UK researchers develop rigid antibody to target cancer cells
Scientists in the UK have developed a super-strong antibody that could dramatically improve how the immune system attacks cancer cells by boosting its activation power.
French scientists have set a new record by maintaining high-temperature plasma for 22 minutes, bringing the world closer to the promise of nuclear fusion as a clean, sustainable energy source.
On Tuesday, French scientists announced a significant achievement in the pursuit of nuclear fusion, reaching a "crucial milestone" that could pave the way toward cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. The breakthrough was marked by the successful maintenance of high-temperature plasma for a record 22 minutes—an important step in overcoming one of the most challenging aspects of nuclear fusion.
Nuclear fusion, the process that powers stars, has long been hailed as a potential solution to the world’s energy needs. Unlike nuclear fission, which splits atomic nuclei to release energy (as in conventional nuclear power plants), fusion combines two atomic nuclei to form a heavier one, releasing vast amounts of energy. If harnessed effectively, fusion could provide nearly limitless, safe, and environmentally friendly energy, making it a coveted technological goal for scientists worldwide.
The process of fusion, however, is far from simple. Achieving the extreme conditions required—temperatures exceeding 100 million degrees Celsius—is one of the most significant obstacles to its realization. At these temperatures, the plasma (a hot, electrically charged gas) becomes highly unstable, posing challenges to both energy efficiency and the longevity of the reactors used in fusion research.
The breakthrough came at the WEST tokamak machine in southern France, which was able to sustain plasma for an impressive 1,337 seconds on February 12. This achievement surpassed the previous record set by China in January by 25 percent, marking a considerable step forward. According to France’s Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), this success demonstrates not only the ability to generate plasma but also to maintain it over extended periods, signaling greater control over the fusion process.
Anne-Isabelle Etienvre, head of fundamental research at CEA, emphasized the significance of this accomplishment. "This milestone proves that we can not only produce plasma, but also maintain it with a high degree of stability," she stated. However, she acknowledged that much work remains to be done before thermonuclear fusion can achieve the ultimate goal: generating more energy than it consumes.
Looking ahead, the team at WEST has ambitious plans to extend the duration of plasma maintenance even further—aiming for durations of several hours in the coming months. Additionally, they will work toward reaching even higher temperatures in order to simulate the conditions expected in future fusion reactors. These advancements are crucial steps in preparing for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), a collaborative global project being built in France.
The ITER project, which began in 1985, brings together partners from China, the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and the United States. Initially slated to go online in the coming years, ITER's timeline has been delayed due to a series of setbacks, and it is now expected to begin operations no earlier than 2033. The successful progress made at the WEST tokamak, however, offers hope that fusion energy is slowly becoming a reality, inching closer to the day when it could become a viable, clean, and nearly inexhaustible source of power.
While challenges remain, the recent progress in plasma containment and stability marks a pivotal step in the decades-long pursuit of nuclear fusion. As research continues, scientists remain hopeful that the long-awaited fusion revolution could transform the global energy landscape, offering a path toward a more sustainable and energy-secure future.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war in Gaza will not stop until Hamas is destroyed, following the release of US-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on May 15, with discussions reportedly focusing on upcoming peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegates in Istanbul.
Qatar signed a landmark agreement with U.S. aerospace giant Boeing on Wednesday to acquire 160 aircraft for Qatar Airways, a deal valued at $200 billion. The signing took place in Doha during the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump.
EU approves 17th Russia sanctions, blacklisting almost 200 shadow‑fleet ships, 30 evasion firms and 75 defence figures, banning missile chemicals and arming Brussels to strike Kremlin hybrid and operations.
China and Russia have agreed to build a nuclear-powered lunar base by 2036 at the Moon’s south pole. The International Lunar Research Station will support scientific research and resource exploration, marking a major step in their joint space efforts amid shifting global space priorities.
ChatGPT climbed to fifth place among the world’s most visited websites in April, outpacing rivals in the AI space despite increasing competition, including from China’s DeepSeek.
Plan-S has entered a strategic partnership with Azerbaijan's national space agency, Azercosmos, to support the country’s digital transformation through satellite-based solutions, particularly in rural areas and sectors like agriculture and energy.
China launched a group of space-based computing satellites aboard a Long March-2D rocket, according to state media.
Countries are gathering at the United Nations on Monday to reignite efforts to regulate AI-controlled autonomous weapons, as experts warn that urgent action is needed to prevent misuse of these increasingly prevalent technologies in modern warfare.
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