It's inevitable that nuclear power will expand globally, raising the danger of increased proliferation. The Bush administration pushed its controversial GNEP as a way to curtail the risks. But with that program looking less viable, how will the fuel cycle be managed going forward?
Defense officials have dreamt up a range of uses for neuroscience research aimed at monitoring brain function and affecting brain performance in humans and animals alike. Yet, the impact of this research is just beginning to become apparent.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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? Our experts confront the final taboo in environmentalism.
The advance of biological technologies that allow for the construction of specific genetic sequences raises the harrowing possibility that someone, somewhere would use available genetic information to unleash a biological attack.