The European missile defense folly
The proposed European missile defense system is technologically deficient and its deployment disingenuous.
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Republicans, missile defense, and the Reagan legacy
For many in the GOP, the true test of their commitment to former President Ronald Reagan is how strongly they support national missile defense.
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When could Iran deliver a nuclear weapon?
Although the Bush administration is campaigning for ballistic missile defense in Europe, it's unlikely Iran will possess any time soon a nuclear-armed missile capability such a defense would combat.
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Twenty-five years after Reagan's Star Wars speech
The legacy of the former U.S. president's speech and the continued attempts to realize its dream remain strong today.
The upside to FutureGen's demise
Redistributing the government's multibillion-dollar investment in a single clean-coal demonstration plant to smaller, private projects would benefit the carbon-capture-and-storage industry.
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Population and climate change
If people refuse to limit their resource consumption and subsequent carbon emissions, should we think about ways in which to limit the world's population?
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Reducing emissions in transportation fuels
California's low-carbon fuel standard demonstrates to the rest of the world how markets can lead the way toward cleaner fuel sources.
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The need for an international moratorium on coal power
Unless we drastically reduce emissions from coal power plants, all other efforts to stabilize climate change will be nearly fruitless.
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Nuclear power and climate change
When considering ways to limit carbon dioxide emissions, experts argue that all options should be considered—including nuclear power.
Kazakhstan's nuclear ambitions
With the world's second largest uranium reserves, Kazakhstan wants to become the planet's largest uranium supplier by 2010.
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The future of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Nuclear power is offered as a solution to U.S. reliance on fossil fuels and impending climate change. But can the existing federal regulatory structure handle the demands of a revitalized industry?
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The realities of nuclear fuel supply guarantees
In theory, the idea of providing fuel for new nuclear power plants seems like a good way to stem weapons proliferation. But then there are the practicalities.
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Africa's pursuit of nuclear power
Like the rest of the world, many questions need to be answered before Africa can view nuclear power as a viable solution to its energy woes.
The expanding range of biowarfare threats
The development of biochemical weapons based on body substances would broaden the scope of the biowarfare threat beyond microbial pathogens and toxins. Our experts assess the impact of these new lethal and incapacitating agents.
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In pursuit of international biosecurity oversight
Achieving global cooperation in biosecurity oversight requires an international organization with legitimacy and a solid reputation.
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The Dutch experiment with a biosecurity code of conduct
The key to preventing the misuse of biological research is making scientists aware of the risks, and the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences is doing just that.
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Setting the nanotech research agenda
When re-upping nanotech R&D funding, Congress should account for the positive impact sound risk and safety assessments would have on the field and the public.
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Improving infectious disease surveillance
In the places around the globe where new diseases are most likely to emerge, the infrastructure to detect outbreaks is severely lacking.
Web Edition
Columnists
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Profile
The new nuclear abolitionists
The renewed call for a nuclear-weapon-free world is coming from an unlikely source--former policy elites.
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Profile
Missed opportunities at the chemical weapons treaty meeting
States had the chance to combat the potential of novel, "nonlethal" chemical weapons, but tragically decided to wait until next time.
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Profile
Getting U.S. foreign assistance right
A new cabinet department dedicated exclusively to development will not cure what ails Washington’s foreign aid programs.
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Profile
Getting scientists involved in arms control
Treaties such as the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention should find ways to involve scientists in more meaningful ways.
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Profile
The realities of nuclear fuel supply guarantees
In theory, the idea of providing fuel for new nuclear power plants seems like a good way to stem weapons proliferation. But then there are the practicalities.
Features
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The IAEA's dilemma with Syria's Al Kibar nuclear site
The International Atomic Energy Agency wanted U.S. and Israeli intelligence about Syria's secret nuclear site sooner. But what would it have done with that information?
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The upside to FutureGen's demise
Redistributing the government's multibillion-dollar investment in a single clean-coal demonstration plant to smaller, private projects would benefit the carbon-capture-and-storage industry.
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Kazakhstan's nuclear ambitions
With the world's second largest uranium reserves, Kazakhstan wants to become the planet's largest uranium supplier by 2010.
Roundtables
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Has the time come for geoengineering?
In theory, scientists understand how to manipulate Earth's climate systems enough to cause cooling, therefore blunting the effects of global warming. Is it time then to fast-track a geoengineering research agenda to refine such techniques?
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The expanding range of biowarfare threats
The development of biochemical weapons based on body substances would broaden the scope of the biowarfare threat beyond microbial pathogens and toxins. Our experts assess the impact of these new lethal and incapacitating agents.
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The future of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Nuclear power is offered as a solution to U.S. reliance on fossil fuels and impending climate change. But can the existing federal regulatory structure handle the demands of a revitalized industry? Our four discussants explore the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's future.
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The uncertainty in climate modeling
How do climate scientists make their global weather forecasts, and why don't they always agree? Our experts explain the theory and practice of climate modeling and discuss how climate predictions should be interpreted and used.
Reports
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The Trident Dispatches No. 6: Reaction to the vote
Trident renewal passes but leaves a fractured Labour Party and questions about the future of the nonproliferation regime in its wake.
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The Trident Dispatches No. 5: Voting day
A vote for Trident renewal today certainly doesn't end the debate, which promises to continue well into the future.
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The Trident Dispatches No. 4: The run-up to the vote
As protests against Trident renewal recall similar demonstrations in the 1980s, the British government pushes ahead toward a March 14 vote on the issue.
Doomsday Clock
Announcements
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Current Print Edition
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Climate change and security
Global warming is affecting the competition for resources and changing international security priorities.
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An interview with Spencer R. Weart
The physicist and historian of science examines images of catastrophe inspired by nuclear weapons and climate change.
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The cost of secrecy
Reforming U.S. classification procedures would improve security--and save money.
News Feed
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Firms Seek Patents on 'Climate Ready' Altered Crops
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McCain Portrays Himself as Environmental Champion, but Record Undercuts Credibility
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Re-energising the nuclear industry
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Hot Climate Could Shut Down Plate Tectonics
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DOE Report: Wind Could Power 20 Percent of US Grid by 2030
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EPZ applies to use MOX fuel at Borssele
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Texas could lead nuclear power surge
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New Wave of Nuclear Plants Faces High Costs
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Hanoi to host nuclear power expo
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Report says developing countries eye nuclear power
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Putin names reactor salesman as energy minister
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Spread of Nuclear Capability Is Feared