ANS Nuclear Cafe

The ANS Nuclear Cafe is a blog owned and edited by the American Nuclear Society. Information contained on the ANS Nuclear Cafe has been provided by numerous sources. Therefore, the American Nuclear Society assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy of information contained herein. DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in posted articles do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Nuclear Society. The views expressed here are those of the individual authors. ANS takes no ownership of their views. The American Nuclear Society assumes no responsibility or liability for any use or operation of any methods, products, instructions, or ideas contained on this site.


Nuclear Science Week: Monday “Get to Know Nuclear"

October 19, 2015, 3:02PMANS Nuclear Cafe

Celebrate Nuclear Science WeekThis year, Nuclear Science Week takes place October 19-23. Always during the third week of October, it's a nationwide event that has been educating people about the importance of nuclear science and technology for the past five years. Many of the associated Nuclear Science Week events, taking place all week throughout the United States, are aimed toward young people to encourage an interest in nuclear science-related careers. This year, the first day's theme will be "Get To Know Nuclear"-a topic kids (and adults) of all ages would do well to learn.

Nuclear Engineering Student Delegation

October 9, 2015, 5:44PMANS Nuclear CafeLane Carasik

As students in engineering programs, we rarely have the opportunity to learn about, or advocate for, the politics behind the technology that we discover and develop. Although these opportunities are rare, they do exist and one such opportunity is the Nuclear Engineering Student Delegation or NESD. The NESD is an independent student run organization that is supported by the American Nuclear Society and the Nuclear Energy Institute. For one week each summer, the selected delegates receive a fast-paced learning experience that includes meetings with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and past delegates. During this week, the delegates go through a policy boot camp learning how policy is formulated in the United States and what issues currently affect the nuclear engineering field. The delegates then apply this knowledge to write a policy statement that is used for meetings on Capitol Hill. At the end of the week, the delegation meets with several Senate and House offices to advocate for nuclear engineering education funding and current issues such as national energy policy or used fuel management. The delegation is a fantastic opportunity for any student in nuclear science and engineering or related majors. It provides a unique opportunity for the student community to better understand how our field is intertwined with the politics of the nation.

VIDEO: ANS Member Meredith Angwin on Vote for Vermont

October 2, 2015, 2:55PMANS Nuclear Cafe

For today's Friday Nuclear Matinee: ANS member Meredith Angwin was interviewed on Vote for Vermont hosted by Pat McDonald. Listen as Meredith talks about nuclear fuel safety and the economic impact on closing Vermont Yankee. Meredith educates the public in her easy-to-understand manner, and expresses herself with a genuine passion and belief for nuclear technology. Grab your popcorn and enjoy the show!

Mutant daisies, Godzilla, and The Incredible Hulk: The pervasive lack of expert opinion in Hollywood and pop culture

September 30, 2015, 7:45PMANS Nuclear CafeBrett Rampal

It is often said that "knowledge is power," but in America it can just as easily be said that "knowledge is frustrating." In today's popular culture-oriented America, the knowledgeable can sometimes find themselves at odds with much of the general population as hysteria and hype override common sense and expert opinions. This is particularly true for the nuclear industry and its associated technology, which often seem to be the scapegoat for Hollywood, comic books, and the Internet.

Nuclear Desalination: Technology for a Thirsty Planet

September 16, 2015, 8:51PMANS Nuclear CafeBeth Kelly

As the world's population booms, its resources struggle to keep pace. Water scarcity is one of the most important issues to be confronted by global communities in the years ahead-already an increasingly vast number of regions worldwide face chronic water shortages, and with demand projected to grow an additional 40 percent by 2050, the threat of violence over access to clean drinking water is both a real and urgent one. With shifting climate patterns further exacerbating the problem, investing in economically-efficient and sustainable water utilization tactics immediately is crucial.