The quest to build a star

Unexplainable

Vox

Life Sciences, Science, Natural Sciences

4.6 • 2.4K Ratings

🗓️ 5 January 2022

⏱️ 29 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Scientists are closer than ever to harnessing fusion power — the same process that powers the sun — by essentially making a small star here on Earth. Fusion could give humanity its best shot at solving the climate crisis, but the technology has yet to be perfected and would require billions more in investments. Is it worth the bet? For more, go to http://vox.com/unexplainable It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us! unexplainable@vox.com We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Support for this week's episode of Unexplainable comes from UC San Diego.
0:05.0	UC San Diego is working with artificial intelligence to try to get
0:08.6	closer to answering some enormous challenges.
0:11.7	Whether they're using AI to inform the development of complicated
0:15.2	cures or creating predictive models that could help fight wildfires,
0:19.5	researchers at UC San Diego want to help move us forward,
0:23.1	improve our communities and shape our future.
0:25.6	You can learn more about how UC San Diego is advancing AI
0:29.3	at ucsd.edu slash AI.
1:00.3	Based on customer numbers, per verification email, advertising at MailChimp.com.
1:08.3	Are we on the verge of the next energy revolution?
1:11.3	A hugely expensive alternative energy project is going full speed ahead.
1:15.3	It's one of the most ambitious science experiments in history.
1:18.3	Whether it's a sure shot or dead end depends on who's telling you about it.
1:23.3	Scientists in California recently announced a major breakthrough in nuclear fusion power.
1:28.3	I mean, this is something generations of physicists have tried and failed to do.
1:33.3	Breakthroughs in fusion have been announced before, so is this just another empty promise?
1:38.3	Fusion power almost seems too good to be true.
1:42.3	One kilogram of fusion fuel has the same potential power as 10 million kilograms of coal.
1:48.3	And that same kilogram of fusion fuel could power 10,000 homes for a full year.
1:53.3	All without the same pollution or greenhouse gases that come from fossil fuel.
1:57.3	Entire cities could be powered with zero carbon emissions.
	...

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