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Category: nuclear energy – Page 2

Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress in Alzheimer’s Disease

Mitochondrial ATP production by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is essential for cellular functions, such that mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell (Verschueren et al., 2019). The mitochondrial ETC consists of five enzyme complexes in the inner membrane of the mitochondria. ETC generates a charge across the inner mitochondrial membrane, which drives ATP synthase (complex V) to synthesize ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate.

Several studies have shown impairments of all five complexes in multiple areas of the AD brain (Kim et al., 2000, 2001; Liang et al., 2008). Mitochondrial dysfunction in AD is apparent from a decrease in neuronal ATP levels, which is associated with the overproduction of ROS, and indicates that mitochondria may fail to maintain cellular energy. A substantial amount of ATP is consumed in the brain due to the high energy requirements of neurons and glia. Since an energy reserve (such as fat or glucose) is not available in the central nervous system (CNS), brain cells must continuously generate ATP to sustain neuronal function (Khatri and Man, 2013). Mitochondria are the primary source of cellular energy production, but aged or damaged mitochondria produce excess free radicals, which can reduce the supply of ATP and contribute to energy loss and mitochondrial dysfunction in AD. Importantly, oxidative damage of the promoter of the gene encoding subunit of the mitochondrial ATP synthase results in reduced levels of the corresponding protein, leading to decreased ATP production, nuclear DNA damage to susceptible genes, and loss of function (Lu et al., 2004; Reed et al., 2008).

In advanced stages of AD, substantial nitration of ATP synthase subunits can take place, leading to the irregular function of the respiratory chain (Castegna et al., 2003; Sultana et al., 2006; Reed et al., 2009). Likewise, ATP-synthase lipoxidation occurs in the hippocampus and parietal cortex of patients with mild cognitive impairment (Reed et al., 2008). Compromised OXPHOS contributes to a characteristic mitochondrial dysfunction in AD brains, leading to decreased ATP production, elevated oxidative stress, and ultimately cell death (Reddy, 2006; Reddy and Beal, 2008; Du et al., 2012). The specific mechanisms of OXPHOS deficiency in AD remain a long-standing scientific question, but the role of mitochondrial F1Fo ATP synthase dysfunction in AD-related mitochondrial OXPHOS failure is emphasized by emerging evidence (Beck et al., 2016; Gauba et al., 2019).

World’s first fast-neutron nuclear reactor to power AI data centers

French startup Stellaria secures its first power reservation from Equinix for Stellarium, the world’s first fast-neutron reactor that reduces nuclear waste.

The agreement will allow Equinix data centres to leverage the reactor’s energy autonomy, supporting sustainable, decarbonized operations and powering AI capabilities with clean nuclear energy.

The Stellarium reactor, proposed by Stellaria, is a fourth-generation fast-neutron molten-salt design that uses liquid chloride salt fuel and is engineered to operate on a closed fuel cycle.

Superconductivity for addressing global challenges

High‑energy physics has always been one of the main drivers of progress in superconducting science and technology. None of the flagship accelerators that have shaped modern particle physics could have succeeded without large‑scale superconducting systems. CERN continues to lead the efforts in this field. Its next accelerator, the High‑Luminosity LHC, relies on high-grade superconductors that were not available in industry before they were developed for high-energy physics. Tomorrow’s colliders will require a new generation of high‑temperature superconductors (HTS) to be able to realise their research potential with improved energy efficiency and long‑term sustainability.

Beyond the physics field, next‑generation superconductors have the potential to reshape key technological sectors. Their ability to transmit electricity without resistance, generate intense magnetic fields and operate efficiently at high temperatures makes them suitable for applications in fields as diverse as healthcare, mobility, computing, novel fusion reactors, zero‑emission transport and quantum technologies. This wide range of applications shows that advances driven by fundamental physics can generate broad societal impact far beyond the laboratory.

The Catalysing Impact – Superconductivity for Global Challenges event seeks to accelerate the transition from science to societal applications. By bringing together top-level researchers, industry leaders, policymakers and investors, the event provides a structured meeting point for technical expertise and strategic financing. Its purpose is not simply to present progress but to build bridges across sectors, disciplines and funding landscapes in order to move superconducting technologies from early demonstrations to impactful applications.

Study sheds new light on reaction dynamics of weakly bound nuclei

Researchers from the Institute of Modern Physics (IMP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have reported new experimental results that advance our understanding of reaction dynamics and exotic nuclear structures of weakly bound nuclei.

The findings are published in Physics Letters B.

Weakly bound nuclei are characterized by their extremely low binding energy of protons and neutrons. Investigating their reaction mechanisms and exotic structures represents a frontier field in nuclear physics.

Uncovering new physics in metals manufacturing

For decades, it’s been known that subtle chemical patterns exist in metal alloys, but researchers thought they were too minor to matter — or that they got erased during manufacturing. However, recent studies have shown that in laboratory settings, these patterns can change a metal’s properties, including its mechanical strength, durability, heat capacity, radiation tolerance, and more.

Now, researchers at MIT have found that these chemical patterns also exist in conventionally manufactured metals. The surprising finding revealed a new physical phenomenon that explains the persistent patterns.

In a paper published in Nature Communications today, the researchers describe how they tracked the patterns and discovered the physics that explains them. The authors also developed a simple model to predict chemical patterns in metals, and they show how engineers could use the model to tune the effect of such patterns on metallic properties, for use in aerospace, semiconductors, nuclear reactors, and more.

Reactor-grade fusion plasma: First high-precision measurement of potential dynamics

Nuclear fusion, which operates on the same principle that powers the sun, is expected to become a sustainable energy source for the future. To achieve fusion power generation, it is essential to confine plasma at temperatures exceeding one hundred million degrees using a magnetic field and to maintain this high-energy state stably.

A key factor in accomplishing this is the inside the plasma. This potential governs the transport of particles and energy within the plasma and plays a crucial role in establishing a state in which energy is effectively confined and prevented from escaping. Therefore, accurately measuring the internal plasma potential is essential for improving the performance of future fusion reactors.

A non-contact diagnostic technique called the heavy ion beam probe (HIBP) is used to measure plasma potential directly. In this method, negatively charged (Au⁻) are accelerated and injected into the plasma.

How Do Quarks Really Move? New Theory Unlocks Decades-Old Physics Mystery

Nuclear physicists have developed a new theoretical framework that allows them to calculate a crucial quantity for understanding the three-dimensional movement of quarks inside a proton. Using this innovative method, researchers have created a far more precise picture of the quarks’ transverse motion, the movement that occurs around a proton’s spin axis and at right angles to its forward direction.

The latest calculations align closely with model-based reconstructions derived from particle collision data. They are especially effective for describing quarks with low transverse momentum, a region where older techniques lacked precision. Scientists plan to use this refined approach to better predict the full 3D behavior of quarks and the gluons that bind them in upcoming collider experiments.

Understanding the source of proton spin is one of the key scientific objectives of the upcoming Electron-Ion Collider (EIC). At this facility, collisions between spin-aligned protons and high-energy electrons will make it possible to measure the transverse motion of quarks and gluons within protons with remarkable accuracy.

Nuclear startup that’s suing NRC raises $130 million with backing from Anduril’s Palmer Luckey and senior Palantir executive

Doug Philippone, co-founder of Snowpoint and former head of global defense at Palantir, will also join Valar’s board of directors.

Valar is one of several nuclear startups that hopes to benefit from President Trump’s push to deploy new reactor technology in the U.S. by cutting regulations and accelerating approvals.

Based outside Los Angeles, Valar is one of several reactor developers and states that are suing the Nuclear Regulatory Commission over its licensing process for small reactor designs. The parties to the suit are seeking a resolution with the NRC in the wake of Trump’s executive order that would overhaul the regulator. The case has been temporarily paused due to the government shutdown.

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