• The ozone layer is slowly, but surely, healing, the UN says

    The ozone layer is slowly, but surely, healing, the UN says

    Jan 09, 2023 05:02 PM EST

    ... in the world agreed to stop producing chemicals that chomp on the layer of ozone in Earth's atmosphere that shields the planet from harmful radiation linked to skin cancer, cataracts and crop damage. "In the upper stratosphere and in the ozone hole we see things getting better," said Paul ...

  • Will the coronavirus change how skeptics think about science?

    Will the coronavirus change how skeptics think about science?

    Apr 05, 2020 08:59 PM EST

    ... likes bad news. But of course, that's why we have leadership. Part of the reason we need leadership is to help compensate for the gaps in our own understandings, the gaps in the way we behave. And in this case, we had leadership from the medical community, from the ...

  • Before the U.S. approves new uranium mining, consider its toxic legacy

    Before the U.S. approves new uranium mining, consider its toxic legacy

    Feb 24, 2018 06:49 PM EST

    ... protection, treatment of contaminated sites and other considerations. But these regulations lack uniformity, and enforcement responsibilities are spread across multiple agencies. This creates significant regulatory gaps, which are worsened by a federalist approach to regulation. In the 1970s the newly created Nuclear Regulatory Commission initiated an Agreement States program, under ...

  • 30 years after Chernobyl disaster, engineers race against a decaying reactor

    30 years after Chernobyl disaster, engineers race against a decaying reactor

    Apr 22, 2016 07:28 PM EST

    ... thing researchers agree on is that more analysis needs to be done, especially about the effects on large mammals of low daily levels of ionizing radiation, absorbed from both their surroundings and food that has grown in the zone. Government bureaucracy in Ukraine and Belarus has partially caused the gaps ...

  • Inside the slow and dangerous clean up of the Fukushima nuclear crisis

    Inside the slow and dangerous clean up of the Fukushima nuclear crisis

    Mar 01, 2014 01:26 AM EST

    ... leaking, prompting a switch to a welded design, buttressed by gutters, dikes, trenches and water sealants. Regardless, no one disputes the plant is steadily leaking radiation-tainted water into the sea. "When you go out to the open ocean, there is very little contamination found," says superintendent Ono. "Basically, the ...

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    One Month After Tsunami, What Are Japan's Biggest Needs?

    Apr 12, 2011 12:13 AM EST

    ... International Peace: Well, these -- Jeff, these reactors were very highly damaged by the earthquake and by the tsunami. And there's been extensive releases of radiation into the environment, and there's been extensive releases of radiation due to this very large quantity of contaminated water. So because of that ...

  • Revisiting Chernobyl: A Nuclear Disaster Site of Epic Proportions

    Revisiting Chernobyl: A Nuclear Disaster Site of Epic Proportions

    Mar 30, 2011 12:07 AM EST

    ... O'BRIEN: Mousseau's colleagues are also looking at Chernobyl's grasshoppers. They frequently have asymmetrical wings, and fruit flies, which are easily impacted by radiation. Those found around Chernobyl have gray eyes, instead of red, and deformed wings. Biologist Irina Koretsky studies the little bugs, in part because they ...

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    Japan's Nuclear Uncertainty: Examining the Scope and Risks

    Mar 15, 2011 11:45 PM EST

    Japan's Nuclear Crisis: Can It Be Prevented? Who's at Risk?

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    Japan, International Community Race to Aid Earthquake, Tsunami Victims

    Mar 14, 2011 11:49 PM EST

    Relief Workers Struggle to Reach Victims in Japan

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    Debate Highlights Spotty Nature of U.S. Port Security

    Feb 27, 2006 05:00 AM EST

    The debate over allowing a company from the United Arab Emirates to run six U.S. seaports has raised questions about overall security inspections at America's major seaports. Two guests discuss current safety precautions.