Nukes in space: a bad idea in the 1960s – an even worse one now

The Starfish Prime test in 1962 showed how dangerous it would be to detonate a nuclear weapon in space.

Dr Michael Mulvihill, Vice Chancellor Research Fellow, Teesside University • conversation
April 5, 2024 ~9 min

High-energy laser weapons: A defense expert explains how they work and what they are used for

Militaries around the world are rapidly developing science fiction-like laser weapons, motivated in part by the growing threat from swarms of drones.

Iain Boyd, Director, Center for National Security Initiatives, and Professor of Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
March 7, 2024 ~9 min


Low-level blasts from heavy weapons can cause traumatic brain injury − 2 engineers explain the physics of invisible cell death

The people manning the guns are also at risk of injury from the force of the weapon.

Christian Franck, Bjorn Borgen Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Director of the Center for Traumatic Brain Injury, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Madison • conversation
Feb. 28, 2024 ~6 min

Is Russia looking to put nukes in space? Doing so would undermine global stability and ignite an anti-satellite arms race

Russia isn’t likely to put nuclear missiles in space, but their reported anti-satellite weapon is just as alarming. An expert on nuclear strategy explains.

Spenser A. Warren, Postdoctoral Fellow in Technology and International Security, University of California, San Diego • conversation
Feb. 17, 2024 ~9 min

Military interests are pushing new nuclear power – and the UK government has finally admitted it

Civil nuclear energy maintains the skills and supply chains needed for nuclear subs and weapons.

Philip Johnstone, Research Fellow, SPRU, University of Sussex • conversation
Jan. 18, 2024 ~9 min

When did archery in the Americas begin?

People in the Americas started to use bow and arrows about 5,000 years ago, coinciding with the growth of exchange networks and when people live in villages

Karen Nikos-UC Davis • futurity
Dec. 21, 2023 ~6 min

Chlorine is a highly useful chemical that's also extremely dangerous − here's what to know about staying safe around it

Chlorine is a widely used industrial chemical that’s frequently a factor in toxic accidents and workplace injuries. A pharmaceutical expert explains why it’s so hazardous.

Aliasger K. Salem, Associate Vice President for Research and Bighley Chair and Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Iowa • conversation
Nov. 27, 2023 ~8 min

The Doomsday Clock warns the world about catastrophe – here's why it stands at 90 seconds to midnight

Since 1947 the clock’s hand have been set at the beginning of every year.

Rod Thornton, Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer in International Studies, Defense and Security., King's College London • conversation
Nov. 15, 2023 ~6 min


Analysis finds bias in shell casings as forensic evidence

“Firearms experts are failing to report evidence that’s favorable to the defense, and it has to be addressed and corrected.”

Rachel Cramer-Iowa State • futurity
Oct. 3, 2023 ~6 min

Survey: Pandemic gun buyers have more self-harm risk, extreme beliefs

Survey results indicate that pandemic gun buyers differ in mental health risks and extreme beliefs from people who own no guns.

Kara Gavin-U. Michigan • futurity
Sept. 15, 2023 ~9 min

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