem-Solving Skills
  Is AI making us dumber? Understand how tools like ChatGPT could impact our critical thinking skills, but in some cases helps us learn more.
  
• Zoom Fatigue May be Causing a Zoom Boom, Increasing Desire for Cosmetic Procedures
  Learn more about Zoom fatigue and why it's driving some people to consider cosmetic surgery, also known as the Zoom Boom.
  
• Warm Waters Helped Some Species Thrive After Earth’s Great Dying
  Learn about the climate changes that followed the end-Permian extinction, allowing select species to take over the planet’s oceans.
  
• What Bird Brains Can Teach Us About Learning a New Skill
  Learn how Zebra finches' natural drive to learn their songs makes them masters of their craft — and what we can learn from their process.
  
• Light Emitted by a Distant Galaxy Pierces Through the Early Universe's Fog
  Learn about a new observation of a galaxy emitting ultraviolet light that broke through the early universe's dense fog.
  
• Are Cold Water Plunges Actually Good For You?
  Dive in and learn more about cold water plunge benefits and potential risks.
  
• This 444 Million-Year-Old Arthropod Was Fossilized Inside Out
  Meet Keurbos susanae, the inside-out fossil named after the discoverer’s mom.
  
• How Often Should You Wash Your Reusable Water Bottle? Studies Say Everyday
  Reusable water bottles are great for fighting against single-use plastic, but they can carry a lot of bacteria if not cleaned often enough. Learn how to keep your water bottles clean.
  
• 5 of the Longest Gestation Periods in the Animal Kingdom
  What animal has the longest gestation period? From salamanders to elephants, here’s how long it can take to make a baby.
  
• Elephants Travel Smart to Conserve Energy on Their Journeys
  Learn about elephants' sharp sense of travel planning, helping them save energy and find food as they trek through their preferred habitats.
  
• Ice Quakes Cause Glacial Ice to Flow Toward the Ocean
  What are ice quakes? Learn how the discovery of ice quakes deep within the Northeast Greenland Ice Sheet is helping scientists better understand the dynamics of glacial ice.
  
• This Medication Could Make Human Blood Deadly to Mosquitos, Combatting Malaria
  Discover nitisinone, a drug for rare diseases that could also combat mosquitoes and their transmission of malaria.
  
• Newly Discovered Mars Molecules Resemble Structures Critical for Life on Earth
  Explore the latest find from NASA’s Curiosity rover and what it reveals about organic matter beyond our planet.
  
• The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment Could Answer Profound Cosmic Questions
  Learn why the neutrino detector aims to capture elusive particles, hoping to reveal why the universe is the way it is.