http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/weapons_technology/ Read the latest developments in non-lethal weapons, weapons of mass destruction (WMD), nuclear weapons, chemical weaponry and more. en-us Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:05:02 EST Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:05:02 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/weapons_technology/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126152132.htm Japan used seawater to cool nuclear fuel at the stricken Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear plant after the tsunami in March 2011 -- and that was probably the best action to take at the time, say experts. But researchers have since discovered a new way in which seawater can corrode nuclear fuel, forming uranium compounds that could potentially travel long distances, either in solution or as very small particles. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126152132.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124140319.htm Research by chemists could impact worldwide efforts to produce clean, safe nuclear energy and reduce radioactive waste. They have used metal-organic frameworks to capture and remove volatile radioactive gas from spent nuclear fuel. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124140319.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208142027.htm Catching terrorists who detonate bombs may be easier by testing the containers that hide the bombs rather than the actual explosives, according to pioneering research. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208142027.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201125400.htm The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry has recommended new proposed names for elements 114 and 116, the latest heavy elements to be added to the periodic table. Scientists proposed the names are Flerovium for element 114 and Livermorium for element 116. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:54:54 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201125400.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102093051.htm Australian researchers have developed new technology capable of removing radioactive material from contaminated water and aiding clean-up efforts following nuclear disasters. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102093051.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101122358.htm Policy decisions and poor management have substantially undermined the US Los Alamos National Laboratory — and, consequently, U.S. national security, according to a new article. The article calls into question media and government stereotypes that have blamed Los Alamos’s scientists for the decline. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 12:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101122358.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031220556.htm Scientists at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory hit a materials research milestone in the Office of Naval Research's Electromagnetic Railgun program when they fired a laboratory-scale system for the 1,000th time Oct. 31. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:05:05 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031220556.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919194102.htm When the Tohoku earthquake and subsequent tsunami hit the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station on March 11, 2011, the world witnessed the largest nuclear incident since the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. In a special Fukushima issue of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, published today by SAGE, experts examine the current and future impact of Fukushima, what might have been done to lessen the scale of the accident, and the steps we need to take both in Japan and worldwide to prevent another nuclear tragedy. Mon, 19 Sep 2011 19:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919194102.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110917082729.htm Scientists have just developed a laser that could detect roadside bombs. The laser potentially has the sensitivity and selectivity to canvas large areas and detect improvised explosive devices -- weapons that account for around 60 percent of coalition soldiers' deaths. Sat, 17 Sep 2011 08:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110917082729.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912143451.htm Scientists have developed new materials that can detect hard radiation, a very difficult thing to do. The method could lead to a handheld device for detecting nuclear weapons and materials, such as a "nuclear bomb in a suitcase" scenario. The materials perform as well as materials that have emerged from five decades of research and development. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912143451.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110909195140.htm What do increased atmospheric radioactivity concentrations in Washington state tell us about what happened in the Fukushima nuclear disaster? For one expert, the story is in the numbers. Fri, 09 Sep 2011 19:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110909195140.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110909111444.htm Better physics teaching with a particular emphasis on radioactivity and radiation science could improve public awareness through education of the environmental benefits and relative safety of nuclear power generation, according to scientists. Experts have suggestsed that it might then be possible to have a less emotional debate about the future of the industry that will ultimately reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Fri, 09 Sep 2011 11:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110909111444.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110909091214.htm Two remarkable pulsed-power machines used to test the nation's defenses against atomic weapons have surpassed milestones at Sandia National Laboratories: 4,000 firings, called "shots," on the Saturn accelerator and 9,000 shots on the HERMES III accelerator. Saturn -- originally projected to last 5 to 10 years -- began operating in 1987. Its major function has been to produce X-rays to test the effectiveness of countermeasures used to protect electronics and other materials against X-ray radiation from nuclear weapons. Fri, 09 Sep 2011 09:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110909091214.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906144558.htm Researchers have unraveled the mystery of how microbes generate electricity while cleaning up nuclear waste and other toxic metals. The implications could eventually benefit sites forever changed by nuclear contamination. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906144558.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110902142056.htm Researchers have created a new kind of cloaking material that can render objects invisible in the terahertz range. Though this design can't translate into an invisibility cloak for the visible spectrum, it could have implications in diagnostics, security, and communication. Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110902142056.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110828140926.htm The first nuclear power plant being considered for production of electricity for manned or unmanned bases on the Moon, Mars and other planets may really look like it came from outer space, according to a leader of the project in a recent presentation. Sun, 28 Aug 2011 14:09:09 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110828140926.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810163421.htm A revolutionary material that will replace steel in warhead casings will bring added lethality and increase the likelihood of a hit on an enemy target, Navy researchers say. Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810163421.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727121651.htm For the first time, scientists have devised an invisibility cloak material that hides objects from detection using light that is visible to humans. The new device is a leap forward in cloaking materials. Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727121651.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110712093844.htm A large longitudinal study found no evidence of an increased risk of cancer in children born near nuclear power plants in Switzerland. Tue, 12 Jul 2011 09:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110712093844.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110701083503.htm After Fukushima, it is now imperative to redefine what makes a successful nuclear power program -- from cradle to grave. If nuclear waste management is not thought out from the beginning, the public in many countries will reject nuclear power as an energy choice, according to new research. Fri, 01 Jul 2011 08:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110701083503.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110626145314.htm A technique for testing irradiated materials on the nanoscale has yielded results on the macroscale. The technique uses electron microscopy with mechanical testing in situ; it could accelerate new materials for nuclear power applications and improve testing of nuclear power plants already in service. Sun, 26 Jun 2011 14:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110626145314.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110622102826.htm The People's Republic of China should improve its system for ensuring the safety of its rapidly expanding nuclear power program, experts say. Despite having 40 percent of the world's proposed nuclear power plants, the country lacks an independent regulatory agency and sufficient staff to keep pace with nuclear power development, they say. Wed, 22 Jun 2011 10:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110622102826.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110620094557.htm Researchers have established a biomimetic nanopore that provides a unique test and measurement platform for the way that proteins move into a cell's nucleus. In a new study, they report an artificial nanopore that is functionalized with key proteins which mimics the natural nuclear pore. Mon, 20 Jun 2011 09:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110620094557.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110610081706.htm A team of European radiological protection specialists has developed a method to calculate benchmark values to help establish whether the local population should be required to take shelter or be evacuated or relocated following a nuclear accident. The study shows that these levels are more restrictive in wet environments than in dry ones. Fri, 10 Jun 2011 08:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110610081706.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110526091308.htm Ionizing radiation is not without danger to human populations. Indeed, exposure to nuclear radiation leads to an increase in male births relative to female births, according to a new study by researchers in Germany. Their work shows that radiation from atomic bomb testing before the Partial Test Ban Treaty in 1963, the Chernobyl accident, and from living near nuclear facilities, has had a long-term negative effect on the ratio of male to female human births (sex odds). Thu, 26 May 2011 09:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110526091308.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110524104657.htm A novel way to immobilize radioactive forms of iodine using a microwave has been discovered. Iodine radioisotopes are produced by fission of uranium fuel in a nuclear reactor. Radioactive iodine is of concern because it is highly mobile in the environment and selective uptake by the thyroid gland can pose a significant cancer risk following long term exposure. Tue, 24 May 2011 10:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110524104657.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110511162526.htm New technology will give helicopters such as the MH-60 and the AH-1 Cobra that protect fleet ships a newfound tactical advantage. The LCITS system enables pilots to designate a target, fire a rocket and move on to the next threat. This essentially offers a "fire and forget" capability, which means a faster response when countering threats. Wed, 11 May 2011 16:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110511162526.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110505132119.htm Two new articles make a case for maintaining current US Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulations on the release of patients who undergo radioactive iodine treatments for thyroid cancer, known as I-131. Thu, 05 May 2011 13:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110505132119.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110505083731.htm The recent nuclear accident in Fukushima Daiichi in Japan has brought the nuclear debate to the forefront of controversy. While Japan is trying to avert further disaster, many nations are reconsidering the future of nuclear power in their regions. A new study reflects on the various possible nuclear power production methods from an ethical perspective: If we intend to continue with nuclear power production, which technology is most morally desirable? Thu, 05 May 2011 08:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110505083731.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110426160241.htm Researchers have created a new kind of cloaking material that can render objects invisible in the terahertz range. Though this design can't translate into an invisibility cloak for the visible spectrum, it could have implications in diagnostics, security, and communication. Tue, 26 Apr 2011 16:02:02 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110426160241.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110426160211.htm Gamma rays are the most energetic type of light wave and can penetrate through lead and other thick containers. A powerful new source of gamma rays will allow officials to search for hidden reactor fuel/nuclear bomb material. Tue, 26 Apr 2011 16:02:02 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110426160211.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110415104538.htm Easy-to-follow recipes for radioactive compounds like those found in nuclear fuel storage pools, liquid waste containment areas and other contaminated aqueous environments have been developed by researchers. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 10:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110415104538.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110413111319.htm A combination of forest byproducts and crustacean shells may be the key to removing radioactive materials from drinking water, researchers have found. Wed, 13 Apr 2011 11:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110413111319.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110408114356.htm U.S. Navy researchers have successfully tested a solid-state, high-energy laser from a surface ship, which disabled a small target vessel. Fri, 08 Apr 2011 11:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110408114356.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110407121343.htm Since the double disaster of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami that affected hundreds of thousands of people and seriously damaged the Fukushima Daichi power plant in Japan on 11 March 2011, minute traces of radioactive emissions from Fukushima have spread across the entire Northern Hemisphere. A monitoring network designed to detect signs of nuclear explosions picked up these traces from the stricken power plant. To date, more than 30 radionuclide stations that are part of the International Monitoring System have provided information on the spread of radioactive particles and noble gases from the Fukushima accident. Thu, 07 Apr 2011 12:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110407121343.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110405122340.htm The long-standing conflicts over nuclear power and the risks of radiation exposure are nothing new -- in fact, the debate over the damaged Fukushima Dai-Ichi plant in Japan are similar to arguments happening between scientists, governmental agencies and the public since 1945, according to an expert on the history of science. Tue, 05 Apr 2011 12:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110405122340.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110330131314.htm Physicists are detecting radioactivity arriving in Seattle from Japanese nuclear reactors damaged in a tsunami following a mammoth earthquake, but the levels are far below what would pose a threat to human health. Wed, 30 Mar 2011 13:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110330131314.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110323140239.htm A highly sensitive sensor that combines a variety of testing means (electrochemistry, spectroscopy and selective partitioning) into one device has been developed. It's already been tested in a variety of settings – including testing for components in nuclear waste. Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:02:02 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110323140239.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110317131415.htm The University of Greenwich has joined forces with a Kent-based company in the design and manufacture of a bomb disposal robot for use by security forces, including the British Army. Thu, 17 Mar 2011 13:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110317131415.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110314141254.htm Although the situation with damaged nuclear reactors in Japan is still uncertain, every hour without further incidents is good news, according to nuclear energy experts. And in any case, the events pose virtually no risk to people in the United States or Canada. Mon, 14 Mar 2011 14:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110314141254.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110311171137.htm Following Friday's massive 8.9-magnitude earthquake that caused tsunamis and rocked the island nation of Japan, Japanese government officials announced a nuclear emergency after the quake caused a reactor cooling system malfunction at Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant. Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:11:11 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110311171137.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110308075849.htm Nuclear chemists in Germany have studied natural claystone in the laboratory for more than four years in order to determine how the radioactive elements plutonium and neptunium react with this rock. Tue, 08 Mar 2011 07:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110308075849.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110220091832.htm Failure to pursue a program for recycling spent nuclear fuel has put the US far behind other countries and represents a missed opportunity to enhance the nation's energy security and influence other countries. Sun, 20 Feb 2011 09:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110220091832.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110219160013.htm While a world free of nuclear weapons remains a goal for governments around the world, nuclear security constitutes a major challenge for the 21st century, as recognized at the 2010 nuclear security summit in Washington. Citizens are generally aware of international efforts to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons, but they are often unaware of nuclear security research and the important role science in this field. A new European nuclear security training center and enhanced international collaboration are good examples. Sat, 19 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110219160013.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110217095825.htm Medical scientists in Australia have created the world's first cancer stem cell-targeting chemical missile, placing them a step closer to creating a medical 'smart bomb' that would seek out and eradicate the root of cancer cells. Thu, 17 Feb 2011 09:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110217095825.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110215111847.htm Researchers in Switzerland have developed a new tool to eliminate improvised land mines by using electromagnetic energy. Tue, 15 Feb 2011 11:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110215111847.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110210153010.htm U.S. experts helped reach a major milestone in the nation's nuclear nonproliferation efforts by working with the Central Asian country of Kazakhstan to move nuclear materials -- enough to build an estimated 775 nuclear weapons -- to safety. Thu, 10 Feb 2011 15:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110210153010.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110202143800.htm A new discovery, and the questions is raises, could help explain in greater detail how elements are synthesized in the explosion of stars. Although theory predicted a spherical arrangement in the nucleus of magnesium-32, experiments had only revealed a configuration shaped like an American football. Now, through experiments at CERN, physicists have confirmed the existence of a spherical magnesium-32 nucleus, formed at a much lower than predicted energy level. Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:38:38 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110202143800.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110125123233.htm First responders conduct extensive training to prepare for disaster events, but planning is difficult without a solid estimate of how many people could be injured. A new tool to do so is on the horizon. Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110125123233.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110111083710.htm Multidetector computed tomography provides an efficient, effective way to analyze wounds from bullets and explosive devices, according to a new study. Tue, 11 Jan 2011 08:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110111083710.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101230140705.htm Engineers have invented a new type of radiation detection and measurement device that will be particularly useful for cleanup of sites with radioactive contamination, making the process faster, more accurate and less expensive. Thu, 30 Dec 2010 14:07:07 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101230140705.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101216111554.htm Geologists have taken an important step toward helping the United States government monitor nuclear explosions by improving a 3-dimensional model to make it more accurate at detecting the location, source and depth of seismic activity. Thu, 16 Dec 2010 11:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101216111554.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101209074158.htm What algorithms should an air defense system work with? Particle swarm algorithms if there are ten targets to be hit. If there are more than ten targets, greedy algorithms work best. Thu, 09 Dec 2010 07:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101209074158.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101208181350.htm Europe needs new particle accelerators and major upgrades to existing facilities over the next ten years to stay at the forefront of nuclear physics, according to the European Science Foundation, which has launched its Long Range Plan 2010 for nuclear physics. Wed, 08 Dec 2010 18:13:13 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101208181350.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101208130042.htm Scientists are reporting discovery of the biological secrets that enable plants growing near the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant to adapt and flourish in highly radioactive soil -- legacy of the 1986 nuclear disaster in the Ukraine. Wed, 08 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101208130042.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101110113201.htm Researchers have developed a small, portable sensor based on recent advances in nanotechnology that's more sensitive and reliable at detecting explosives than any sniffer dog. In the future it may also be used to detect toxins and other biological threats, such as anthrax, cholera or botulinum, the team reports. Wed, 10 Nov 2010 11:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101110113201.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101109095320.htm Researchers in Maryland have proposed a scheme for detecting a concealed source of radioactive material without searching containers one by one. The concept is based on the gamma-ray emission from the radioactive material that would pass through the shipping container walls and ionize the surrounding air. Tue, 09 Nov 2010 09:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101109095320.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101104094032.htm A table-top gamma-ray detector can not only identify the presence of dangerous nuclear materials, but can pinpoint and show their exact location and type, unlike conventional detectors. Thu, 04 Nov 2010 09:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101104094032.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101006114450.htm Tucked away in a metal sided warehouse at the Richland Airport, Washington State University researchers sift through years, even decades, of data files and human tissue samples in an attempt to track how previous nuclear workers were affected by plutonium, uranium and other nuclear-industry related elements. Wed, 06 Oct 2010 11:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101006114450.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100915140332.htm Scientists are reporting discovery of the biological secrets that enable plants growing near the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant to adapt and flourish in highly radioactive soil -- legacy of the 1986 nuclear disaster in the Ukraine. Their study helps solve a long-standing mystery. Wed, 15 Sep 2010 14:03:03 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100915140332.htm