Nuclear power
Nuclear power is generated by the heat released in nuclear fission reactions. Although nuclear power is a sustainable energy source and relatively clean in terms of carbon dioxide emission, there has always been controversy surrounding this process due to threats posed to people and the environment through meltdown. Disasters such as those in Chernobyl and Fukushima highlight negative aspects of Nuclear power; the radioactive waste that comes as a by-product left over by Nuclear power station is also a cause for concern for many people.
What would a fusion energy disaster look like?
A nuclear fusion disaster would be nothing like a nuclear fission disaster
Inside the bizarre race to secure Earth’s nuclear tombs
With nuclear energy production increasing globally, the problem of what to do with the waste demands a solution. But where do you store something that stays dangerous for thousands of years?
Nuclear clocks: How ultra-precise measurements will let us probe the Universe like never before
The world’s first nuclear clock could go beyond just keeping ultra-precise time. It might teach us about the forces that hold the Universe together.
null
undefined
Could I build a nuclear reactor in my shed?
Don't try this at home. Or in your garden.
There's a hidden radioactive waste problem at the heart of net zero
The problems caused by the Sellafield plant highlight the need for more considered planning.
These scientists want to make Chernobyl’s radiation glow. Here’s why
Sunglasses at night, a strange but genius invention, and abandoned radioactive mines in the desert: Meet the scientists making uranium glow.
Nukes in space: Why a very very stupid idea just became more likely
Fears of a Cold War nightmare are resurfacing.
Here's how life would actually mutate after nuclear fallout
Don’t expect ghouls or radroaches in a real nuclear apocalypse.
Doughnut plasma and 100 million°C cores: How scientists could soon make nuclear fusion a reality
What are the problems facing nuclear scientists in their quest for the ultimate clean energy source? A physicist explains.
Oppenheimer | The worryingly real fears scientists have about a single nuke ripping open Earth
Could just one bomb destroy our planet in future? A scientist explains.
Instant Genius Podcast | The race to bury nuclear waste in hidden bunkers, with Lewis Blackburn
No, we can’t just fire off our nuclear waste into space.
Clingy atoms and catastrophic iron: The strange science underpinning nuclear fusion
The atom-smashing reaction is a true marvel of nature.
Nuclear fusion: Inside the construction of the world’s largest tokamak
How close are we to achieving reliable nuclear fusion? The ITER experiment in France aims to bring the process closer to reality.
'Future world of fusion energy' one step closer after Oxford reactor breaks record
UK-based JET facility has more than doubled the world record for nuclear fusion energy generation set in 1997.
In pictures: Inside the race for nuclear fusion power
Take a look inside the fusion reactors around the world that are bringing us closer to achieving the dream.
UK scientists could have solved one of nuclear fusion's biggest problems
The new Super-X divertor could be a game-changer for creating fusion power plants that can deliver affordable, efficient electricity.
Earth 300 | The Atomic Superyacht On A Voyage To Save The Planet
You can join 160 scientists on board for a cool £2.2 million.
Lise Meitner | The nuclear pioneer who escaped the Nazis
We uncover the little-known story of the Austrian physicist who launched the nuclear age.
Nuclear fusion | Meet the renegades building a mini nuclear fusion reactor
A growing number of start-ups want to create and commercialise nuclear fusion, to generate clean energy for all. Can they succeed where the big guns have failed?
Reality Check | Has Chernobyl recovered since 1986's nuclear disaster?
The historical drama Chernobyl is inspiring people to visit the nuclear disaster zone – but is it safe? Environmental scientists Professor Nick Beresford and Professor Jim Smith explain.
Chernobyl | Can life survive in a radioactive environment?
The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone and Bikini Atoll are still devoid of humans. But without the threat of our presence, could wildlife thrive in a radioactive environment?
Who really discovered nuclear fission?
Nuclear fission involves splitting atoms into smaller parts, and releases a lot of energy.
Why isn't thorium used for nuclear power?
Although in many ways thorium would be a better radioactive element to use for nuclear power, it's also more difficult to weaponise than uranium.
How plants can survive space missions and Chernobyl
The world seems to be going ever more nuclear, but what effect could radiation have on animals and plants? We speak to Prof Neil Willey from UWE to find out.