Food irradiation, explained

December 23, 2010, 7:00AMANS Nuclear CafeJoseph Butterweck

Let's talk about food irradiation, which has made some in the general public fearful simply because a form of the word "radiation" is involved. Irradiation is used to destroy harmful bacteria and parasites that might be inadvertently present in some food matter. Irradiation makes the food safer for human consumption and, at low levels, it extends food's shelf life and can be used to control insects.

American Nuclear Society 2011-2012 scholarships available

December 22, 2010, 7:00AMANS Nuclear Cafe

American Nuclear Society scholarship applications for the 2011-2012 academic year are now online! Since ANS was established in 1954, it has promoted the awareness and understanding of nuclear science and technology (NS&T). To further that mission, ANS administers scholarships each year that support the development and education of those who will research and implement future applications of NS&T.

Follow the Nuclear Energy Summit via social media

December 7, 2010, 3:28PMANS Nuclear Cafe

Third Way and the Idaho National Lab are hosting the New Millennium Nuclear Energy Summit, a bipartisan forum on the future of nuclear energy in the United States. Today's event features Energy Secretary Steven Chu, White House Advisor Carol Browner, Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Gregory Jaczko, and more than two dozen industry CEOs, labor and Non-Governmental Organization representatives, and energy investors.

Nuclear power at sea

December 7, 2010, 7:00AMANS Nuclear CafeRod Adams

On Sunday, December 5, 2010, the Financial Times reported on a story (subscription required) that has been available in nuclear-energy focused corners of the Web for about three weeks: A consortium worthy of serious attention has begun a study of the viability of nuclear propulsion for oil tankers. The three-member consortium includes Lloyd's RegisterBMT Nigel Gee, and Hyperion Power Generation. Enterprises Shipping and Trading, a Greek company that manages a large fleet of modern, double hull tankers, is funding the study.