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U.S. Department of Energy Lab Studies Radiation Effects on Advanced Nuclear Fuel

U.S. Department of Energy Lab Studies Radiation Effects on Advanced Nuclear Fuel

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have conducted a study measuring the mechanical properties of irradiated HALEU-TRISO fuel particles. This research provides new data on how the tiny protective layers of advanced nuclear fuel change after exposure to radiation. The study specifically focused on individual layers within TRISO particles, including silicon carbide and inner and outer pyrolytic carbon. Using ORNL's instrumented indentation system for irradiated materials and nuclear fuels, the team tested particles from the Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development and Qualification Program. The findings indicate changes in hardness and stiffness after irradiation, with the silicon carbide layer showing reduced modulus and hardness, and the pyrolytic carbon layers also exhibiting altered mechanical properties.
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Engineers Propose Novel Skyscraper Design to Mitigate Wind and Earthquake Sway

Engineers Propose Novel Skyscraper Design to Mitigate Wind and Earthquake Sway

Engineers Propose Novel Skyscraper Design to Mitigate Wind and Earthquake Sway
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3M Introduces Cooling Film to Reduce Truck Cabin Temperatures and Energy Demand

3M Introduces Cooling Film to Reduce Truck Cabin Temperatures and Energy Demand

3M Introduces Cooling Film to Reduce Truck Cabin Temperatures and Energy Demand
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A Devastating Fire Nearly Destroyed Pearl Street Station in 1890

A Devastating Fire Nearly Destroyed Pearl Street Station in 1890

The Pearl Street Station holds a unique place in American history as the nation's first commercial power plant. Its operational period, though rela...
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Texas A Researchers Test Far-UVC Light to Combat Bird Flu in Poultry Houses

Texas A Researchers Test Far-UVC Light to Combat Bird Flu in Poultry Houses

Researchers at Texas A&M University are initiating the third and final phase of a multiyear study to evaluate the effectiveness of far-UVC light in reducing airborne pathogens, including highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), within commercial poultry houses. This research, led by Morgan Farnell and Ziteng “Tim” Xu from the Texas A&M Department of Poultry Science, aims to determine if far-UVC light can inactivate viruses and bacteria without harming birds. The current HPAI outbreak, which began around 2022, has significantly impacted U.S. poultry farms, leading to the culling of millions of birds and a surge in egg prices in early 2025. Unlike conventional germicidal UV light, far-UVC light is designed to be safe for use in occupied spaces. The project is supported by a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
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The Robot Report Opens Submissions for 2026 Robotics Startup Radar

The Robot Report Opens Submissions for 2026 Robotics Startup Radar

The Robot Report Opens Submissions for 2026 Robotics Startup Radar
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Tennessee Issues First Commercial Nuclear Fusion License, Advancing Project Infinity

Tennessee Issues First Commercial Nuclear Fusion License, Advancing Project Infinity

The state of Tennessee has issued the first license for a commercial nuclear fusion project in the U.S. under a new regulatory framework designed to accelerate the technology's development. Knoxville-based Type One Energy plans to commence construction this year on 'Project Infinity,' a prototype fusion reactor. This facility will be located at the Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) former Bull Run coal-fired power plant in Anderson County. Unlike traditional nuclear fission, which splits uranium atoms, Type One Energy's reactor will generate energy by fusing hydrogen isotopes at extremely high temperatures. The company's ultimate goal is to establish the world's first commercial nuclear fusion power plant, with a target of fully activating its initial reactor by 2034. This initiative is supported by a $4.5 million grant from Tennessee's nuclear fund, established by Governor Bill Lee and authorized by the General Assembly, which has since grown to $95 million.
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LLNL and Ampera Launch THUNDER Project to Develop Thorium-Based TRISO Nuclear Fuel

LLNL and Ampera Launch THUNDER Project to Develop Thorium-Based TRISO Nuclear Fuel

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and nuclear fuel startup Ampera have partnered to develop a new thorium-based TRISO nuclear fuel under the project name THUNDER (Thorium Unimodal Droplet Ejection for Reactors). This collaboration aims to replace the conventional uranium kernels in TRISO fuel with thorium-232 kernels. The project focuses on using liquid metal–jetting technology to produce highly consistent, spherical, and precisely sized thorium-232 kernels, which are crucial for the fuel's performance and safety. Ampera contributes its proprietary fuel concept, while LLNL provides research infrastructure and scientific expertise to evaluate, refine, and validate the manufacturing process. The goal is to move thorium-based TRISO fuel from concept to a scalable, demonstrable product, ensuring it meets the strict geometric standards required for TRISO fuel and can be integrated into advanced reactor designs.
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Novo Nordisk Foundation Commits $62 Million to Quantum Chip Plant in Copenhagen

Novo Nordisk Foundation Commits $62 Million to Quantum Chip Plant in Copenhagen

Novo Nordisk Foundation Commits $62 Million to Quantum Chip Plant in Copenhagen
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U.S. Fashion Industry Embraces Wearable Technology and Avant-Garde Apparel for Longevity and Innovation

U.S. Fashion Industry Embraces Wearable Technology and Avant-Garde Apparel for Longevity and Innovation

U.S. Fashion Industry Embraces Wearable Technology and Avant-Garde Apparel for Longevity and Innovation
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144 Years Ago Today, Pearl Street Station Switched On in New York

144 Years Ago Today, Pearl Street Station Switched On in New York

The Edison Illuminating Company, founded by the visionary Thomas Edison, played a pivotal role in bringing electric power to the masses in the Unit...
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Australian Engineers Develop Floating Titanium Lattice Stronger Than Steel for Marine Infrastructure

Australian Engineers Develop Floating Titanium Lattice Stronger Than Steel for Marine Infrastructure

Australian engineers from RMIT University have successfully developed a 3D-printed titanium lattice material that floats in water, even after sustaining significant damage. This innovative material is composed of hollow, interconnected struts filled with foam, allowing it to remain buoyant while also being stronger than traditional marine construction materials like stainless steel or high-density plastic. The research marks the first reported demonstration of a floating metal-hybrid lattice metamaterial, with samples maintaining buoyancy in freshwater for over two months. The team introduced a new measurement called skeletal density to accurately predict the buoyancy of open structures, considering only the parts of the structure that exclude water. This development addresses a fundamental challenge in making metallic lattice structures suitable for marine applications, as their open nature typically causes them to sink.