Martin Butler

Martin Butler 🧠 Science | Space | Technology | Nature
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China’s molten salt reactor has completed the first self-sustaining thorium fuel cycleFor decades, thorium was the nucle...
24/07/2025

China’s molten salt reactor has completed the first self-sustaining thorium fuel cycle

For decades, thorium was the nuclear dream that never quite arrived. But deep in China’s Gobi Desert, that dream may now be turning real. In a first-of-its-kind achievement, scientists at the Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics have demonstrated a closed-loop thorium cycle inside a molten salt reactor—where thorium is not only used, but also bred, burned, and recycled—all on-site.

Traditional nuclear reactors use solid uranium fuel rods that must be replaced frequently and pose long-term waste and meltdown risks. But molten salt reactors (MSRs) dissolve thorium and uranium into liquid fluoride salt. This design not only removes the possibility of core meltdown, but also allows nuclear reactions to self-regulate. When the salt gets too hot, it expands—naturally slowing the reaction, like a built-in safety switch.

What sets this project apart is the full thorium loop. Engineers verified the conversion of thorium-232 into fissile uranium-233 through neutron flux diagnostics, then demonstrated that the uranium-233 could sustain a chain reaction, and finally recovered the leftover fuel using liquid-metal extraction. It’s the first time the entire cycle has played out inside a single, contained system.

Operating at a toasty 700°C, this MSR generates electricity far more efficiently than traditional pressurized water reactors. Its higher temperature enables direct use of Brayton-cycle turbines, cutting out steam systems entirely. And because it’s unpressurized, there’s no need for massive containment domes or multi-tier cooling towers.

Thorium itself is three times more abundant than uranium and vastly cleaner. Its waste decays to safe levels in a few centuries instead of tens of thousands of years. It also doesn’t produce weapons-grade byproducts—making it far safer in terms of nuclear proliferation.

This reactor is part of a broader Chinese plan to develop small, modular MSRs that can be shipped in cargo containers to remote or desert regions, reducing dependency on grid-scale infrastructure. Future units are planned to scale to 20 MW and beyond.

If commercialized, thorium reactors like this could finally offer the world a form of nuclear power that’s safe, scalable, and sustainable for generations to come

A virus might be silently worsening bipolar disorder and schizophreniaFor years, mental illnesses like schizophrenia and...
24/07/2025

A virus might be silently worsening bipolar disorder and schizophrenia

For years, mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have defied simple explanations. Now, a stunning new study from Johns Hopkins suggests that a common virus—hepatitis C—may play a hidden but significant role in these complex conditions.

Scientists studied postmortem brain samples from patients diagnosed with severe psychiatric disorders. Within the choroid plexus—a part of the brain that produces cerebrospinal fluid—they detected traces of 13 different viruses. But only one stood out: hepatitis C virus (HCV). It was significantly more prevalent in brains with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder than in control samples.

To verify the link, researchers analyzed electronic health records from 285 million people. Their findings were striking: while only 0.5% of the general population had hepatitis C, the infection appeared in 3.5% of schizophrenia patients and nearly 4% of those with bipolar disorder. That’s a statistical signal too strong to ignore.

What makes this discovery even more intriguing is that the virus wasn’t found directly in brain tissue, but rather in the supporting fluid systems that regulate brain chemistry. Scientists believe HCV may be indirectly affecting brain function by altering gene activity in the hippocampus—an area tied to memory, mood, and cognition.

The research doesn’t claim hepatitis C causes schizophrenia. But it raises the possibility that in some individuals, viral infections may act as a trigger or amplifier—especially when combined with genetic and environmental stressors. That shifts the conversation toward new treatment avenues: antiviral therapy could one day complement psychiatric medications.

This study also reignites an old debate in neuroscience—about the overlooked role of viral, bacterial, or even fungal infections in shaping long-term brain health. If confirmed by future trials, it could redefine how we think about some of the most devastating psychiatric disorders of our time.

🍄 A fungus that eats plastic? Found in Ecuador’s rainforest, this find could revolutionize how we tackle plastic waste.A...
24/07/2025

🍄 A fungus that eats plastic? Found in Ecuador’s rainforest, this find could revolutionize how we tackle plastic waste.

A promising breakthrough in the battle against plastic pollution comes from the depths of Ecuador’s Yasuni National Park.

There, in 2011, researchers discovered a fungus capable of digesting polyurethane—a common, durable plastic found in countless everyday products.

The fungus, Pestalotiopsis microspora, was isolated by students on a field course and demonstrated an extraordinary ability to break down solid polyurethane, even using it as its sole food source. Over just two weeks, the top fungal candidates degraded the plastic by up to 3 centimeters, turning opaque plastic translucent as a visible sign of decay.

What sets P. microspora apart is its ability to break down plastic in anaerobic environments—conditions typical of landfills where oxygen is scarce. Scientists traced this ability to a specific enzyme in the serine hydrolase family, which maintained its plastic-degrading power even when purified. With polyurethane known for its resistance to decomposition, this discovery represents a major step forward in sustainable waste management. As the world grapples with mounting plastic waste, the tiny fungus from one of Earth’s most biodiverse regions could help provide a long-term, natural solution to a growing global crisis.

This Desert Fungus Might Be the End of Plastic WasteIn the sunbaked sands of Pakistan’s Thar desert, scientists have unc...
24/07/2025

This Desert Fungus Might Be the End of Plastic Waste

In the sunbaked sands of Pakistan’s Thar desert, scientists have uncovered a surprising hero—Aspergillus tubingensis, a fast-acting fungus that could rewrite the future of plastic waste. Found clinging to aging irrigation pipes, this unassuming organism has the rare ability to digest plastic—not over years or decades, but in just a matter of weeks.

At Quaid-i-Azam University, researchers brought the fungus into the lab and were stunned by what they saw. It secreted powerful enzymes capable of breaking down polyurethane—the backbone of many plastics—into harmless carbon compounds. Even more remarkable, it did this without needing heat, harsh chemicals, or special conditions.

Unlike many plastic-eating bacteria, A. tubingensis thrives where most life struggles. It survives in dry, salty soil with little water—exactly the kind of environment where plastic waste tends to accumulate and persist. That resilience makes it especially promising for countries facing both drought and pollution.

Perhaps most impressive, the fungus leaves no toxic trail behind. Its digestion process is clean and natural, offering a scalable solution that could one day be used in bio-reactors to replace traditional landfills. Early tests in closed-loop waste systems show it can process large volumes of plastic, quietly and efficiently.

Scientists believe that if deployed strategically, this fungus could revolutionize how we handle waste—from urban recycling plants to desert cleanup missions. It’s a rare moment when nature offers a solution to one of humanity’s biggest synthetic problems.

Brazilian engineers are turning cactus juice into fully compostable bioplasticA team at the Federal University of Ceará ...
24/07/2025

Brazilian engineers are turning cactus juice into fully compostable bioplastic

A team at the Federal University of Ceará in Brazil has found an incredible use for cactus — by turning its juice into a plastic alternative that’s non-toxic, biodegradable, and cheap to produce. Using the Opuntia cactus (commonly called "prickly pear"), they extract the thick green gel inside its pads and mix it with natural, non-petroleum-based additives to create flexible, transparent films.

These cactus-based plastics are strong, stretchable, and begin to decompose in soil or water within 30 to 60 days — without releasing microplastics or chemicals. Even more impressively, they're edible for animals and safe for marine ecosystems.

The cactus gel is naturally antimicrobial and water-resistant, which helps the plastic remain shelf-stable before disposal. The researchers see it replacing single-use items like bags, food wrap, and packaging film in high-waste industries like retail and agriculture.

Because cacti grow with little water and no fertilizer, this innovation could revolutionize sustainable plastic production in drought-prone areas. Brazil is planning pilot production using wild cactus farms in semi-arid regions, turning an underused resource into a green goldmine.

Tests show the cactus film holds up to freezing, heating, and even limited mechanical pressure. It also breaks down without leaving residue, making it safer than bioplastics that rely on corn or soy.

Global interest is now surging. Researchers in Europe are exploring how this Brazilian breakthrough could integrate with composting supply chains across the EU.

Norway just launched a damless river turbine that generates power without blocking waterNorwegian engineers have created...
24/07/2025

Norway just launched a damless river turbine that generates power without blocking water

Norwegian engineers have created a breakthrough in hydroelectric design — a river turbine system that generates power without any dams, barriers, or concrete channels. Installed in the Suldalslågen River, the device is fully submerged, suspended in mid-flow like a fishing net, turning kinetic water motion into electricity.

The turbine resembles a floating water mill — but sleek, modern, and built from marine-safe composites. Its internal rotor spins silently with the current, sending power through submerged cables to a floating converter platform.

What’s truly revolutionary is its ecological safety. It allows fish to swim through it unharmed, doesn’t alter the watercourse, and requires no excavation. This means rivers can be used for power without disturbing fragile ecosystems or migration paths.

The unit operates 24/7, even under ice, and requires almost no maintenance. Each turbine can power 10 homes — and hundreds can be linked across rivers without needing dams. It’s a decentralization dream.

Norway hopes this will enable developing nations and remote areas to generate clean power from rivers without expensive infrastructure. Energy, without destruction.

Hook: Norway’s damless river turbine could power entire communities without ever disturbing a single fish or stone.

In a lab tucked inside the University of Bristol, a quiet revolution is underway — one that blurs the line between biolo...
24/07/2025

In a lab tucked inside the University of Bristol, a quiet revolution is underway — one that blurs the line between biology and machines. Scientists there have built artificial cells that can communicate, make decisions, and even process information like tiny biological computers.

These aren't just blobs of gel or mimics of human cells. They’re called protocells — completely synthetic, lab-grown structures that behave like living organisms. Using chemical circuits instead of silicon ones, researchers have taught these protocells to sense environmental changes, process logic, and respond — just like simple lifeforms.

Here’s how they work: each protocell is made of lipid membranes (similar to soap bubbles), filled with custom enzymes, molecular sensors, and reactants. When exposed to external triggers — like light, pH, or chemicals — these protocells perform a sequence of logical operations, mimicking neuronal behavior.

In one experiment, a colony of these artificial cells was able to solve a basic puzzle, choosing a correct path based on chemical gradients — a behavior previously thought to require nervous systems.

This breakthrough opens the door to a stunning future. Imagine programmable medicine: artificial cells that enter your bloodstream, detect a disease marker, and release a targeted drug only when it’s needed. Or environmental cleaners that swim into polluted water and neutralize toxins autonomously.

The goal isn’t to replace biology — but to build a bridge between life and code.

As scientists continue refining these cell-sized processors, one thing becomes clear: the next generation of smart devices may not be made of metal — they may be alive.

Germany has become the first country in the world to operate entirely hydrogen-powered passenger trains on commercial ro...
24/07/2025

Germany has become the first country in the world to operate entirely hydrogen-powered passenger trains on commercial routes. These trains, like the Coradia iLint developed by Alstom, emit only water v***r and steam, offering a powerful alternative to diesel on non-electrified railways.

By replacing diesel locomotives, Germany is cutting thousands of tons of COâ‚‚ emissions annually. With a range of up to 1,200 km per tank, hydrogen trains are efficient, silent, and sustainable.

This is more than green transport—it’s a glimpse into the future of rail mobility.

Kilograms of Uranium — Enough to Power a Submarine for 30 YearsDeep under the ocean’s surface, some of the world’s most ...
23/07/2025

Kilograms of Uranium — Enough to Power a Submarine for 30 Years

Deep under the ocean’s surface, some of the world’s most advanced machines glide silently for decades — all thanks to just a few kilograms of a silvery metal: enriched uranium.

Unlike conventional submarines that must surface regularly to refuel, nuclear submarines can remain submerged for up to 30 years on a single fuel load. The secret lies in enriched uranium-235 — an isotope that makes up only a tiny fraction of natural uranium but packs a punch when concentrated to 3–5% for reactors.

In the heart of a submarine’s nuclear reactor, atoms of uranium-235 are bombarded with neutrons, splitting apart in a process called fission. This releases an astonishing amount of energy — along with more neutrons to keep the reaction going. The resulting heat is used to produce steam, turning turbines that generate both propulsion and onboard electricity.

What makes this fuel source so extraordinary is its density: the energy released from just 5 kilograms of enriched uranium is roughly a million times more than the same weight of fossil fuel. That means a tiny core can provide consistent output — about 10 to 20 megawatts — powering not just the engines, but life support systems, electronics, and everything else needed to keep a nuclear submarine operational under the sea.

This compact and long-lived design eliminates the need for constant resupply. Submarines no longer have to reveal their positions by surfacing for fuel. Instead, they can travel the globe, remain in deep sea stealth mode for months, and maintain full readiness — making them ideal for strategic deterrence, reconnaissance, and covert operations.

However, this power comes with responsibility. Handling radioactive materials demands strict protocols, both for crew safety and to prevent nuclear proliferation. The reactor is typically sealed, with fuel that lasts the submarine’s lifetime, minimizing the need for human interaction.

The rise of nuclear-powered submarines has redefined naval dominance — not just with endurance, but with unmatched stealth, survivability, and striking range.

Scientists Have Created a Type of Glass That Can Repair Its Own Cracks Without Heat or GlueImagine dropping your phone, ...
23/07/2025

Scientists Have Created a Type of Glass That Can Repair Its Own Cracks Without Heat or Glue

Imagine dropping your phone, watching the screen crack — and waking up the next morning to find it flawless again. That’s the promise of a self-healing glass invented by scientists in Japan. And unlike other materials that need heat or chemicals to repair, this glass heals at room temperature — just by being pressed back together.

Developed by researchers at the University of Tokyo, this new glass is made from a low-weight polymer called polyether-thioureas. It behaves like traditional glass — transparent, rigid, and smooth — but with one dramatic difference: when broken, the molecular structure begins to reform as soon as the fractured edges are touched back together. No glue. No heating. No external help.

In experiments, researchers shattered sheets of the polymer glass and pressed the pieces back into place with bare hands. Within hours, the material’s structure fully re-bonded, restoring its strength and clarity. After 24 hours, the surface had returned to nearly 100% of its original hardness. Unlike earlier “self-healing” materials, which were rubbery or opaque, this one is strong, optical-grade, and printable for screens or lenses.

The implications are massive for the tech industry. Smartphones, tablets, and wearables could soon have displays that quietly repair minor scratches and even major cracks on their own. It also opens the door for use in car windshields, medical devices, and transparent robotics. Companies like LG and Sony have already begun testing the compound for future consumer products.

Even more impressive is how environmentally friendly it is. By reducing screen replacements, this material could significantly cut down on e-waste, which currently contributes over 50 million tons of global garbage each year. And because it doesn’t require rare-earth metals or external tools for repair, it aligns with circular design principles.

The next time your phone hits the floor, the screen might crack — but the story won’t end there.

China is building the future at the bottom of the ocean.Along the coasts of Hainan and Shanghai, massive underwater data...
23/07/2025

China is building the future at the bottom of the ocean.

Along the coasts of Hainan and Shanghai, massive underwater data centers are quietly coming to life. Shaped like sleek metal cylinders, these AI-powered data pods are being submerged beneath the sea — where the cool ocean naturally regulates their temperature. The result? A 30% cut in energy consumption, no air conditioning required.

But this isn't just an energy-saving stunt.

Fueled by clean offshore wind power, these submerged supercomputers are built to handle the explosion of data from AI systems, while slashing both environmental impact and operational costs. With climate concerns rising and digital demands surging, China has taken a radical step — combining sustainable tech with next-gen computing infrastructure.

While most of the world is still struggling to cool down their servers, China is already using the ocean as a climate ally. This bold strategy could redefine how nations build future AI infrastructure.

Will others follow them beneath the waves — or stay stuck on the surface?

Scientists Are Now Growing Electronics from Mushrooms — and They Vanish After UseIn a quiet lab in Finland, scientists h...
23/07/2025

Scientists Are Now Growing Electronics from Mushrooms — and They Vanish After Use

In a quiet lab in Finland, scientists have uncovered a remarkable secret hiding beneath the cap of a mushroom. Working with Ganoderma applanatum — a shelf-like fungus found growing on dead trees — researchers discovered a paper-thin, flexible membrane beneath its surface. But this wasn’t just ordinary organic tissue. It turned out to be a natural insulator, with physical and thermal properties that rival synthetic polymers commonly used in electronics.

This mushroom-derived skin is surprisingly strong and can handle temperatures over 250°C while remaining flexible. Unlike plastic films or silicon sheets, it’s fully biodegradable. That means engineers can now build electronics that simply vanish when no longer needed — breaking down harmlessly into the soil. It's a promising answer to one of our most pressing tech problems: e-waste.

The Finnish team successfully built thin-film circuits and capacitors using this fungal material. These circuits functioned reliably even after repeated bending and exposure to moisture — making them ideal for use in wearable devices or even temporary implants. And instead of being fabricated in energy-hungry factories, these materials are grown — from fungi — in just a matter of days.

The environmental impact is close to zero. No fossil fuels, no mining, no chemical waste. The circuits are etched with low-energy lasers and created using only organic, renewable matter. Scientists believe this could revolutionize everything from battlefield technology to healthcare — especially in areas that require short-term electronics, like diagnostic patches or smart bandages.

One of their prototypes, a mushroom-based bio-battery, is already showing promise. It powers a small LED and sensor unit, and the entire device disintegrates within three weeks in compost. Picture a future where a bandage monitors your wound, then melts away when you heal — or a surveillance device vanishes into the earth, leaving nothing behind.

Both defense and healthcare industries are watching closely. These "living electronics" offer a radical new vision — one where machines grow like plants, work with precision, and leave no trace. The age of biodegradable circuits may have just begun.

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