Science Friday

[OKIsItJustMe]

Three segments on this week's Science Friday were quite relevant to this group's interests. (Audio available at the links.)

http://www.sciencefriday.com/program/archives/201003055

Persuasion, Energy, and Behavior

Switching lighting from standard incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs can save energy. So can remembering to turn off the lights when they're not in use. When thinking about energy efficiency, how much emphasis should be put on human behavior rather than technology? We'll talk about research into energy saving initiatives that don't rely on new technology or tax incentives. What does it take to get people to want to save energy?

http://www.sciencefriday.com/program/archives/201003056

Nuclear Technologies

From small-scale nuclear power plants to advanced reactor designs, what's next for the technology of nuclear power? We'll talk about some of the technology changes involved in proposed new reactor designs under consideration by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. We'll also look at the idea of small-scale nuclear -- building a power plant to support a community, rather than an entire state. Will downsizing make the nuclear any more appealing?

http://www.sciencefriday.com/program/archives/201003057

About a Mountain

The President's proposed budget for the next fiscal year zeros out funding for Yucca Mountain, a proposed nuclear waste storage facility in Nevada. In this segment, Ira talks with author John D'Agata about his book about the late Yucca Mountain, the development of Las Vegas, and the nature of knowledge.