Fusion Controversy, Radiocarbon Forensics, Tentacled Snakes
Nuclear weapons test
This week: Controversy over carbon capture and nuclear fusion, revisiting a journalist with swine flu, and a forensic technique that uses the residue of atomic tests to identify human remains. Plus a sneaky tentacled snake, and a new archaeological find near Stonehenge.
Nuclear Fusion: Some see nuclear fusion as a global warming holy grail, a way to produce an endless supply of cheap, green energy. In the south of France, researchers are building an experimental reactor. But the project is in trouble – construction costs have doubled, and critics say the method isn’t commercially viable.
Report: By BBC science reporter Matt McGrath.
Carbon Capture: In recent years, an experimental technology has become the darling of energy industries, governments, and some environmentalists – carbon capture and storage. The technology involves taking CO2 out of energy production and injecting it into the ground. If it works, oil, gas and coal power plants could reduce emissions dramatically. But some argue that carbon capture could be a false lead that will distract us from taking steps we know will work.
Report: By the BBC’s Lars Bevanger.
Preparing tooth for radiocarbon analysis
Radiocarbon Forensics: In the early years of the Cold War, the U.S., the Soviet Union, and other countries exploded hundreds of nuclear devices in the atmosphere. A treaty banned those tests beginning in 1963, but traces of the nuclear explosions are still in the atmosphere. Now scientists in Sweden are trying to use those traces to help solve homicides.
Report: By The World’s David Baron.
Inuit Flu Redux: We revisit a story from last week – the spread of swine in Northern Canada.
Guest: CBC reporter Patricia Bell
And….. Elsa’s Favorite Science Stories For the Week:
How tentacled snakes trick fish and eat them. See video of the clever predator, below. The study is still in press and will soon be online here.
Ocean currents influence earth’s magnetism. When you check that link, don’t miss the movies showing how the magnetic field changes over time! (The study.)
A huge new archaeological discovery near Stonehenge.
Music:
Radio Active by DJ Sergio Mesa
Pagan Baby, by CCR
