• NUCLEAR SURVIVALWhat We’ve Learned from Survivors of the Atomic Bombs

    By Nancy Huddleston

    Q&A with Dr. Preetha Rajaraman, New Vice Chair for the Radiation Effects Research Foundation in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan.

  • NUCLEAR WASTEHow and Where Is Nuclear waste stored in the U.S.?

    By Gerald Frankel

    Around the U.S., about 90,000 tons of nuclear waste is stored at over 100 sites in 39 states, in a range of different structures and containers. For decades, the nation has been trying to send it all to one secure location. Perhaps there will be a temporary site whose location passes muster with the Supreme Court. But in the meantime, the waste will stay where it is.

  • DISASTERSAvalanche Detection Using Passive Radar

    In winter, avalanches pose the biggest danger in mountains. Avalanche monitoring is therefore of critical importance to ensure the safety of people and infrastructure.

  • NUCLEAR WASTEU.S. Supreme Court Takes Up Texas Nuclear Waste Disposal Case

    By Dylan Baddour, Inside Climate News

    The case could establish the nation’s first independent repository for spent nuclear fuel in West Texas, despite the objections of state leaders.

  • IRAN’S NUKESResponse to Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists Article on Iran’s Short Timeline to a Bomb

    By David Albright and Sarah Burkhard

    Iran can build a crude nuclear weapon too quickly, in about six months, after a decision to do so, but the regime risks being detected early after its decision to do so and all along its subsequent pathway to a bomb. That time is more than sufficient for a devastating military response by Israel, hopefully supported by the United States and other allies.

  • RADIATION PROTECTIONVolcanic Ash Can Be Used for Radiation Shielding

    Radiation shielding is essential for hospitals, industrial sites, and nuclear facilities. Researchers have found a surprising new use for the copious amounts of volcanic ash scattered across the Philippines: it can be used to shield against harmful radiation.

  • AIRPORT SECURITYReimagining Imaging at the Airport

    The Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are collaborating on Advanced Imaging Technology to improve the passenger screening experience.

  • AIFTC Rightfully Acts Against So-Called “AI Weapon Detection” Company Evolv

    By Matthew Guariglia and Cooper Quintin

    The Federal Trade Commission has entered a settlement with self-styled “weapon detection” company Evolv, to resolve the FTC’s claim that the company “knowingly” and repeatedly” engaged in “unlawful” acts of misleading claims about their technology.

  • CHEMICAL SECURITYPreparing our Ports for the Future of Alternative Maritime Fuels

    Fuels like ammonia will greatly reduce carbon emissions—better for the environment, but are they safe for our infrastructure? The Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) recently conducted a market research survey to assess hazards associated with alternative fuel production, storage, and transport at U.S. ports. High-risk ports could be the sites for future ammonia release tests that will inform preparedness and response.

  • FENTANYLHigh-Tech Methods to Stem the Flow of Fentanyl

    By Tom Rickey

    Keeping up with illicit labs churning out new forms of fentanyl, nitazenes is the goal.

  • NUCLEAR WASTEThe History of WIPP

    By Kim Vallez Quintana

    In 1975, the nation asked Sandia to investigate the possibility of building a repository in New Mexico for the disposal of radioactive transuranic defense waste. Little did those assigned to the project know that the task would absorb most of their careers and become one of the most controversial and important projects in U.S. history.

  • NUCLEAR PLANTSWar Risks from Nuclear Power Plants? Just Look at Zaporizhzhia

    By Henry Campbell

    As evidenced in an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report released in September, Russia’s occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine continues to create high risk of a nuclear disaster. In considering future conflicts, no one can safely assume that an enemy will avoid targeting nuclear power stations.

  • NUCLEAR PLANTSSafer and More Precise Nuclear Plant Dismantlement

    As the need for technologies to cut and dismantle reactors and internal structures increases due to the end of the operational lifespan of nuclear power plants, an innovative laser cutting technology for nuclear dismantlement has been developed.

  • NUCLEAR DETECTIONSoftware Application Keeps Public Safer from Potential Airborne Radiological Releases

    Developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory, QUIC-DEPDOSE accurately measures the spread of radiological particles from the kilometer to micron level.

  • NUCLEAR DETECTIONSimultaneous Detection of Uranium Isotopes, Fluorine Advances Nuclear Nonproliferation Monitoring

    Fluorine is essential for converting uranium into a form suitable for enrichment, so spotting both elements together may help inspectors determine the intended use of a nuclear material.