Major Technical Hurdle to Fusion Power Overcome

A major technical problem in the development of fusion reactors has been overcome. Scientists working at an experimental reactor in San Diego have solved the problem of plasma containment.

Before this breakthrough, plasma would leak out of it’s container and cause expensive damage to the equipment. The researchers still don’t fully understand how their solution works, so they will have to do more research before the reactors can go into production, but this is a great step forward.

Fusion reactors utilize the same nuclear reaction that occurs inside the sun to produce electricity. Fusion power is hailed as the next great solution to the energy crisis.

Violent Video Games

According to a study done by the British government violent video games do not trigger violent children. A broader look at video games actually means the kids can benefit from playing them.

“The games can improve children’s decision-making and instil ‘positive learning traits’, some research suggests. At least one study argues that make-believe violence helps children ‘conquer fears and develop a sense of identity’, as gruesome fairytales once did.”

The debate between video games = violent children and video games = smart children seems to be reaching an end with increasing reports of increased intelligence thanks to the games.

Ozone Hole Filled by 2050?

A Japanese science team has predicted that soon the hole in Eath’s ozone layer will start shrinking and possibly be filled in by the year 2050. The scientist attribute the hole shrinking to reduction in chlorofluorocarbons and other ozone-depleting gases over the last decade.

“The findings are based on a series of numerical simulations carried out by Eiji Akiyoshi of the National Institute for Environmental Studies, near Tokyo, using projected emissions of chlorofluorocarbons and other gases blamed for the ozone hole.”

Groove With Humpbacks, Win an IPod!

The International Fund for Animal Welfare and stopwhaling.org have put together an awesome song writing contest. They supply the real life whale samples, you supply the creativity and music and help raise a little awareness all at the same time! All the whale song remixes will be voted on by a panel of celebrity judges and the grand prize winner will recieve a brand new 60 GB IPod!

Points will be given for creativity, use of whale sounds, memorable content and overall delivery. If you think you’ve got what it takes to make a radical song for the humpbacks enter soon! The contest ends on June 11th at midnight.

Underwater Turbines

There is no more damn need for dams when it comes to harnessing water for hydroelectricity. A company has created and tested underwater turbines that have little effect on the environment. VOA News has an excellent article on why dams are problematic and why these new underwater turbines are a far better way to produce hydroelectricity.

“Taylor says one of the advantages is that it doesn’t damage marine life. “There is lots of room to swim around, they can go through, not a problem. It would be like us walking through a revolving door.””