nuclear energy

Video: DOE funds projects to reduce waste from and sustain future deployment of advanced nuclear reactors

By Lisa McDonald / March 23, 2022

On March 10, the U.S. Department of Energy announced $36 million for 11 projects seeking to increase deployment and use of nuclear power and limit the amount of waste produced from advanced nuclear reactors. Learn more about these projects and some of the arguments for and against increasing reliance on nuclear power.

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Report: Nuclear has potential to play bigger role in meeting global energy demand

By Faye Oney / September 25, 2018

A new report from MIT Energy Initiative says that nuclear energy has the potential to be used as an alternative energy source as long as cost and policy issues are addressed. Read the report and watch the video to learn more.

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Other materials stories that may be of interest

By Faye Oney / September 12, 2018

Cannibalistic structures feed on themselves, Cornell startup converts CO2 into fuel, and other materials stories that may be of interest for September 12, 2018.

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Vitrification process turns radioactive waste into durable glass for safe disposal

By Faye Oney / June 8, 2018

Researchers have successfully converted radioactive waste into glass through vitrification at the Hanford Nuclear Site. The test is part of an overall plan to send low-activity waste directly to the vitrification facility via Direct Feed Low-Activity Waste system.

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Disorderly conduct: Simulations reveal irradiated materials are surprisingly disordered, question safety of vitrified nuclear waste

By April Gocha / June 8, 2017

New atomistic simulations by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles and Oak Ridge National Lab are revealing that irradiated materials are even more disordered that previously thought—calling into question the safety of vitrified nuclear waste.

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Other materials stories that may be of interest

By April Gocha / November 10, 2015

Fastest silicon phototransistor ever made, welding unweldable metals, and other materials stories that may be of interest for November 10, 2015.

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Nanomaterials’ grain boundaries absorb defects, lengthen life of nuclear fuel

By April Gocha / March 17, 2015

New research from a team of scientists at University of California, Davis and Los Alamos National Lab is providing important insight into how nanomaterials behave under irradiation, a finding that may help significantly extend the life of nuclear fuels.

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Microscopy and modeling work together to improve nuclear fuel design

By April Gocha / August 26, 2014

Melisssa Teague and colleagues at Idaho National Lab are pioneering research that is providing a microscale view of irradiated fuel, a 3D glimpse that has never been seen before.

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DOE doles out $67 million to advance nuclear research, clean energy innovation

By Jessica McMathis / August 25, 2014

Last week, the Energy Department announced a $67-million funding infusion for research on nuclear energy and clean energy innovation, which, according to a DOE news release, builds on the Obama administration’s efforts to expand such innovation.

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Disposed to disposable: Why homes don’t last in the Land of the Rising Sun

By Jessica McMathis / June 4, 2014

In Japan, where the typical home lasts just three decades and is worth nothing after 15 years, it’s common that homeowners have nothing to show for their 30 years of mortgage payments.

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