logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2022
29m 20s

Precious joules: a fusion-energy result

The Economist
About this episode

Scientists have reported a long-awaited nuclear-fusion breakthrough, using lasers to ignite hydrogen-isotope fuel in a self-sustaining burn. But that marks just one step on a long, uncertain road to clean fusion energy. Same-sex marriage in America is now protected by legislation, in a compromise that could provide a template for future culture-war clashes. And the uncertain future of Darjeeling teas.

Help us make the show better: take our listener survey at http://economist.com/intelligencesurvey

For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Today
Not in Kansas any more: Republicans get a thrashing
In the end, the result was clear and uncontested: Democrats had an astonishingly good night. Our editors and correspondents across America report on the proceedings, and we ask what comes next—for Democrats, for Republicans and for Trumpism more widely.Guests and host:Edward Carr ... Show More
21m 54s
Yesterday
Fertile ambitions: scientists’ plans to slow the biological clock
Two European startups are tackling the chromosomal abnormalities that make it difficult for older women to get pregnant. Their innovations might also prevent younger women from miscarrying. Belarusian culture looks increasingly Russian. And the world is taking a liking to biltong ... Show More
21m 37s
Nov 2
Off to the races: our American-midterms preview
Ahead of tomorrow’s legislative elections we consider the chances of a “blue wave”, the most influential demographics this time around and whether to expect election-administration trouble. Young people are deciding that bricks-and-mortar investment is not as dependable as the st ... Show More
24m 22s
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2022
Precious joules: a fusion-energy result
<p>Scientists have reported a long-awaited <a href="https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2022/12/13/controlled-fusion-power-is-little-nearer-now-than-it-was-a-week-ago?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.conte ... Show More
29m 20s
Dec 2022
A Step Closer To Nuclear Fusion Energy
On Dec. 5 at 1 o'clock in the morning local time, researchers at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California used lasers to zap a tiny pellet of hydrogen fuel. The lasers hit their target with 2.05 megajoules of energy, and the pellet released roughly 3.15 megajoules ... Show More
8m 16s
Dec 2022
Can nuclear fusion save the world?
tail spinning
20m 36s
Dec 2022
Leaping to Nuclear Fusion Conclusions
Is today’s scientific breakthrough the “holy grail” of clean energy?Adam is joined by the BBC’s science editor, Becky Morelle, who explains what nuclear fusion is, and why today’s news is a big deal.Chris Mason talks us through Rishi Sunak’s immigration plans. And business editor ... Show More
28m 23s
Aug 2022
Will nuclear fusion solve our energy problems forever?
It’s nearly a century since it was discovered that the sun and other stars are powered by nuclear fusion. It’s when hydrogen atoms merge to form helium, and release huge amounts of energy. Since then, scientists have dreamed of reproducing the process here on Earth, with one Nobe ... Show More
24m 14s