Wednesday 29 January 2020

Scientists develop a concept of a hybrid thorium reactor

Russian scientists have proposed a concept of a thorium hybrid reactor in that obtains additional neutrons using high-temperature plasma held in a long magnetic trap. This project was applied in close collaboration between Tomsk Polytechnic University, All-Russian Scientific Research Institute Of Technical Physics (VNIITF), and Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics of SB RAS. The proposed thorium hybrid reactor is distinguished from today's nuclear reactors by moderate power, relatively compact size, high operational safety, and a low level of radioactive waste.

Fermented soy products linked to lower risk of death

A higher intake of fermented soy products, such as miso and natto, is associated with a lower risk of death, finds a study from Japan published by The BMJ today.

Infants of moms who smoke while pregnant at heightened risk of fracture during first year of life

Infants of mothers who smoke during early pregnancy appear to have a small increased risk of fractures during the first year of life, finds a study from Sweden published by The BMJ today.

About 1% of US opioid providers account for nearly half of all opioid doses

About 1% of US opioid providers account for nearly half of all opioid doses and more than a quarter of all opioid prescriptions, finds a study published by The BMJ today.